Lawton, OK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
90,595
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,433/yr
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
39,789
-0.1% year-over-year change

Lawton population

How many people live in Lawton

Lawton is home to 90,595 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.1% of Lawton locals are male, and 47.9% are female.

Total population
90,595
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.1%
47,206
Female
47.9%
43,389
Value Percent YoY change
Male 47,206 52.1% 0.0%
Female 43,389 47.9% -0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Lawton is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.8% are children under 15, then 16.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.5% of the population, while another 19.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
16.4%
25 to 44
31.5%
45 to 64
19.7%
Over 65
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 17,977 19.8% -0.6%
15 to 24 14,862 16.4% 0.5%
25 to 44 28,539 31.5% -0.5%
45 to 64 17,885 19.7% -1.5%
Over 65 11,332 12.5% 3.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Lawton, 89.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 52.4% of locals are Caucasian, 18.7% are African American and 3.2% have Asian roots. Another 4.5% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 17% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.6%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 80,895 89.3% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,842 7.6% 1.9%
Non-citizens 2,858 3.2% 12.6%
Racial breakdown
White
52.4%
Black or African American
18.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
4.5%
Asian
3.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
17%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 47,507 52.4%
Black or African American 16,912 18.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4,109 4.5%
Asian 2,894 3.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 425 0.5%
Two or more races 15,425 17%
Other 3,323 3.7%

Households in Lawton

A peek inside Lawton households

Lawton has 33,413 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.1% are families, while the remaining 40.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
33,413
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,673
Family households
19,740
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,673 40.9% 0.7%
Family households 19,740 59.1% 0.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Lawton

The housing landscape of Lawton

Lawton's housing consists of 39,789 units, with 68.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
39,789
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 27,311 68.6%
1 unit, attached 1,920 4.8%
2 units 1,518 3.8%
3 or 4 units 1,627 4.1%
5 to 9 units 2,323 5.8%
10 to 19 units 2,206 5.5%
20 to 49 units 891 2.2%
50 or more units 1,053 2.6%
Mobile home 897 2.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 43 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
174
114.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lawton

In Lawton, the median construction year is 1973. About 5.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,120 5.3% -3.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,646 6.6% 6.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,286 13.3% -3.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,977 17.5% 1.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,241 20.7% 0.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,415 13.6% -3.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,894 7.3% -15.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,711 9.3% 7.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,325 5.8% 10.3%
Built in 2020 or later 174 0.4% 114.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Lawton occupancy rates

Out of the 33,413 occupied housing units in Lawton, 44.8% are owner-occupied, while 55.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
33,413
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
18,452
Owner occupied
14,961
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 18,452 55.2% 0.2%
Owner occupied 14,961 44.8% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
16.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Lawton housing costs

Housing costs in Lawton come to a median of $946 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $967.

Median housing costs per month
$946/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Lawton
$967/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Lawton

Lawton education at a glance

About 44.7% of the population in Lawton went to high school, while 25% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 13.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,139 3.1% 7.4%
High school diploma 31,163 44.7% 3.0%
College diploma 17,437 25% -4.0%
Associate degree 5,093 7.3% 3.4%
Bachelor's degree 9,422 13.5% -1.3%
Graduate degree 4,478 6.4% -5.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Lawton

How much people earn in Lawton

The average annual household income in Lawton was $68,376 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,433, reflecting a +1.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lawton
$68,376/year
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lawton
$54,433/year
1.6% year-over-year change

Lawton income by age

In Lawton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $58,800. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,793 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,630, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,509 in earnings. Overall, 79.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,630 -0.7%
25 - 44 $58,800 4.6%
45 - 64 $54,793 -2.9%
Over 65 $54,509 2.8%
Above poverty level
63,248
Below poverty level
16,751
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 63,248 79.1% -0.2%
Below poverty level 16,751 20.9% 1.4%

Average renter income in Lawton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lawton, their median household income was $40,430 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,430
Rent-to-income ratio
28.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Lawton

Workforce and job types in Lawton

The job market in Lawton is powered by 32,500 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.2% run their own businesses, 61.8% are employed by private companies, and 23.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
32,500
-0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
25,325
Blue collar
7,175
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 25,325 77.9% -1.9%
Blue collar 7,175 22.1% 3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.2%
Private companies
61.8%
Governmental workers
23.4%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,350 7.2% -4.2%
Private companies 20,075 61.8% 2.5%
Governmental workers 7,595 23.4% -6.7%
Not for profit companies 2,480 7.6% -5.2%
Unemployment rate
8.1%
-0.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lawton stands at 8.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Lawton

How people get around in Lawton

In Lawton, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
1.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 33,159 82.5% -0.4%
Taxicab 157 0.4% -11.3%
Bus or trolleybus 219 0.5% -11.0%
Motorcycle 58 0.1% 163.6%
Bicycle 153 0.4% 0.7%
Walk 1,020 2.5% 12.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Lawton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
73501 20,397 7,292 $49,741 $67,124
73505 47,790 19,218 $58,272 $75,251
73507 21,046 8,557 $62,132 $78,749

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FAQs about Lawton demographics 

What is the total population of Lawton?

Lawton has a total population of 90,595 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lawton?

The gender ratio in Lawton is as follows:
  • 52.1% males (47,206 residents)
  • 47.9% females (43,389 residents)

What is the median age in Lawton?

The median age in Lawton is 32.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lawton?

The age distribution in Lawton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.8% (17,977 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.4% (14,862 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.5% (28,539 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.7% (17,885 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.5% (11,332 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lawton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawton is as follows:
  • White: 52.4% (47,507 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.7% (16,912 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 4.5% (4,109 residents)
  • Asian: 3.2% (2,894 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (425 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17% (15,425 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (3,323 residents)

What percentage of the population in Lawton are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.3% of the population in Lawton.

How many housing units are there in Lawton?

There are 39,789 housing units in Lawton, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Lawton and what is the average household size?

Lawton has a total of 33,413 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lawton?

Lawton has a median household income of $54,433, representing a +1.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lawton?

The employment rate is 91.9% in Lawton, with a workforce of 32,500 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.9% (25,325 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.1% (7,175 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.2% (2,350 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.8% (20,075 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.4% (7,595 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (2,480 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025