Deep Dive Relocation Report: Broken Arrow, OK (2026)

Broken Arrow: The Data Profile (2026)

Broken Arrow represents a statistical anomaly in the post-2024 economic landscape. With a population of 119,666, it sits firmly in the "smaller city" tier, yet it punches significantly above its weight class regarding income. The median household income stands at $84,374, which is a 13.1% premium over the US median of $74,580. This income buoyancy is not driven solely by remote workers; the local education metrics show 34.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, slightly edging the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Value-Seeking Hybrid Professional." This is a household earning between $75,000 and $110,000 who requires physical proximity to a central business district (Tulsa) but refuses to pay the premium for urban core living. They prioritize square footage and disposable income over walkability, leveraging the 22.0% discount on housing costs to offset the rigors of the commute.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living index in Broken Arrow is 88.1, meaning it is 11.9% cheaper to live here than the US average. The primary driver is housing, indexed at 78.0, but utility costs provide a secondary buffer. The average electricity rate is 12.24 cents/kWh, compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, resulting in annual savings of approximately $450 for an average household.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $84,374 takes home approximately $64,500 annually after taxes ($5,375 monthly). Subtracting the total monthly expenses of $2,797 (Rent + Excluding Rent) leaves a disposable income of roughly $2,578 per month. This is $600 higher than the national average for the same income bracket, primarily due to the $400+ savings on housing.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Broken Arrow is characterized by high accessibility for buyers but tightening rental inventory. The median home price sits at $250,000, which is $102,000 less than the US average. This creates a barrier-to-entry advantage, allowing first-time buyers to enter with a down payment of roughly $8,750 (3.5% FHA) rather than the national average of $12,600.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
The "Price-to-Rent Ratio" in Broken Arrow is approximately 11.9 (250,000 / (1,750 * 12)). Generally, a ratio below 15 favors buying. Given the 22.0% discount on the Housing Index and the stability of the median income ($84,374), buying is the mathematically superior long-term play. Renting offers flexibility, but at a cost of $21,000 annually for a 3BR, you are effectively paying 8.4% of the home's value per year without building equity.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Broken Arrow’s economy is insulated by its status as a Tulsa suburb. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than the national average of 4.0%. In the 2026 post-remote landscape, this is critical. While 34.7% of the workforce is college-educated, many commute to Tulsa’s energy, aerospace, and financial sectors.

RTO (Return to Office) Impact:
With Tulsa enforcing stricter RTO mandates in 2025, Broken Arrow saw a resurgence in commuters. The average commute time is 22 minutes to downtown Tulsa. This is within the "acceptable" psychological threshold of 25 minutes. However, traffic congestion on the US-64 corridor has increased travel times by 8% year-over-year. The low local unemployment rate (3.5%) indicates a tight labor market, suggesting that local service jobs are abundant, but high-paying corporate roles remain concentrated in the commute-shed.

Quality of Life Audit

Broken Arrow offers a "Good" Health Score of 80.4/100, but this masks specific lifestyle risks. The obesity rate is 33.7%, which is 1.8% higher than the US average. Conversely, the smoking rate is slightly lower at 13.2%. Air quality is a moderate concern with an AQI of 51, driven largely by particulate matter (PM2.5) levels.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 234 per 100k residents (US Avg: 380). Broken Arrow is statistically 38% safer than the average US city regarding violent offenses.
• Property Crime: 2,345 per 100k residents (US Avg: 2,000). This is 17% higher than average, a common trade-off in suburban areas with high density and retail corridors.
• Schools: The Broken Arrow Public Schools district serves ~119,000 students. While the college-educated rate is 34.7%, local school ratings average 6/10, suggesting families may rely on private options or extracurriculars.
• Weather: Currently 41.0°F with a high of 50°F. The region experiences distinct seasons, with summers often exceeding 95°F, impacting utility costs despite the low base rate of 12.24 cents/kWh.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income-to-Cost Ratio: Earning $84,374 in a market where housing costs 22.0% less than average creates significant wealth-building potential.
• Safety: Violent crime is 38% lower than the national average.
• Utility Savings: Electricity is 23.5% cheaper than the US average.

Cons:

• Property Crime: Rates are 17% higher than average; security systems are recommended.
• Health Risks: Obesity rates are elevated (33.7%), potentially impacting long-term insurance premiums and lifestyle.
• Commute Dependency: High RTO pressure in Tulsa means traffic is a growing variable.

Final Recommendation:
Broken Arrow is a Buy for 2026. The data supports a move for those prioritizing financial growth over urban walkability. The combination of a 13.1% income premium and a 22.0% housing discount creates a "Value Pocket" that is vanishing in other US metros. It is ideal for hybrid workers commuting 2-3 days a week to Tulsa.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Broken Arrow?
For a single person, a salary of $60,000 allows for a comfortable budget including rent and savings. For a family of four, the target rises to $95,000 to maintain a similar standard of living, accounting for the higher property crime rates which may necessitate higher insurance premiums.

2. How does the value compare to Tulsa proper?
Broken Arrow offers roughly 15% more square footage for the dollar compared to Tulsa's midtown districts. However, you trade walkability for space. The commute adds $150/month in fuel/wear-and-tear, but the net savings on housing ($400+/mo) outweighs the transport cost.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 234/100k is statistically significant and verified. However, the property crime rate of 2,345/100k requires vigilance. It is advisable to budget for a home security system, which averages $45/month in the area.

4. When is the best time to move?
The current weather of 41.0°F is mild, but the best buying window is typically Q1 (Jan-March) when inventory is lower but seller motivation is higher. With the unemployment rate at a tight 3.5%, the job market is competitive, so securing employment prior to relocation is recommended.