Living in Norman, OK
Norman is the 222nd-largest city in the US, home to about 131,000 people in 2025. It has grown 2.3% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (90.4 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 130,943+2.3% since 2020
- Median home value
- $250,1003.7 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,090/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $67,704median, per year
- Price level
- 90.4US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 50° / 93°lows 28° / 71°
- Average commute
- 23 min12% work from home
- State income tax
- 4.5%top rate, graduated
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County: Cleveland County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 1,171 ft
Metro area: Oklahoma City, OK
Cost of living in Norman
The median home in Norman is worth $250,100 and the median household earns $67,704 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.7 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,090 a month, about 19% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Oklahoma City, OK metro area at 90.4, with housing at 73.9 and goods at 93.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $67,800 here. Oklahoma taxes wages at a top rate of 4.5%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Oklahoma is 9.06%.
What would my salary be worth in Norman?
Norman weather
Average highs run from 50°F in January to 92°F in July, and January nights average 28°F. It gets 38 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 4 inches of snow. Expect about 69 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 76 times a year. The most comfortable months are April and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Norman
People and work
The median resident is 32.5 years old, and 46% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 53% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 23 minutes; 12% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 32.570th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 46%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 53%of households
- People per sq mile
- 733178.7 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%4% walk, 0.7% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.7%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 16.8%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1988median year
Who moves to Norman, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Fort Worth (Tarrant County), Dallas (Dallas County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Dallas (Dallas County), Fort Worth (Tarrant County) and Houston (Harris County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Cleveland County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: ice storm, tornado, heat wave, winter weather.
Home prices
+2.4% in a year
Up 36% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Oklahoma City, OK area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
44% good days
8 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Oklahoma City, OK area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Norman
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Oklahoma City Community College 15 miles
- University of Central Oklahoma 30 miles
- Rose State College 15 miles
- Mid-America Christian University 13 miles
- Oklahoma City University 20 miles
- Oklahoma Christian University 27 miles
- Southern Nazarene University 24 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Norman
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Will Rogers World Airport OKC | 16 mi | 2,243,575 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Norman
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | 2 mi | 22,734 | $15,531 | 75% |
| Oklahoma City Community College | 15 mi | 9,758 | $5,160 | 22% |
| Rose State College | 15 mi | 4,953 | $9,616 | n/a |
| Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City | 20 mi | 3,514 | $7,098 | n/a |
| Mid-America Christian University | 13 mi | 1,666 | $21,544 | 31% |
| Oklahoma City University | 20 mi | 1,514 | $36,514 | 56% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Norman
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 3, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 25 and the first frost comes around November 3.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Norman 3Sse, OK, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Norman.
Wildfire smoke in Norman
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Norman on about 151 days a year, including about 25 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Norman
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 52,748 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Norman
Downtown Norman is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norman Public Schools | Pre-K to 12 | 16,048 | 25 | 16.6 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Moore Public Schools (23,567 students), Midwest City-Del City Schools (12,087 students), Noble Public Schools (2,998 students), Newcastle Public Schools (2,618 students), Blanchard Public Schools (2,230 students), Purcell Public Schools (1,463 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Norman's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Norman's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Little Rock, AR85% matchCompare
- Winston-Salem, NC84% matchCompare
- High Point, NC82% matchCompare
- Greensboro, NC82% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Norman
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Pros and cons of living in Norman
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 3.7 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 10% below the US average (BEA).
Cons
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.06% on average with local taxes.
Norman report card from locals
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Norman through locals' eyes
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Cities near Norman
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK | 20 mi | 719,849 | $231,300 | 90.4 | Compare |
| Edmond, OK | 31 mi | 100,479 | $351,400 | 90.4 | Compare |
| Lawton, OK | 70 mi | 90,503 | $142,100 | 85.9 | Compare |
| Tulsa, OK | 102 mi | 416,209 | $205,300 | 89.2 | Compare |
| Broken Arrow, OK | 107 mi | 124,991 | $250,400 | 89.2 | Compare |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 110 mi | 101,951 | $156,800 | 89.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Norman ranks 11th of 14 in our best suburbs of Oklahoma City ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Norman with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Norman a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, short commutes. Compare Norman side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Norman?
The Census Bureau estimates Norman had 130,943 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 127,973 in April 2020 (+2.3%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Norman?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $67,800 in the Norman area. The median household here earns $67,704.
When is the best time to visit Norman?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 92°F and January 50°F for daytime highs.
What county is Norman in?
Norman is in Cleveland County, Oklahoma. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Norman in?
Norman is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Norman?
About 1,171 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Oklahoma have a state income tax?
Yes. Oklahoma has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 4.5% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Norman. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Oklahoma City, OK metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Norman 3Sse, OK station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.