Broken Arrow best medium sized city rankings continue to confirm what many residents already know: Broken Arrow offers one of the strongest combinations of affordability, livability, and quality of life in the United States.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Broken Arrow earned multiple national and state recognitions in the most recent rankings, including:
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#6 Best Medium-Sized City to Live in the U.S.
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#12 Best Places to Live
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#1 Best Place to Live in Oklahoma
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#55 Best Places to Retire
With an overall score of 6.8 out of 10, Broken Arrow’s best medium-sized city recognition is based on real-world data — not marketing hype.
Why Broken Arrow Is Ranked a Best Medium Sized City
U.S. News evaluates cities using factors that directly affect everyday life. These rankings assess housing affordability, income levels, job-market strength, commute times, and overall value relative to similarly sized cities across the country.
Broken Arrow’s best medium-sized city performance stands out because it performs consistently well across multiple categories. Cities that rank highly are rarely the strongest in just one area — they tend to be balanced, stable, and livable over the long term.
That balance is what places Broken Arrow among the top medium-sized cities in the United States, especially for people who prioritize value without sacrificing quality of life.
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Cost of Living and Home Values in Broken Arrow
Housing affordability is one of the most significant reasons Broken Arrow best medium sized city rankings remain strong.
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Median home value in Broken Arrow: $251,667
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National average home value: $370,489
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Value Index score: 8.7 out of 10
When housing costs are measured against median household income, Broken Arrow offers a better overall value than many similarly sized cities. This affordability allows buyers to enter the market without the pressure seen in higher-cost metros while helping homeowners maintain long-term stability.
Lower housing costs also contribute to financial flexibility, which plays a role in quality-of-life rankings. Residents are often able to allocate more of their income toward savings, lifestyle, or future plans — another reason Broken Arrow continues to perform well nationally.
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Commute Times and Daily Convenience
Commute times directly affect daily stress levels, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction with where people live. Broken Arrow best medium sized city recognition reflects strong performance in this area.
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Average commute time: 20.6 minutes
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Shorter than the national average
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87.4% of residents commute by car
Shorter commute times mean less time spent in traffic and more time available for family, recreation, and rest. In medium sized cities, this balance is often a key differentiator — and Broken Arrow delivers.
Who Lives in Broken Arrow?
Broken Arrow is home to approximately 118,111 residents, with a median age of 36.7. The population reflects a balanced mix of families, professionals, and retirees.
Population highlights include:
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27% of residents under age 20
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13% ages 25–34
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14% ages 35–44
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23% ages 45–65
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17% age 65 and older
With 54% of residents married, Broken Arrow attracts households looking for long-term stability, space, and community. This demographic balance supports schools, local businesses, and neighborhood development — all factors that contribute to the city’s livability ranking.
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Job Market Strength Reinforces the Ranking
A strong job market supports Broken Arrow best medium sized city placement and long-term housing demand.
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Median household income: $88,112
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National median household income: $79,466
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Unemployment rate: 2.6%
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Job Market Index: 6.5 out of 10
Employment stability allows residents to plan confidently for the future. Cities with healthier job markets tend to experience steadier housing demand and fewer dramatic market swings, which supports Broken Arrow’s reputation as a stable place to live.
How Broken Arrow Compares to Other Medium Sized Cities
When compared to other cities ranked among the best medium sized cities, Broken Arrow stands out for its affordability.
Many cities ranked above Broken Arrow have significantly higher median home values and housing costs. In contrast, Broken Arrow delivers competitive commute times, income levels, and quality-of-life indicators at a much lower price point.
This difference matters. A city does not need the highest ranking to be the best fit — especially for buyers focused on value. Broken Arrow best medium sized city recognition highlights that livability is not just about prestige, but about sustainability and long-term comfort.
For buyers evaluating multiple cities, Broken Arrow often compares favorably when housing affordability is weighted alongside income and daily convenience.
What the Ranking Means for Home Buyers
For buyers, Broken Arrow best medium sized city recognition provides helpful confirmation.
First-Time Buyers
Broken Arrow offers more attainable entry points compared to higher-cost medium sized cities. Buyers often find greater flexibility in home size, neighborhood options, and long-term affordability.
Move-Up Buyers
For buyers selling a starter home or relocating within the region, Broken Arrow provides opportunities to gain space without dramatically increasing housing costs.
Relocation Buyers
Buyers relocating from larger metros often view Broken Arrow as a place where their budget stretches further while still offering amenities, employment access, and livability.
What the Ranking Means for Homeowners
For homeowners, Broken Arrow best medium sized city rankings reinforce demand fundamentals.
While rankings alone do not determine home values, national recognition often increases interest from out-of-area buyers researching affordable, livable cities. This attention can support long-term stability and help maintain consistent buyer interest across market cycles.
Homeowners curious about equity or future plans may benefit from understanding how national rankings align with local demand patterns.
Is Broken Arrow the Right Medium Sized City for You?
Broken Arrow may be a strong fit if you value:
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Housing affordability compared to similarly sized cities
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Shorter commute times and daily convenience
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Neighborhood-focused living rather than dense urban cores
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Long-term stability over rapid, unpredictable growth
For buyers and homeowners alike, Broken Arrow best medium sized city rankings reflect a city designed for sustainable, everyday living rather than short-term trends.
Final Thoughts
The Broken Arrow best medium sized city ranking reflects consistent performance across affordability, job market strength, commute times, and overall quality of life.
Ranking #6 in the United States and #1 in Oklahoma places Broken Arrow among a select group of cities that offer value without compromise. Whether you are buying, selling, relocating, or simply watching the market, this recognition provides meaningful context for understanding why Broken Arrow continues to stand out nationally.