Stillwater, OK: The Data-Driven Relocation Report (2026)

Stillwater: The Data Profile (2026)

Stillwater presents a unique economic anomaly in the 2026 landscape. With a population of 48,818, it retains a small-city footprint while boasting a highly educated workforce, where 51.9% of residents hold a college degree, significantly outpacing the US average of 33.1%. However, the local economy struggles to monetize this human capital; the median household income sits at $42,015, a staggering -43.7% below the national median of $74,580.

The statistical target demographic is the "High-Education/Low-Cost" remote worker. This profile fits individuals leveraging a national-level salary (projected at $80,000+) to maximize purchasing power in a market where the Cost of Living Index for housing is exactly 100.0, matching the national average, while the local income baseline is nearly half the norm.

Cost of Living Analysis

Despite the Cost of Living Index for Housing, Groceries, and Transportation all pegged at 100.0, the low median income creates a high "local burden." However, for importers of income (remote workers), the utility sector offers a distinct advantage. Electricity costs are recorded at 12.24 cents/kWh, a 23.5% reduction compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A remote worker earning the US median of $74,580 (approx. $4,661 monthly take-home) would retain approximately $2,246 monthly in Stillwater. This represents a 48.2% savings rate, significantly higher than the 32.1% average in major metros.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Stillwater is defined by stability rather than volatility. The Median Home Price of $225,000 is exactly aligned with the US average index of 100.0. The critical differentiator is the Price per Square Foot, which sits at $135, offering 20% more space for the dollar than the national average of $168.

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

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With a $225,000 median home price and a $1,650 monthly rent for a 3BR, the price-to-rent ratio is 11.3. In a standard market, anything below 15 strongly favors buying. Given the market stability and the lack of inflated "bubble" premiums (0% deviation from national average), buying is the financially superior long-term strategy for those staying 3+ years.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-remote economy has bifurcated Stillwater. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than the US average of 4.0%, indicating full employment. However, this is largely driven by Oklahoma State University and local service sectors. The "RTO" (Return to Office) push in major metros has not impacted Stillwater, as the commute data reflects a low-stress environment.

• Average Commute Time: 18.5 minutes (vs US avg: 27.1 minutes).
• Remote Work Penetration: Estimated 18.2% of workforce (up from 6.1% in 2020).
• Top Local Industry: Education/Health Services (32.0% of employment).

The stability is high, but wage growth is capped by the local ceiling. Without a national-level salary, the $42,015 median income limits upward mobility.

Quality of Life Audit

The health profile of Stillwater is a mix of excellent clinical outcomes and elevated lifestyle risks. The Health Score is 80.3/100, categorized as "Good." The diabetes rate is notably low at 8.1% (vs 10.9% US), likely a result of the demographic skew towards educated individuals. However, the obesity rate is 33.4%, exceeding the national average of 31.9%, suggesting a "sedentary but well-managed" population.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime Rate: 215 per 100k (vs US avg: 387 per 100k).
• Property Crime Rate: 1,840 per 100k (vs US avg: 1,958 per 100k).
• Air Quality: The AQI of 45 and PM2.5 of 7.1 µg/m³ are well below EPA thresholds, posing minimal respiratory risk.
• Schools: Stillwater High School maintains a 7/10 rating on GreatSchools, solid but not exceptional.
• Weather: Currently 48.0°F with highs of 51°F and lows of 25°F. Winters are mild but can dip below freezing; summers are hot (avg July high: 94°F).

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Arbitrage: High purchasing power for remote workers earning $75k+.
• Safety: Violent crime is -44% lower than the national average.
• Air Quality: PM2.5 levels are 15.6% cleaner than the US average.
• Education: A highly educated peer group (51.9% college grads) in a small-town setting.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Local median income is $42,015, making wealth accumulation difficult without remote employment.
• Health Risks: Obesity rate of 33.4% indicates a challenging environment for fitness motivation.
• Limited Industry: Heavy reliance on education sector creates economic rigidity.

Final Recommendation:
Stillwater is a Tier-1 relocation target for remote workers and retirees. It is not recommended for career climbers relying on local job markets. If you bring a national salary to a market with 0% housing premium and 23.5% cheaper electricity, your disposable income will maximize.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Stillwater?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 allows for a comfortable budget. For a family of four, $85,000 is recommended to maintain a savings rate comparable to major metros, leveraging the low cost of utilities and rent.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Tulsa or Oklahoma City?
Stillwater offers -15% cheaper housing than Tulsa and -22% cheaper than OKC, while maintaining a similar Cost of Living Index (100.0). The trade-off is fewer cultural amenities but significantly less congestion.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 215 per 100k and property crime of 1,840 per 100k, Stillwater is statistically safer than 82% of US cities its size.

4. What is the best time of year to move?
Move in Spring (April-May) or Fall (October-November). Current temperatures of 48°F are manageable, but the summer heat index frequently exceeds 100°F, which can complicate moving logistics.