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Lawton, OK

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Lawton, OK

Lawton is a city in and the county seat of Comanche County, in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Located in southwestern Oklahoma, approximately 87 mi (140 km) southwest of Oklahoma City, it is the principal city of the Lawton, Oklahoma, metropolitan statistical area. According to the 2020 census, Lawton's population was 90,381, making it the sixth-largest city in the state, and the largest in Western Oklahoma.

Developed on former reservation lands of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache peoples, Lawton was incorporated in 1901. It was named after Major General Henry Ware Lawton, who served in the Civil War, where he earned the Medal of Honor, and was killed in action in the Philippine–American War. Lawton's landscape is typical of the Great Plains, with flat topography and gently rolling hills, while the area north of the city is marked by the Wichita Mountains.

The city's proximity to the Fort Sill Military Reservation, formerly the base of the Apache territory before statehood, gave Lawton economic and population stability throughout the 20th century.

Although Lawton's economy is still largely dependent on Fort Sill, it has grown to encompass manufacturing, higher education, health care, and retail. The city has a council-manager government; the city council members are elected from single-member districts and the mayor is elected at-large. They hire a professional city manager to direct daily operations.

Interstate 44 and three major United States highways serve the city, Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport connects Lawton by air, while Greyhound Lines and the Lawton Area Transit System provide intercity and local bus service respectively.

Lawton is the fifth-largest city in Oklahoma. The city has a total area of 75.1 sq mi (195 km2), all land. Lawton is located about 84 mi (135 km) southwest of Oklahoma City. Other surrounding cities include Wichita Falls about 47 mi (76 km) to the south, Duncan about 33 mi (53 km) to the east, and Altus about 56 mi (90 km) to the west.

Lawton lies in an area typical of the Great Plains, with prairie, few trees, and flat topography with gently rolling hills. The region north of the city consists of the Wichita Mountains, including Mount Scott and Mount Pinchot, the area's highest peaks. The area consists mostly of Permian limestone in the northern sections of the city.

In the southern sections of the city, Permian Garber Sandstone is commonly found with some Hennessey Group shale. Area creeks including East Cache Creek contain deposits of Quaternary alluvium. To the northwest, the Wichita Mountains consist primarily of the Wichita Granite Group from the Cambrian period.

Lawton has three major hospitals in the area. The largest, Comanche County Memorial Hospital, is a 283-bed nonprofit hospital that employs 250 physicians. Southwestern Medical Center is a 199-bed hospital with a staff of 150 physicians. In addition, the U.S. Public Health Lawton Indian Hospital is located in the city to provide health services for the large American Indian population. It has 26 beds with a staff of 23 physicians.

In addition to its economic vitality, Lawton prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents. The city's healthcare system is anchored by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital, providing comprehensive medical services to the community. Lawton also offers numerous parks and recreational areas, promoting an active lifestyle. Elmer Thomas Park, with its scenic trails and open spaces, stands out as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Historic Mattie Beal Home provides a glimpse into the city's history, offering guided tours of the elegant Victorian home and sharing stories of the Beal family who played a significant role in Lawton's development. Apache Casino Hotel offers a premier entertainment destination with a wide range of gaming options, live entertainment, dining venues, and luxurious accommodations for guests to enjoy a memorable experience in Lawton.  The Lawton Community Health Center further supports the city's commitment to public health by offering accessible healthcare services to residents.

Top sites in Lawton, OK are Museum of the Great Plains, Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, Apache Casino Hotel, and Lawton Speedway.

Population: 90,245 (2023). ZIP codes: 73501, 73503, 73505, 73507. Area code: 580. Elevation: 1,145 ft (349 m). Area: 81.47 sq mi (211.00 km2).

FAQs

Is Lawton, OK a nice place to live?

Lawton offers the best of both rural and urban lifestyles. Residents enjoy proximity to cultural centers and top medical facilities, while also having easy access to fantastic fishing spots, serene stargazing sites, and mountains for hiking and climbing. The Lawton-Fort Sill area fosters a balance between work and play, and residents value the sense of community and high quality of life.

What is the crime rate in Lawton, Oklahoma?

The crime rate in Lawton is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 30 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 Lawton is 1 in 34. Based on FBI crime data, Lawton is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Oklahoma, Lawton has a crime rate that is higher than 84% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

What is the cost of living in Lawton, OK?

The cost of living in Lawton is estimated to be 82.5% of the national average making it one of the least expensive cities in the US. The median household income in Lawton is $48,718, which is 14% less than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $27,317, which is 19% less than that of the state. The average rent in Lawton (located in Lawton Metro) metro area for a 2-bed home is $895, which is 39% less than the average rent across the US.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lawton

Lawton EDC

Neighborhood Scout

Zero Down

Museum of the Great Plains 

Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center 

Apache Casino Hotel 

Lawton Speedway

Sofia Health

Comanche County Memorial Hospital

Elmer Thomas Park

Historic Mattie Beal Home

Apache Casino Hotel

Lawton Community Health Center
 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.