El Reno, OK
Population 17,919 · Oklahoma
About El Reno, OK
El Reno is a mid-sized city located in Oklahoma with a population of 17,919 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,459 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in El Reno features a median home value of $157,000, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions El Reno in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $904, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,867 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (3,485 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (2,668 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Reno shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in El Reno have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.7% of El Reno residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 15.7% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 5.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How El Reno Ranks in Oklahoma
Cost of Living in El Reno, OK
Compared to national averages, El Reno has a median household income of $54,459 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $157,000, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $904 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, El Reno's income is 3% below the state average of $56,382, and home values are 31% above the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in El Reno, OK?
El Reno offers affordable housing with a median home value of $157,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $904/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,459) that falls below the national average. However, El Reno’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
El Reno has a population of 17,919 with a median age of 34.7 years. Compare El Reno with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near El Reno
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McAlester | 18,098 | $48,044 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Altus | 18,670 | $55,550 | $124,800 | Compare |
| Durant | 19,209 | $44,753 | $155,800 | Compare |
| Ada | 16,536 | $51,792 | $169,300 | Compare |
| Tahlequah | 16,513 | $48,515 | $182,800 | Compare |
| Chickasha | 16,349 | $55,039 | $113,200 | Compare |
| Claremore | 19,921 | $57,120 | $172,500 | Compare |
| Sand Springs | 19,973 | $73,400 | $186,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oklahoma
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare El Reno With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Reno
What is the population of El Reno, OK?
The population of El Reno, OK is 17,919 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Oklahoma.
What is the median household income in El Reno?
The median household income in El Reno, OK is $54,459 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Reno?
The median home value in El Reno, OK is $157,000, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Reno?
The median monthly rent in El Reno, OK is $904, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Reno?
The unemployment rate in El Reno, OK is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is El Reno, OK a good place to live?
El Reno offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,919 and a median age of 34.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is El Reno, OK?
17.7% of residents in El Reno aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in El Reno?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Reno, OK: median home value is $157,000 (36% below national), median rent is $904/month, and median household income is $54,459. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in El Reno?
The poverty rate in El Reno, OK is 21.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is El Reno, OK?
El Reno's population is 15.7% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 6.7% two or more races. 5.9% of residents are foreign-born.