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Ada, OK

Frequently asked questions

Ada, OK

Ada is a city in and the county seat of Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, United States. The city was named for Ada Reed, the daughter of an early settler, and was incorporated in 1901. Ada is home to East Central University and is the capital of the Chickasaw Nation. Ada is an Oklahoma Main Street City, an Oklahoma Certified City, and a Tree City USA member. 

In the late 1880s, the Daggs family (by way of Texas) became the first white family to settle in what is now known as Ada, which was formerly known as Daggs Prairie. In April 1889, Jeff Reed (a Texan and relative of the Daggs family) was appointed to carry the mail from Stonewall to Center (which was later combined with Pickett), two small communities in the Indian Territory. With his family and his stock, he sought a place for a home on a prairie midway between the two points, where he constructed a log house and started Reed's Store. Other settlers soon built homes nearby. In 1891, a post office was established and named after Reed's oldest daughter, Ada. Ada was incorporated as a city in 1901 and grew rapidly with the arrival of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway line. Within a decade the Santa Fe Railroad and the Oklahoma Central Railway also served the town.

Ada was originally a sundown town, where African Americans were not allowed to live. In the 1900s, the town was opened up to African Americans so that black witnesses could stay while testifying in district court. Despite a violent episode in 1904, the town remained open to African Americans to provide labor for a local cotton compress.

In 1909, the women of Ada organized an effort to build a normal school in their city. It resulted in the founding of East Central College (now East Central University).

Ada is located in the rolling hills of southeastern Oklahoma. Ada is 88 miles (142 km) from Oklahoma City, 122 mi (196 km) from Tulsa, and 133 mi (214 km) from Dallas, Texas.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.8 square miles (40.9 km2), of which 15.7 square miles (40.7 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km2) (0.44%) is water.

In Ada, OK, residents have access to a variety of spas, gyms, and health and wellness activities tailored to meet their diverse needs. Sole'renity Spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, body scrubs, and aromatherapy sessions, providing a serene environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Tushka Fit and Elite Fitness boasts modern gym equipment and offers personal training services, group fitness classes, and nutritional counseling to support members in achieving their fitness goals. Yoga Circle Ada provides a welcoming space for yoga practitioners of all levels, offering classes that focus on mindfulness, flexibility, and stress reduction. Additionally, Ada Family Chiropractic and Wellness specializes in spinal health and wellness, offering chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercises, and lifestyle advice to promote optimal physical function and well-being. Ada Recreation Center offers various recreational programs and facilities, including swimming pools, basketball courts, and fitness classes, encouraging community engagement and physical activity. These diverse wellness offerings make Ada a vibrant community focused on promoting health and vitality among its residents.

The top sites in Ada, OK are Star Skate, Wintersmith Park, and McSwain Theatre.

Population: 16,542 (2022). ZIP Codes: 74820, 74821. Area code: 580. Elevation: 1,011 ft (308 m). Area: 20.20 sq mi (52.32 km2).

FAQs

What is Ada, OK famous for?

Known as the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation and the birthplace of country music star Blake Shelton, the city of Ada lies on the northeast edge of southern Oklahoma's scenic Chickasaw Country. Browse Ada’s thriving Main Street for countless coffee shops and the McSwain Theatre, built in the 1920s and lovingly restored in 2009. Enjoy live music from regional stars before visiting Wintersmith Park, a local gem that includes serene lakeside views, nature trails, and a public amphitheater.

What is the crime rate in Ada, OK?

The crime rate in Ada is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 28 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Ada is 1 in 36. Based on FBI crime data, Ada is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Oklahoma, Ada has a crime rate that is higher than 81% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

What is the population of Ada, OK in 2024?

Ada has a 2024 population of 16,593. It is also the county seat of Pontotoc County. Ada is currently growing at a rate of 0.16% annually and its population has increased by 0.62% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 16,491 in 2020. The average household income in Ada is $66,719 with a poverty rate of 18.42%. The median age in Ada is 32.4 years: 31.3 years for males, and 33.5 years for females.

Sources

Ada, Oklahoma - Wikipedia

City of Ada

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

Travel OK

Sole'renity Spa 

Tushka Fit

Elite Fitness

Yoga Circle Ada

Ada Family Chiropractic and Wellness 

Star Skate

Wintersmith Park

McSwain Theatre

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