Moore: The Data Profile (2026)

Moore, Oklahoma, represents a specific archetype in the 2026 post-remote economy: the "suburban anchor." With a population of 63,045, it offers the statistical profile of a city prioritizing economic efficiency over coastal prestige. The median income sits at $76,941, which is +3.2% higher than the national average of $74,580. However, this financial advantage is tempered by a lower educational ceiling; only 27.7% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "value-maximizing hybrid worker." This profile fits households earning $75k-$80k who are not tethered to a daily physical office but require a stable, low-cost infrastructure. The data suggests a population trading credential density for a 21.9% reduction in housing costs relative to the national median.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living index in Moore is anchored by significantly lower overheads in essential sectors. While the US average sits at 100.0, Moore operates at a composite index that leans heavily on the 78.1 housing index. The most distinct outlier is electricity, averaging 12.24 cents/kWh compared to the national 16.0 cents/kWh, a 23.5% saving that compounds significantly for larger households or those with home offices.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis
A single earner in Moore retains approximately $3,105 monthly after taxes and expenses (assuming a net income of ~$5,300). This is $400-$600 higher than the national average for the same demographic. For a family of four, the surplus allows for aggressive savings or debt elimination, with a projected monthly surplus of $1,500+ compared to a break-even scenario in high-cost metros.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary value proposition. The Housing Index of 78.1 indicates a market where purchasing power is 21.9% stronger than the median US location. The median home price sits at $225,000, a stark contrast to the national average of $345,000. This creates a barrier-to-entry gap of $120,000.

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

Buy vs. Rent Relative to National Curve:
The data heavily favors buying. The price-to-rent ratio in Moore is approximately 13.3 (based on the 3BR metrics), which sits below the traditional "buy" threshold of 15-20. However, compared to the national ratio of 15.4, Moore offers a faster equity accumulation curve. Renting is a viable short-term strategy, but the -37.8% discount on 3BR rentals versus the US average makes buying the statistically superior long-term financial move for families.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Moore’s economy is insulated by its proximity to Oklahoma City (OKC), functioning as a bedroom community with independent commercial density. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, beating the national average of 4.0%. In the 2026 context, where "Return to Office" (RTO) mandates are hybrid, Moore’s location is strategic. It is a 20-minute drive to downtown OKC, allowing residents to access major corporate HQs without paying OKC metro premiums.

Commute & RTO Impact:

• Average Commute Time: 22 minutes (vs US avg 26.8 minutes).
• RTO Strategy: The lower housing cost acts as a buffer against RTO mandates. A $120k savings on a home purchase equates to roughly 8 years of fuel and vehicle depreciation for a daily commute to OKC.
• Local Industry: While education and healthcare are stable, the lower 27.7% college education rate suggests a reliance on skilled trades and service sectors, which are currently experiencing high demand in the region.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life data presents a complex picture: high economic stability mixed with specific health risk factors. The Health Score of 78.9/100 is "Good," but the underlying metrics reveal a community grappling with lifestyle diseases.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:

• Violent Crime: 215 per 100k (US avg: 380 per 100k). Moore is 43% safer than the average US city.
• Property Crime: 1,850 per 100k (US avg: 1,950 per 100k). Slightly below average, indicating standard suburban security profiles.

Air Quality & Environment:
Moore boasts an AQI of 42 (Good) and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, significantly cleaner than the national average. This is a major asset for families with respiratory concerns.

Schools & Weather:

• Schools: The district spends approx. $9,800 per student (slightly below US avg of $12k), but maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.
• Weather: The current snapshot shows 52°F with highs of 52°F and lows of 27°F. Moore is in "Tornado Alley," with a high risk of severe weather events in spring, a data point that offsets the low cost of living for some.

The Verdict

Pros:

1. Housing Arbitrage: Buying a home costs $120,000 less than the national average.
2. Disposable Income: Monthly surplus is $400-$600 higher than high-cost metros.
3. Economic Stability: Unemployment is 0.5% lower than the national average.
4. Clean Air: AQI of 42 vs national 55.

Cons:

1. Health Risks: Obesity rate is 6.0% higher than the national average.
2. Education Gap: College attainment is 5.4% below the national average, potentially limiting networking circles for high-level professionals.
3. Weather Risk: High probability of severe storms/tornadoes.

Final Recommendation:
Moore is a Strong Buy for the "Hybrid Value" demographic. If your household income is $75k+, you can achieve a financial stability here that is mathematically unattainable in 80% of US metros. However, this recommendation comes with a caveat regarding lifestyle: the high obesity rate suggests a car-dependent, sedentary culture. Relocators must be self-motivated to maintain health standards.

FAQs

1. What is the ideal salary needed to live comfortably in Moore?
For a single person, a salary of $60,000 provides a "comfortable" lifestyle (including savings and discretionary spending). For a family of four, $90,000 is the threshold for financial security, significantly lower than the $120k+ required in many US metros.

2. How does the value compare to Oklahoma City?
Moore offers a -34.8% discount on home prices compared to OKC proper, while maintaining a commute time of only 20-25 minutes. You trade walkability and nightlife for square footage and equity.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 215 per 100k, Moore is statistically 43% safer than the national average. It is considered one of the safer suburbs in the state.

4. Is now (2026) the best time to buy?
Given the 3.5% unemployment rate and the 21.9% discount on the housing index, the market is stable. However, watch interest rates; if they dip below 5.5%, the already low entry price of $225,000 will likely drive a rapid price appreciation, making 2026 the optimal window for entry.