Is Ada Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

Ada, Oklahoma, is another town that was put on the map by the 1883 Chickasaw Land Run.

It sits in a remote section of the state about 90 minutes southeast of Oklahoma City.

Ada is widely known as being the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation.

Native American tribes, forced from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States, found a new home in the Indian Territory, preserving their unique traditions and languages while adapting to their new surroundings.

Today, Ada proudly embraces its heritage, paying homage to its Native American roots through vibrant cultural events and historical landmarks.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center, a stunning architectural masterpiece, stands as a testament to the tribe’s enduring legacy, showcasing its rich history and vibrant traditions.

Ada is renowned for its natural beauty, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area boasts an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, from serene lakes perfect for fishing and kayaking to scenic hiking trails that wind through the verdant forests.

Ada’s charm extends to its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries showcasing local artists’ works and theaters hosting captivating performances throughout the year.

Don’t miss a live music performance, as you might be watching the next big star.

Country music legend Blake Shelton was born and raised here, and his first performances were to local crowds before he headed off to Nashville.

With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse attractions, and captivating history, Ada is a destination worth exploring.

Warnings & Dangers in Ada

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Ada with low crime rates. You also have some great safe places to explore that are fun and educational.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

There's an on-demand service that is mostly for elderly or disabled individuals. Taxis and rideshares will be available sparingly. You should have your own rental car here.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Over the past five years, no pickpockets or purse snatchings were reported. It's a low risk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This is a medium risk due to the year-round severe or disruptive weather threats. Spring brings tornado season, which is usually packed with severe thunderstorms. Those risks go into the summer and fall when winter weather can happen. Although winter storms aren't as frequent, they can be just as impactful with dangerous roads, power outages, and business closings.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

With just three robberies in Ada by 2022, there's a low risk. Most robberies here are at local businesses. You should still use precautions as you would in any town, but there's no overwhelming risk.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk. Small towns in rural areas are generally considered to be a threat.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams are focused on the locals, but it helps to know what scams are trending at any given time. The information is provided on several websites, like the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women have a low risk but should still use basic personal safety precautions. You can read more about local safety steps on the city's website. They have a great video series about every kind of potential threat.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Looking at the 2022 Water Quality Report, there were no violations, and all standards were met or exceeded. If there happen to be issues, alerts will be sent out by the city. The risk is low.

Safest Places to Visit in Ada

The two best resources for finding things to do and places to visit in Ada are the city’s website and the Ada section of the TravelOK.com website.

While there aren’t a lot of things to do here, there are a few highlights to explore.

The Ada Arts & Heritage Center is a repository of the city’s rich history and cultural tapestry.

Explore exhibits that chronicle Ada’s evolution from its early days to its modern-day vibrancy, and discover the artistic talents and heritage of the community.

Downtown Ada is also home to an Arts District, where you can explore the works of art on the street or hop into a gallery and explore your own talents.

You can also stop by the Founding of Ada Historical Marker, a poignant reminder of the community’s pioneering spirit.

Learn about the city’s establishment in 1901 and its remarkable growth and transformation over the years.

East Central Oklahoma Historical Museum tells the fascinating story of the region at the East Central Oklahoma Historical Museum, a captivating destination for history enthusiasts.

Exhibits showcase the region’s transformation from prehistoric times to the present day and offer insights into the lives and contributions of its inhabitants.

Experience the authentic charm of the American West at the Ross Ranch, a working cattle ranch that offers a glimpse into a timeless way of life.

Saddle up for a horseback riding lesson, take a scenic trail ride through the ranch’s sprawling grounds, or simply relax and soak in the tranquility of the countryside.

Step back in time and experience the grandeur of the McSwain Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s theater that has hosted renowned performers and captivating productions for decades.

Catch a live concert, immerse yourself in a captivating movie, or enjoy a night of laughter with a comedy show.

Wine lovers should check out the offerings at Waddell Vineyard, with locally made and bottled wine.

Tours of the vineyards are also available.

Out-of-town guests are asked to call ahead of time.

Places to Avoid in Ada

The west side of the city has higher crime rates, but there’s no reason to avoid that area.

The low crime rates across the board make Ada a safe city for exploring, though staying out of neighborhoods where you don’t know anyone is always wise.

If you choose one of the hotels east of Mississippi Avenue, you’ll be in the safest part of the city.

Avoid risking additional road travel if there’s a winter storm warning or ice storm warning approaching.

These conditions can make the two-lane roads around Ada and in this rural part of the state nearly impassible.

If you run off the road, you could wait hours for rescue.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Ada

Ada has its own police department. The Facebook page is titled “City of Ada, Oklahoma Police Department.” Call (580) 332-4466 if you have specific safety questions to ask.
If you have any information about a crime or see the aftermath of a crime scene, you can call Crime Stoppers at (580) 33-CATCH to report anonymously. Sometimes rewards are offered for tips that lead to arrests.
Ada Police offers several mapping tools to check for sex offenders, narcotics offenders, and general crime tracking. This is a great way to get more recent information than the previous year’s official crime data – which is what we use.
Sign up for emergency alerts through the Ada Oklahoma Emergency Management Website. You’ll get a list of resources to bookmark as well for weather and natural disaster risks.
You can take a video tour of Ada on the front page of the city’s website. This option lets you see a different side of the city that you’ll get in a mapping program. You’ll also meet some of the big decision-makers in town.
Anytime you want to go fishing in a lake or river, you’ll need to have a fishing license on you. That can be obtained through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website. Be sure you know the right seasons and limitations. Some locations are catch and release, while others allow a certain number of fish to go home with you.
Watch the video “Safety Sounds” on the city’s website. This will give you a glimpse into how tornado sirens work and what they sound like if you’ve never heard one.
Ask at your hotel or campsite where the storm shelter is located. When a tornado is approaching, seconds matter. You can’t afford to be without shelter in the storm-ravaged areas.
The website OK Traffic is a great tool for checking weather conditions, road construction, real-time traffic, and live cameras. You should also know that Google Maps allows you to download offline maps in case you are in an area that loses mobile phone service.
Ada has several railroad crossings. There’s a helpful video on the city’s website called “Railroad Crossing Safety.” Even if a train isn’t approaching, you should never stop on the tracks, even if there’s a lot of traffic around. Stay behind the designated lines on the road. Also, never try to “beat the train” as it approaches. They are always moving faster than they appear to be.

So... How Safe Is Ada Really?