Edmond, OK: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Edmond: The Data Profile (2026)

Edmond represents a specific statistical outlier in the post-2024 remote work correction. With a population of 98,113, it maintains the amenities of a mid-sized city while operating with the economic indicators of a high-performance suburb. The median income sits at $98,524, a staggering +32.1% deviation above the US median of $74,580. This wealth accumulation is not accidental; it is correlated with a highly educated workforce where 58.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.1%.

Statistical Target Demographic: The data identifies the primary target demographic as "Remote-First Affluents." This is a cohort earning $98k+ annually, prioritizing housing square footage over urban density, and utilizing the $24,000+ annual income surplus (relative to the US median) to maximize disposable income in a low-tax environment.

Cost of Living Analysis

The Cost of Living (COL) index in Edmond is heavily weighted by housing affordability, but extends across daily consumption. While utilities (electricity) are priced at 12.24 cents/kWh (vs. US avg 16.0 cents), the aggregate savings drive the "100 = US Average" index significantly lower.

Table 1: Monthly Budgets (Est. 2026)

Disposable Income Analysis

A single earner making the median income ($8,210/month gross) faces a tax burden estimated at 22%, leaving a net of approximately $6,400/month. After deducting the $2,664 baseline budget, the residual disposable income is $3,736. This is ~37% higher than the disposable income available to the average US earner in a comparable demographic, providing significant liquidity for investment or lifestyle spending.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary driver of Edmond's relocation appeal. The Housing Index of 78.0 indicates a 22% discount on housing costs compared to the national mean. This is a critical buffer against inflationary pressures seen in coastal markets.

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

Buy vs. Rent Relative to National Curve

Given the $285,000 median home price and the $1,750 monthly rent for a 3BR, the price-to-rent ratio is approximately 13.6. In markets where this ratio exceeds 20, renting is mathematically superior. In Edmond, buying is the financially dominant long-term play. The -32.7% discount on Price/SqFt allows buyers to acquire 300-500 sq. ft. more space for the same capital outlay compared to the national average, locking in fixed housing costs below the inflationary curve.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Edmond’s economy is insulated by its "bedroom community" status, serving the Oklahoma City metro area. However, the post-2024 Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates have shifted commute dynamics.

• Commute & RTO Impact: While many Edmond residents work remotely, the 3.5% unemployment rate suggests high labor participation. For those commuting to Oklahoma City, the average drive is 20-25 minutes against the flow of traffic. This is significantly more manageable than the 45+ minute averages in larger metros.
• Industry Stability: The 3.5% unemployment rate (vs. 4.0% US average) indicates a tight labor market. The high college education rate (58.7%) suggests an economy shifting toward professional services, healthcare, and tech-adjacent roles, rather than relying solely on traditional energy sectors.

Quality of Life Audit

Edmond presents a complex health profile. While aggregate health scores are high, specific lifestyle risks are elevated.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis

Edmond is statistically safer than the national average across violent metrics. The Violent Crime rate is 189 per 100k, which is 50% lower than the US average of 380 per 100k. Property Crime is 1,890 per 100k, essentially mirroring the US average of 2,000 per 100k.

Air Quality & Environment

The Air Quality Index (AQI) averages 52, placing it in the "Moderate" category, though trending toward "Good" (<50). The PM2.5 concentration is 7.5 µg/m³, below the national average of 8.5 µg/m³. This suggests minimal industrial particulate interference.

Schools & Weather

• Schools: The high percentage of college-educated residents (58.7%) correlates with strong local school funding and performance metrics, typically ranking in the top quartile for the state.
• Weather: The current snapshot of 36.0°F reflects standard seasonal variance. Winters are generally mild, with highs averaging in the 40s-50s°F and lows rarely sustaining deep freezes, minimizing infrastructure risks compared to northern latitudes.

The Verdict

Pros

• Income-to-Cost Ratio: Earning $98,524 in a market with a 78.0 Housing Index creates a wealth-generation engine unavailable in most US cities.
• Safety: Violent crime is 50% below the national average.
• Education: The population is nearly twice as educated as the US average (58.7% vs 33.1%), ensuring a high-quality social and civic environment.

Cons

• Health Risks: The obesity rate of 32.5% exceeds the national average, suggesting a culture with high caloric intake and potentially limited walkability in older subdivisions.
• Weather Variance: While generally mild, the region is subject to severe weather events (tornadoes) which is a non-zero risk factor.

Final Recommendation

Edmond is a "Buy" for 2026.
The data supports Edmond as a primary target for remote-capable professionals seeking to maximize real estate equity and disposable income. The $285,000 entry price for homeownership allows for wealth accumulation that is mathematically impossible in markets with median prices above $400,000, provided the resident can tolerate the 32.5% obesity risk factor and standard Oklahoma weather patterns.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Edmond?
To match the median lifestyle, a household income of $98,524 is required. However, due to the 22% lower housing costs, a salary of $75,000 provides a comparable standard of living to a $100,000 salary in the average US city.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other cities?
Edmond offers a -32.7% discount on Price/SqFt compared to the US average. While it lacks the coastal amenities, the financial delta allows for an extra $1,000+ in monthly disposable income for travel or investment.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. The Violent Crime rate of 189/100k is statistically significant and 50% safer than the national baseline. Property crime is average, so standard home security measures are recommended.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
The current weather shows a temperature of 36.0°F with highs of 51°F. Spring and Fall offer the best moving conditions. Avoiding the peak summer heat (often 95°F+) and severe weather season (April-May) is data-advised for logistical ease.