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

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

Nestled in the heartland of America, Midwest City, Oklahoma, beckons travelers with its rich history, unique charm, and vibrant spirit.

It’s also a great location just east of Oklahoma City and closer to Tulsa than other parts of the OKC area.

From its humble beginnings as a military support community during World War II to its current status as a thriving metropolis, Midwest City has continuously evolved, embracing its heritage while fostering progress.

One of its most defining features is Tinker Air Force Base, the nation’s largest aircraft maintenance and repair center.

This aviation hub not only plays a crucial role in national defense but also serves as a cornerstone of the city’s economy, attracting a diverse workforce and contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Midwest City is also home to a thriving arts scene, evident in its numerous galleries, theaters, and performance venues.

The city’s cultural landscape is further enriched by its diverse ethnic communities, each bringing their unique traditions and flavors to the table.

Whether seeking outdoor adventures or cultural immersion, Midwest City offers a plethora of experiences.

From exploring the serene trails of Joe B. Barnes Memorial Park to savoring the authentic flavors of global cuisine, there’s something for every taste and interest.

A visit to Midwest City is an invitation to discover a city where history intertwines with modernity, where cultural diversity flourishes, and where opportunities for exploration abound.

Let Midwest City surprise and enchant you with its unique blend of heritage, innovation, and community spirit.

Warnings & Dangers in Midwest City

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Midwest City is on the edge between low and medium risk. While it's not inherently dangerous, it doesn't have a lot of tourist appeal beyond community events and military attractions.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Use the EMBARK website from Oklahoma City to see if the routes to Midwest City suit your needs. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are other options. With as much as you'll need to drive around to see major OKC tourist attractions, it's wise to get your own car.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

About two pickpockets or purse snatchings happen each year when looking at the data from the past five years. The risk is low but goes way up when it comes to car break-ins. Leave valuables at home.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Tornadoes are the biggest risk here and the severe weather season kicks off in spring with a secondary season in November. Winters can also get ice storms, blizzards, and snow storms - though ice storms are most common. There's a medium risk here, especially if you aren't used to the severe weather that can happen in "tornado alley."

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery risk is low. In fact, it is 67% lower than the national average. Keep in mind that when a robbery attempt involves an injury, it would be ranked as an aggravated assault. Just mind your own business and stay away from any troublesome situation here.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Being close to an Air Force Base comes with a medium risk, but that's almost immediately negated by the security present at the base and throughout the town. While domestic terrorism and mass shootings can happen anywhere, there's no reason to avoid Midwest City because of terrorism concerns.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams here target military families, seniors, and other residents. There's little reason for a tourist to worry about getting scammed. At the same time, you can check the police department's social media sites for trending scams to lower that risk even more.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women have no reason to feel more or less safe than anyone else. As long as you are using smart personal safety steps, the risk stays the same.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2022 Water Quality Report shows full compliance and no violations. You should feel safe drinking the water and using it for bathing. The United States has strict water quality standards per the Safe Water Drinking Act.

Safest Places to Visit in Midwest City

I was a little encouraged when I saw that Midwest City has a tourism website (VisitMidwestCity.com).

You can get a free tourism guide.

It looks at first like you have to give your email and home address, but if you click on the VISITOR SERVICES tab you can get your own downloadable guide.

As this is a military town, you can visit several historical locations and see some really cool warplanes.

The Charles B. Hall Air Park is a great place to learn about the history of Tinker Air Force Base and see some of the aircraft that have been stationed there.

The park is named after Maj. Charles B. Hall, a Tuskegee Airman who was the first African-American pilot to down an enemy aircraft in combat.

Maj. Hall worked at Tinker Air Force Base from 1949 to 1967.

Two golf courses are in Midwest City – Hidden Creek Family Golf Course and John Conrad Golf Course.

Soldier Creek Industrial Park Recreational Trail offers a great place for a morning run or afternoon bike ride across five miles of unpaved trail.

It’s especially popular with mountain bikers.

Enjoy lake life 11 miles south of Midwest City at Lake Stanley Draper.

You’ll have nearly 3,000 acres to explore on trails and the water.

It’s also an ideal fishing location close to Midwest City.

Check out the Parks and Recreation website section through the city’s website.

You can explore the 34 park options if you’re looking to spend time outdoors in Midwest City.

Andy’s Altitude 1291 is a popular entertainment business, with neon bowling, laser tag, arcades, and all kinds of engaging activities and games.

You’re likely to find the best things to do in Midwest City by checking the event calendar closer to your visit.

The holidays have several options, like a light display you can walk through.

Places to Avoid in Midwest City

The southwest and northwest sides of the city have the highest crime rates.

As noted above, this is a largely residential area.

Unless you know people who live here, stick to the main roads.

The city is laid out on a grid, so it’s easy to navigate.

Do not try to get into Tinker Air Force Base unless you have a sponsor and a reason to be there.

A background check will be done on everyone 16 and older.

Military bases in America don’t just let people visit to “look around.”

When the annual air show is held, there will be a public viewing area with security, but not strict background check standards.

The Charles B. Hall Airpark also allows public access.

At the same time, respect that this is a military town.

Don’t make negative statements about the military or get into political arguments when you’re meeting new people.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Midwest City

Midwest City does have its own police department. You can follow them on Facebook @MWCPD. Call (405) 739-1320 to ask specific questions about recent safety concerns and crime rates if you’d like.
Check that your phone is Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) capable. All modern mobile devices should have this ingrained into the system. You just need to confirm that your alerts are activated and that your location is being tracked. This will get your emergency alerts about severe weather. It’s especially important to have this during the spring’s “tornado season.”
Midwest City offers a public notification system that is just as helpful as the weather alerts. The MWS Notify program will alert you to shelters during storms, road closures, shelter-in-place orders, or other safety guidance.
If you are using any road that has a “turnpike” in its name, that’s a toll road. You can learn more about the toll system through the PikePass website. Before you book a car rental, ask if the PikePass is included.
The police department asks everyone who lives here and visits to follow the “See Something, Say Something” message. That means if you see anything suspicious – even if you aren’t 100% sure something is wrong – to call them. You can use 911 in an emergency, but call 405-739-1388 24/7 to report suspicious activity.
If there is any way you can legally park in a garage or get a rental that has garage parking, that would be ideal. It serves two purposes. First, it keeps your vehicle out of severe or winter weather. Second, it limits the appeal to thieves.
Ask at your hotel (or rental home) where the tornado shelter is. In this part of the country, most shelters will be underground. If you are ever caught outside during a tornado, do not seek shelter under a highway overpass. It’s more dangerous to be there.
The fluctuating temperatures and seasons can do a number on the road. Potholes can spring up any time of the year but are most likely in spring. Call 405-739-1060 to report a pothole.
Keep your mobile devices charged at all times, and bring a portable charger. That way, if a storm knocks out power, you can still get in touch with loved ones. You can also use the OG&E website to see where power outages are happening in the area.
Even if a basic thunderstorm is rolling through, you should still stay inside until 30 minutes after you hear the last thunderclap. If you are close enough to hear thunder, you are close enough to get hit by lightning. Don’t risk it.

So... How Safe Is Midwest City Really?

Midwest City made the top 10 “Most Dangerous Cities in Oklahoma” list, but I just don’t see that from my research based on 2022 crime data.

At the same time, it’s not worthy of the top 10 safest, either.

That said, there are some concerning points to discuss.

First, the violent crime rate is 20% lower than the national average and 15% lower than the state average.

The only red flag I see in that is that 36% of violent crimes happened against strangers in 2022.

Normally, even in a dangerous community, that number is 10% or lower.

Then there’s the incredibly high theft rate, shattering the national average and rising 48% higher.

35% of those are related to car break-ins and accessory thefts.

About the same percentage falls into an “Other” category, which can be anything from copper wiring stolen from a construction site to objects taken from someone’s yard.

About three cars a week are stolen here, which is lower than a decade ago when that number was 12 a week.

It’s not the safest place to stay, and there’s little reward in great hotels or things to do nearby.

On top of that, it’s not surrounded by the safest cities either.

Look to the north end of the metro area or as far south as Moore if you want a safer place to stay while visiting OKC.

How Does Midwest City Compare?

City	Safety Index
Midwest City	74
Baltimore	56
Boston	67
Washington DC	56
New York City	67
Detroit	56
San Diego	67
Calgary (Canada)	82
Buenos Aires (Argentina)	60
Vancouver (Canada)	82
Cordoba (Argentina)	61
Toronto (Canada)	81
Melbourne (Australia)	80

Useful Information

Visas

To visit the country, international travelers need to obtain a visa or a visa waiver. The U.S. State Department website provides a comprehensive guide to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver. A passport that doesn't expire for at least six months is also required.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar can be used here. Given the theft rates in Midwest City, you're better off relying on a credit card for purchases anyway. They offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

There's a saying in this part of the country, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes, it will change." This can be frustrating for visitors trying to figure out what to pack. Bring a mix of layers. Winters will be cold, but usually not bitterly cold (but it CAN happen), and summers are usually hot and humid. You'll want bug spray.

Airports

Will Rogers World Airport is at the exact opposite end of town, with a 17-mile drive that should take about 25 minutes without traffic.

Travel Insurance

Where weather may impede travel, insurance gives peace of mind. Also, get health coverage if lacking internationally. Verify rental car policies guard you in case of crashes. Having roadside assistance is a good idea, too.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Midwest City Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 5° C

Feb 7° C

Mar 12° C

Apr 17° C

May 21° C

Jun 26° C

Jul 28° C

Aug 28° C

Sep 24° C

Oct 18° C

Nov 11° C

Dec 6° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	10	13	18	23	26	31	34	34	29	23	16	11
Low °C	-1	1	6	11	16	20	22	22	18	12	6	1
High °F	50	55	64	73	79	88	93	93	84	73	61	52
Low °F	30	34	43	52	61	68	72	72	64	54	43	34

Oklahoma - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Ada	82
Ardmore	54
Bartlesville	86
Broken Arrow	68
Broken Bow	48
Claremore	82
Edmond	77
El Reno	78
Elk City	77
Enid	67
Grove	82
Guthrie	84
Hennessey	87
Lawton	58
McAlester	70
Midwest City	74
Moore	75
Muskogee	54
Norman	68
Oklahoma City	53
Owasso	81
Stillwater	70
Tahlequah	83
Tecumseh	83
Tulsa	77
Weatherford	77

Is Midwest City Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Oklahoma : Safety by City