Deep Dive Relocation Report: Enid, OK (2026)

Enid: The Data Profile (2026)

Enid represents a specific archetype of the post-2026 American economy: the mid-sized, low-cost anchor. With a population of 50,821, it lacks the critical mass of a major metro but compensates with aggressive affordability. The median household income sits at $63,472, which is 14.9% below the US median of $74,580. However, the cost of living index for housing is 58.2, a staggering 41.8% below the national average. This arbitrage creates a unique value proposition.

The statistical target demographic is the "Geo-Arbitrage Specialist." This is the remote worker earning a national-average salary (or higher) who can leverage the $11,108 income deficit against a $15,000+ annual savings in housing and utilities. The educational attainment floor is lower, with only 22.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher (vs. 33.1% nationally), suggesting a workforce gap that remote workers can fill without local competition.

Cost of Living Analysis

The primary economic driver in Enid is the utility and grocery sector. While income is lower, the overhead is drastically reduced.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single remote worker earning the US median of $6,215/month (gross) would retain approximately $4,445/month after taxes and the expenses listed above. In contrast, a worker in the average US city retaining roughly $3,000 would see a 48% increase in disposable income by relocating to Enid. The 12.24 cents/kWh electricity rate is a significant contributor, saving a typical family roughly $40/month compared to the US average.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Enid is decoupled from national volatility. The median home price is accessible, driven by a Price/SqFt metric that is nearly half the national standard.

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

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The price-to-rent ratio heavily favors buying. A median home costing $148,000 results in a mortgage payment significantly lower than the $1,296 rent for a comparable 3-bedroom unit. For remote workers with capital liquidity, purchasing is the mathematically superior option. The $98/sqft metric allows for luxury upgrades or larger square footage for the same budget as a starter home in a major metro.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Enid’s economy is anchored by agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. The 3.5% unemployment rate is healthy, though slightly below the national average of 4.0%, indicating a tight labor market for local service roles but stability for skilled sectors.

RTO & Commute:
In a 2026 post-remote landscape, Enid’s infrastructure is a major asset. The average commute time is 16.2 minutes, compared to the national average of 27.6 minutes. This saves the average worker ~55 hours of driving annually. For hybrid workers, the proximity to the "office" (likely a local coworking hub or home office) is near zero. There is no significant RTO pressure from local industries, which rely on on-site labor and are immune to white-collar mandates.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is strong, the health metrics present a complex picture. Enid offers high environmental quality but faces significant lifestyle risk factors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (Health, Air Quality, Unemployment)

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime is 2.1 per 1,000 residents (National: 3.8). Property crime is 18.5 per 1,000 (National: 19.5). Enid is statistically safer than the average US city, particularly regarding violent incidents.
• Air Quality: The Air Quality Index (AQI) averages 42, categorized as "Good." PM2.5 levels are 7.1 µg/m³, well below the EPA standard of 12.0 µg/m³.
• Schools: The student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1, slightly better than the national average of 16:1.
• Weather: Today’s conditions (43°F High / 25°F Low) reflect a standard continental climate. Summers are hot (avg 94°F), winters are mild (avg 38°F).

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Arbitrage: The $148,000 median home price offers entry-level ownership that is virtually extinct in major metros.
• Disposable Income: The combination of low housing (58.2 index) and low utilities (12.24c/kWh) maximizes savings.
• Safety & Commute: Low crime rates and an average commute of 16.2 minutes enhance daily quality of life.

Cons:

• Health Risks: The obesity rate of 41.7% is 9.8 percentage points higher than the national average, suggesting a limited "health-conscious" culture.
• Income Ceiling: Local wages are 14.9% lower. If remote work ends, local salaries will be insufficient to maintain the standard of living.
• Education: Low college attainment rates (22.2%) may limit the depth of the professional networking pool.

Recommendation:
Relocate if you are a remote worker earning >$70,000/year. The financial upside is undeniable, provided you actively mitigate the lifestyle risks associated with the high obesity and diabetes rates.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Enid?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 provides a "comfortable" standard (saving 20% of income). For a family of four, $85,000 is recommended to maintain a similar standard, though housing remains the primary equalizer.

2. How does the value compare to other "Zoom Towns"?
Enid offers better housing value than cities like Boise or Austin. While those cities have higher median incomes, their housing indices are 120+. Enid’s 58.2 index allows for a lifestyle upgrade of roughly 2.5x in square footage for the same budget.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000, Enid is safer than 82% of US cities of similar size. Property crime is average, suggesting standard precautions are sufficient.

4. Is the weather a deterrent?
It is neutral. The average winter low is 25°F, and summer high is 94°F. The lack of humidity in winter and the use of efficient electricity for AC make the climate manageable. The "Mostly Sunny" designation holds for 65% of the year.