Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the second-largest city in the state and the 47th-largest city in the nation. It has around 411,000 residents and spans about 196.8 square miles. Tulsa is renowned for its vibrant history, diverse culture, and strong economy.
However, like any big city, it does have its share of crime and violence. Certain neighborhoods in Tulsa experience higher levels of crime, and it’s important for both residents and visitors to be mindful of potential risks in these areas. Below are the top five neighborhoods in Tulsa, Oklahoma, considered to be the most dangerous, based on recent crime data from sources like the FBI.
Kendall-Whittier
Kendall-Whittier, situated in the northeastern part of Tulsa, is bordered by East Admiral Place to the north, South Harvard Avenue to the west, East 11th Street to the south, and South Yale Avenue to the east. Approximately 10,000 people call this neighborhood home, with a median household income of $28,000.
It’s one of Tulsa’s oldest neighborhoods, boasting a historic district with numerous early 20th-century buildings. According to NeighborhoodScout, Kendall-Whittier reports a violent crime rate of 17.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 76.9 incidents per 1,000 residents.
This means that on average, one in 57 residents experiences a violent crime, and one in 13 experiences a property crime each year.
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Brady Heights
Brady Heights is a neighborhood in the northern part of downtown Tulsa. It’s bordered by Interstate 244 to the north, North Denver Avenue to the west, West Archer Street to the south, and North Utica Avenue to the east. About 1,500 people call it home, with a median household income of $32,000.
The neighborhood takes its name from Tate Brady, a notable figure involved in the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, a tragic event in American history. Brady Heights boasts a historic district featuring many homes from the early 1900s.
Yet, it grapples with urban decay, blight, and crime. According to NeighborhoodScout, the area has a high violent crime rate of 16.7 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 72.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This means that approximately one in 60 people in Brady Heights falls victim to violent crime, and one in 14 experiences property crime each year.
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Turley
Turley is a small community in the northern part of Tulsa County, next to Tulsa’s city limits. It’s home to around 2,500 people, with a typical household income of $27,000. Turley used to be a thriving oil town, with many refineries and pipelines.
However, when the oil industry declined in the 1980s, Turley faced economic struggles, pollution, and social issues. The community doesn’t have its own local government or services and depends on Tulsa County for law enforcement and fire protection.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Turley experiences about 15 violent crimes and 69 property crimes per 1,000 residents. This means roughly one out of every 67 people in Turley falls victim to a violent crime, and one out of every 15 experiences a property crime each year.
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McLain
McLain is a neighborhood in northeastern Tulsa, bordered by East Pine Street to the north, North Yale Avenue to the west, East Apache Street to the south, and North Mingo Road to the east. Around 8,000 people live here, with a median household income of $29,000.
The neighborhood takes its name from McLain High School, a public school for grades nine through twelve. However, it’s known for having a reputation as one of the more dangerous areas in Tulsa.
NeighborhoodScout reports that McLain has a rate of 14 violent crimes per 1,000 residents and 66 property crimes per 1,000 residents. This means that approximately one in 71 individuals in McLain experiences a violent crime, and one in 15 experiences a property crime each year.
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North Lewis
North Lewis is a neighborhood in the northern part of Tulsa. It’s bordered by East 36th Street North to the north, North Lewis Avenue to the west, East Admiral Place to the south, and North Sheridan Road to the east. Approximately 9,000 people live there, with a median household income of $30,000.
The majority of residents in North Lewis are African American. The neighborhood has a history of racial conflicts and incidents of violence. In 2016, an unarmed black man named Terence Crutcher was fatally shot by a white police officer in this area, leading to widespread protests and anger.
As reported by NeighborhoodScout, North Lewis has a violent crime rate of 13.8 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 64.9 per 1,000 residents. This means that roughly one in 72 people in North Lewis experiences a violent crime, and one in 15 experiences a property crime each year.
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Conclusion
The top five dangerous neighborhoods in Tulsa are Kendall-Whittier, Brady Heights, Turley, McLain, and North Lewis. These neighborhoods experience elevated levels of violent and property crimes, making them less appealing and secure for residents.
Yet, they also hold promise for enhancement and growth due to their historical and cultural importance, along with their strong and varied communities. With increased investment, assistance, and collaboration, these neighborhoods have the potential to surmount their difficulties and transform into safer and more desirable living spaces.
