Is Oklahoma City a Good Place to Invest in Rental Property?

If you’re looking for a city with steady population growth, affordable real estate, and strong rental demand, Oklahoma City (OKC) should be on your radar. As a landlord or real estate investor, your goal is to buy property that pays for itself and then some. So the real question is: does OKC check the boxes that matter most in a rental investment?

Let’s break it all down: market fundamentals, rent trends, neighborhood insights, economic growth, tax benefits, and more. This guide will help you make a confident, informed decision about whether OKC is the right place to invest your hard-earned money.

Why OKC Is on Investors’ Radar

Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, is the largest city in the state by population and land area. With over 700,000 residents as of 2023 and a metro population closer to 1.48 million, OKC is experiencing slow but steady growth.

Here’s why investors are paying attention:

• Low cost of living: Oklahoma City’s prices for goods and services are 11.6% lower than the national average, and the cost of living is typically 10–15% below the national average.
• Affordable housing market: Median home price is between $232,000 (Zillow) and $257,500 (Bankrate/Redfin) as of early 2025 (compared to the U.S. average of $417,700 in 2023). So, OKC remains much more affordable than the national average.
• Strong rental demand: The most recent U.S. Census Bureau data shows that about 36% of Oklahoma City households are renters.
• Pro-landlord environment: Oklahoma laws tend to favor landlords in lease enforcement and eviction processes.
• Diversified economy: OKC isn’t just oil anymore. The city now supports industries like aerospace, healthcare, logistics, and tech.

These fundamentals provide a relatively low-risk entry point for first-time investors and a cash-flow-friendly environment for seasoned landlords.

Real Estate Market Overview

Home Prices & Appreciation

As of early 2025, the median home price in Oklahoma City is around $232,000, with some neighborhoods offering turnkey rental properties for under $150,000. That’s a major plus when compared to coastal markets or larger metros like Dallas or Denver.

OKC has also seen modest but stable appreciation rates. Over the past five years, home values have increased by about 5% to 7% annually, depending on the neighborhood.

Rental Rates

Here’s a snapshot of average rent prices across OKC (as of Q1 2025):

Property Type	Average Monthly Rent
1-Bedroom Apartment	$870
2-Bedroom Apartment	$1,050
3-Bedroom House	$1,325

This rent-to-price ratio is attractive. For example, a $150,000 property renting for $1,200/month offers a gross rent yield of about 9.6%, well above the national average.

High-Demand Neighborhoods for Rental Properties

Choosing the right neighborhood can make or break your investment. Here are some of the most investor-friendly areas in OKC:

The Village

• Type: Established suburb
• Why it works: Affordable prices, great schools, and steady rental demand from young families and professionals.

Midtown OKC

• Type: Urban and walkable
• Why it works: High demand from students, healthcare workers, and downtown employees. Short-term rentals thrive here.

Edmond

• Type: Suburban with top-rated schools
• Why it works: Higher property values, but excellent long-term tenant stability and appreciation potential.

Capitol Hill & South OKC

• Type: Emerging markets
• Why it works: Lower entry price points and solid cash flow. Ideal for value-add strategies and BRRRR investors.

Del City

• Type: Affordable and working-class
• Why it works: Close to Tinker Air Force Base, which provides a stable pool of renters. Lower home prices make it easier to hit cash flow goals.

Yukon

• Type: Growing suburb
• Why it works: Popular with families and commuters. Strong school districts and new developments are pushing up both rents and property values.

Moore

• Type: Family-oriented suburb
• Why it works: Known for affordability, good schools, and consistent rental demand. Strong rebuilds after past tornadoes have added to its appeal.

Norman

• Type: College town
• Why it works: Home to the University of Oklahoma, it attracts a steady flow of students and faculty renters. Also has solid appreciation potential in popular neighborhoods near campus.

Each of these neighborhoods offers something unique. Whether you’re after appreciation, cash flow, or a mix of both, OKC has a fit for your strategy.

Is OKC a Cash Flow or Appreciation Market?

This is one of the most important questions investors ask.

Cash Flow: Yes. Thanks to low purchase prices and decent rents, you can achieve strong cash flow in most parts of the city.

Appreciation: Modest but reliable. OKC isn’t known for massive price spikes, but values tend to climb steadily, especially in growing suburbs and up-and-coming areas.

For many investors, OKC is a hybrid market, offering solid monthly income with steady long-term value growth.

Landlord-Friendly Laws in Oklahoma

OKC benefits from the state’s landlord-friendly legal framework, which is a major advantage for out-of-state investors.

Key landlord protections include:

• Fast eviction process: Nonpayment of rent can lead to eviction in as little as 10–15 days.
• Security deposit flexibility: No statewide limit (though you must return it within 45 days of lease end).
• No rent control: Landlords can raise rent with appropriate notice.

However, landlords must still comply with the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. It’s wise to work with a local attorney or experienced property manager to stay compliant.

Property Management and Remote Investing

If you’re not based in Oklahoma, you might worry about managing a rental from a distance. The good news? OKC has a solid network of professional property management companies, like OKC Home Realty Services.

Average property management fees in the city range from 8% to 12% of monthly rent, with optional extras like leasing, inspections, and maintenance coordination.

This makes Oklahoma City a viable option even for remote investors seeking a passive, hands-off approach.

What Risks Should You Watch For?

Every market has risks. OKC is no different. Here’s what to be aware of:

• Severe weather: Tornadoes, hailstorms, and flooding are a real concern. Make sure you have strong insurance coverage.

• Older housing stock: Many homes, especially in affordable neighborhoods, are 50+ years old and may need updating.

• Neighborhood-specific volatility: Not all cheap properties are good deals. Some lower-cost areas may have high crime rates or weak tenant demand.

Due diligence is key. Always get a detailed inspection, review crime maps, and check local zoning laws before buying.

Conclusion: Is Oklahoma City a Good Place to Invest?

In short, yes. Oklahoma City is a strong market for rental property investment, especially if you’re looking for:

• High cash-on-cash returns
• Affordable entry prices
• Long-term rental demand
• Low property taxes
• Pro-landlord laws

Whether you’re a first-time investor or expanding your portfolio, OKC offers a rare combination of affordability and rental stability that’s getting harder to find in today’s real estate market.

If you’re serious about getting started in OKC, the next step is to talk to a local agent, run your numbers, or even visit a few key neighborhoods. Smart investors act before the rest of the market catches on. Hence, contact OKC Home Realty Services for more information.