Tulsa Crime Statistics and Neighborhood Safety Guide (2026)

If you’ve ever Googled “is Tulsa safe?” — whether you’re considering a move, just bought a home, or simply want to understand what’s happening in your neighborhood — you’re not alone. Tulsa is a city with incredible culture, affordable living, and strong communities. But like any mid-size metro, it has areas where property crime demands your attention.

This guide breaks down Tulsa’s current crime landscape, walks through neighborhood-by-neighborhood safety profiles, and gives you practical steps to protect your home and family. No scare tactics — just the information you need to make smart decisions about your security.

Tulsa Crime Statistics: Where Things Stand in 2026

Tulsa’s overall property crime rate remains above the national average — roughly 35% to 45% higher than the U.S. median for cities of comparable size. That sounds alarming on its own, but Tulsa’s property crime rate has been on a slow but measurable decline over the past three years.

Here’s what the numbers tell us about the most common types of property crime:

• Burglary: Residential break-ins remain the top concern. The majority occur during daytime hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) when homes are unoccupied. Forced entry through back doors or ground-floor windows accounts for the bulk of residential burglaries.
• Vehicle theft and break-ins: Auto theft consistently ranks among Tulsa’s most reported crimes. Catalytic converter theft continues to affect neighborhoods across the metro. Theft from unlocked cars in driveways remains one of the most preventable yet persistent crimes.
• Package theft: Porch piracy spikes from November through January but happens year-round — particularly in neighborhoods with heavy foot traffic or limited front-door visibility.
• Theft from detached structures: Tulsa’s housing stock includes many homes with detached garages, storage sheds, and workshops. These outbuildings are frequent targets because they’re often unlocked and out of direct line of sight.

The encouraging news: neighborhoods with active watch programs and higher adoption of home security systems are seeing measurably lower incident rates.

Tulsa Neighborhood Safety: A Closer Look

South Tulsa

Consistently reports some of the lowest property crime rates in the city. Newer construction, well-lit subdivisions, and higher security system density all contribute. Vehicle break-ins in retail parking lots still occur near major corridors along South Memorial and South Yale.

Midtown Tulsa

One of Tulsa’s most desirable areas, but with a unique vulnerability: many homes were built in the 1920s-1960s with single-pane windows, older door hardware, and limited exterior lighting. Property crime tends to be opportunistic — package theft, unlocked car break-ins, bicycle theft.

Brookside

Shares Midtown’s charm and characteristics. The commercial district along Peoria brings foot traffic that generally deters daytime crime, but residential streets one or two blocks off can be quieter targets after dark. Homes benefit significantly from visible security cameras and motion-activated lighting.

Downtown Tulsa

Carries a higher property crime rate than most neighborhoods. Vehicle break-ins in parking garages and theft from storage units are the primary concerns. A monitored security system and secure parking are close to essential.

North Tulsa

Historically higher property crime rates, but significant community revitalization efforts are underway. Several neighborhoods have seen meaningful crime reductions through organized neighborhood watch programs and increased TPD presence. Homeowners who invest in basic security measures report significantly fewer incidents.

East Tulsa

Sprawling and diverse with a wide range of crime experiences. Some pockets see elevated property crime while newer developments further east toward Catoosa report much lower rates. The key variable tends to be the age and condition of the housing stock.

Broken Arrow

Consistently ranks among the safest communities in the metro. Property crime rates run well below Tulsa city average. Most common issues are vehicle break-ins and package theft.

Owasso

Low property crime, strong community policing, and largely newer housing stock. The biggest risk is complacency — open garage doors and unlocked vehicles account for the majority of reported thefts.

Jenks

Low property crime rate. Strong school district attracts invested homeowners. One of the safer places in the metro.

Bixby

Consistently low crime statistics. Property crime tends to be limited to crimes of opportunity — open garages, unlocked sheds, and packages left on porches.

Seasonal Crime Patterns in Tulsa

Summer (June–August)

Historically Tulsa’s highest-risk season for residential burglary. Homes sit empty during vacations. Smart home lighting on timers and a monitored alarm system are your best defenses.

Holiday Season (November–January)

Package theft spikes dramatically. Boxes left on porches — especially with visible electronics branding — are prime targets. Use video doorbells and require signature delivery for expensive items.

Storm Season (March–June)

Oklahoma’s severe weather creates unique vulnerability. After a major storm, damaged homes with broken windows or displaced fencing become easy targets. Power outages can disable non-battery-backup security systems. Ensure your system has battery backup and cellular monitoring.

Back-to-School (September–October)

A secondary spike in daytime burglaries as routines reset. Good time to ensure your security system is in working order before the holiday season.

How to Check Crime in Your Tulsa Neighborhood

• Tulsa PD Crime Map (tulsapolice.org): Search by address and date range, filter by crime type. The most accurate source.
• CrimeMapping.com: Aggregates data from TPD and suburban departments. Good for comparing across jurisdictions.
• SpotCrime: Email alerts about crime near your address. Good passive monitoring tool.
• Nextdoor: Real-time, hyperlocal reports from neighbors. Cross-reference with official sources.

Pro tip: Check crime data for both your specific block and the surrounding half-mile radius. Crime patterns often follow major roads and commercial zones.

Practical Safety Tips for Tulsa Homeowners

Address Tulsa’s Single-Story Vulnerability

A huge percentage of Tulsa homes are single-story ranch-style, meaning every window is a ground-floor entry point. Focus on:

• Window locks on every window — including side and bathroom windows
• Window security film on ground-floor glass
• Window sensors tied to a monitored alarm system

Secure Detached Garages and Outbuildings

Install a deadbolt on the walk-in door, add a hasp lock to the overhead door track, and consider a motion-activated light inside.

Exterior Lighting

• Motion-activated LED floodlights at the back of the house
• Dusk-to-dawn lights at the front entry
• Solar path lights along side yards to eliminate dark corridors

Camera Placement

For a typical Tulsa home, prioritize: (1) front door/porch, (2) driveway, (3) back door/patio, (4) side gate or alley access.

Door and Window Hardening

• 3-inch screws in the strike plate (replacing standard 3/4-inch screws)
• Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt on every exterior door
• Door reinforcement kit on primary entry doors
• Sliding door security bars for patio doors

Neighborhood Watch

Active watch programs reduce burglary rates by 16–26%. Start or join a neighborhood watch and pair it with a group text chain for real-time communication.

Security Signs

Research shows security signs deter crime — but only when backed by a real system. The combination of visible signage and an actual monitored system is the gold standard.

What to Do If You’ve Been Burglarized

1. Don’t enter or touch anything. The intruder may still be present. Call 911 from a safe location.
2. File a police report. TPD non-emergency: (918) 596-9222. Get a case number for insurance.
3. Document everything. Photograph all damage and missing items before cleaning up.
4. Contact your insurance company within 24 hours. Provide the police report number and documentation.
5. Secure the property immediately. Board up windows, replace compromised locks.
6. Prevent re-victimization. Homes burglarized once are significantly more likely to be hit again within six weeks. This is the most important time to install a security system.

How a Monitored Security System Changes the Equation

Homes with monitored security systems are up to 300% less likely to be burglarized than homes without one (Rutgers University study). Three layers of deterrence make the difference:

• Visual deterrence: Yard signs, window decals, and visible cameras signal this home isn’t worth the risk.
• Audible deterrence: A triggered alarm creates immediate pressure to flee.
• Professional monitoring: The monitoring center dispatches police automatically — it doesn’t depend on you hearing the alarm.

For Tulsa homeowners specifically, a security system should include sensors on every ground-floor opening, glass break detection, motion sensors, and cellular backup so the system stays connected during storms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tulsa safe to live in?

Yes — with the right awareness and precautions. Suburban areas (South Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Jenks, Bixby) rank among the safest in Oklahoma. Even within Tulsa proper, most residential neighborhoods are safe for families.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Tulsa?

South Tulsa (south of 91st Street), Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, and Broken Arrow. Within Tulsa proper: Brookside, Maple Ridge, and parts of South Midtown.

Does Tulsa have more crime than Oklahoma City?

Comparable overall rates, with each city higher in different categories depending on the year. The more useful comparison is between specific neighborhoods.

How much does a home security system cost in Tulsa?

$300–$1,200 for equipment and installation, with monthly monitoring between $25–$55. Many homeowners qualify for a 5–20% insurance premium discount that offsets much of the monthly cost.

What should I do if I see suspicious activity?

Call TPD non-emergency at (918) 596-9222. For crimes in progress, call 911. Document vehicle descriptions, license plates, and direction of travel. Share with your neighborhood watch group.

Take the First Step Toward a More Secure Home

Witness Security offers a free, no-obligation home security assessment for Tulsa-area homeowners. We’ll walk your property, evaluate your current security posture, and recommend a system tailored to your needs. No pressure, no generic packages.

Call (918) 289-0880 or schedule your free assessment online. Whether you’re in South Tulsa, Midtown, Broken Arrow, or anywhere in the metro, we’ll help you build the security plan that fits your home.