Moore, Oklahoma

Moving to Moore, Oklahoma

Moore is a suburban, largely car-dependent community along the I-35 corridor, sitting between Oklahoma City and Norman. It offers attainable housing, a roughly 23-minute average commute, and more than 300 acres of parks, with severe-weather preparation as the main tradeoff. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated its population at 63,609 as of July 2025. If you’re a renter, a relocating worker, or someone trying to decide whether to rent before you buy, this is an address-first, decision-ready guide. KT Rents is a full-service, broker-owned real estate resource operating nationwide since 2009, and we built this so you can judge Moore on your own commute, budget, and plan.

Moore at a Glance: Population, Rent, and the Lifestyle

Here’s the fast snapshot. Figures below come from the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 estimates unless noted.

• Population: ~63,609 (July 2025), up about 1.3% since 2020
• Median household income: $80,420 (2024 dollars)
• Median gross rent: $1,340/month
• Average commute: 22.9 minutes
• Ownership split: about 68% own, 32% rent

One note on rent: the Census median gross rent ($1,340) reflects occupied rentals over several years and includes estimated utilities. Current advertised listings run on a different track and change monthly, so treat them separately. Keep that median income figure handy, because it anchors nearly every budget decision you’ll make here.

Where Moore Fits in the Oklahoma City Metro

Moore sits just south of Oklahoma City and north of Norman, straddling I-35. That position is the whole appeal. You get downtown Oklahoma City jobs within a reasonable drive north and the University of Oklahoma and Norman employment to the south. Part of the area blends directly into south Oklahoma City, which matters later when we talk schools. Daily life is suburban: strip centers, errands by car, and quick highway access for work.

How Housing Costs Shape Life When Moving to Moore Oklahoma

Two rent numbers matter, and they aren’t interchangeable. Census median gross rent is $1,340/month, which measures what current renters actually pay including utilities, averaged over 2020-2024. Live advertised listings tell a different story and move with inventory: as of October 2026, one market snapshot showed roughly $973/month for an average apartment and $1,774/month for an average rental house. Recheck those before you commit.

On the ownership side, the median owner-occupied home value is $204,500, with median monthly owner costs around $1,552 for households carrying a mortgage. If you’re new to the metro, renting first lets you test commute routes and neighborhoods before you buy. Run the math with our Rent vs. Buy Calculator and Cost of Living Calculator before you decide.

How to Choose a Neighborhood in Moore

Skip vague “best area” labels and compare addresses on facts. Moore has an Old Town core around its original center, established housing through central and northern Moore, and newer construction expanding toward the city’s edges. That history of steady growth has continued for decades, giving each part of town its own feel. The I-35 and SW 19th Street corridor anchors much of the retail and dining. Instead of stereotypes, check each specific neighborhood and address against this list:

• Drive time to your actual workplace during your real hours
• Assigned school (it’s address-based, not citywide)
• Storm shelter or safe-room access
• FEMA flood-zone status
• Distance to groceries and daily errands
• Lease terms, pet rules, and who pays which utilities

Moore Public Schools and Enrollment

Here’s the clarification most guides miss: “Moore Public Schools” is not the same as “inside Moore city limits.” The district covers 176 square miles, 23 in Moore and 153 in south Oklahoma City, so your assigned school depends entirely on your address. For FY2026, the district reports more than 22,700 students, making it among Oklahoma’s largest in-person systems. It runs 25 elementary schools, six junior high schools, 3 high schools (Moore, Southmoore, and Westmoore), and 1 alternative academy. Those six junior high schools feed the three high schools, and the lineup includes campuses like Highland East, Brink, and others families get to know fast. Several buildings were rebuilt after the 2013 tornado. Use the district’s official School Finder to confirm assignment, review Oklahoma’s state report cards, and verify your enrollment documents before registering your children.

Jobs, Salaries, and Commuting from Moore

Moore’s local economy leans toward retail, education, health care, and some construction and manufacturing. Most residents also tap the wider Oklahoma City metro labor market, including Tinker Air Force Base as a major regional employer. The metro mean wage was $29.00/hour in May 2025, and metro unemployment was 3.9% in August 2026 (preliminary and subject to revision). With a 22.9-minute average commute, Moore works well for metro jobs, but test your specific drive during actual rush hours before signing anything. For remote workers, broadband reaches about 95% of households, so connectivity usually isn’t the obstacle.

Transportation: Will You Need a Car in Moore?

Yes. Plan on a car. As of the city’s 2026 transportation study, Moore has no general citywide public transit. An on-demand service has been studied but is not operating, so don’t count on it until there’s a launch announcement. The city’s own study flags sidewalk and biking gaps in parts of town. I-35 handles most regional and airport access, but you’ll be driving to get there.

Hospitals and Healthcare in Moore

Moore has two 24-hour emergency-care locations, both offering walk-in care, imaging, outpatient services, and primary care. For larger specialty, surgical, obstetric, or trauma needs, residents typically head to the bigger campuses in Norman or Oklahoma City. Before you move, confirm that your provider networks, pediatric care, and any obstetric services are covered where you plan to use them.

Weather, Significant Tornadoes, and Flood Prep Every New Resident Should Know

Moore sits in Tornado Alley, and it has seen significant tornadoes, including the 1999 event and the 2013 EF5 tornado. Treat this as preparation, not panic. The city runs 44 outdoor warning sirens, each sounding for three minutes when activated. Important details: sirens are meant to alert people who are outdoors, they may not be audible inside a well-insulated home, and Moore does not sound an all-clear. Keep multiple warning sources, including a NOAA weather radio and phone alerts that don’t all depend on power or internet. Every home should have a defined shelter location, and overpasses are not shelters. Renters, ask about safe-room or storm-shelter access before you sign. Check flood exposure using the city’s GIS floodplain viewer, and carry renters insurance for your belongings. Spring months, especially from February onward, deserve extra attention to your plan.

Food, Parks, and Entertainment in Moore

Moore maintains more than 300 acres of park grounds. Central Park spans 51 acres with an inclusive playground, amphitheater, walking trails, and Wi-Fi. The Station at Central Park adds a year-round recreation center with fitness facilities, an indoor track, and a seasonal aquatic center. You’ll also find the Thomas J. Fisher Center, Veterans Memorial Park, neighborhood green spaces, and a dog park, plus seasonal markets and numerous community events (check the city calendar rather than relying on old schedules). For food, the I-35 and SW 19th corridor collects local cafes, barbecue, casual dining, international spots, and food trucks. When you want more, Oklahoma City and Norman entertainment are a short drive away.

Utilities, Taxes, and Your First 30 Days in South Oklahoma City and Moore

Handle the logistics early. If portions of your assigned services sit on the Oklahoma City side of the district, confirm them by parcel. Here’s the short list:

• Start water, sewer, and trash through the City of Moore Utility Billing Department (billed on a 28-day cycle, with two large-item pickups and a landfill voucher per year under current rates)
• Budget for the 8.5% combined sales tax; property tax is address-specific, so verify the exact parcel
• Transfer your Oklahoma driver license and vehicle registration through Service Oklahoma (check document requirements first)
• Forward your mail and enroll your kids using the School Finder to confirm assignment
• Set up internet and buy renters insurance that includes storm coverage

Moving from out of state? Se Habla Español, so Spanish-speaking households can get help too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Next Step: Plan the Move with the Right Tools

Run the numbers before you pack, and remember that where you live close to work or school changes everything. Our Rent Calculator, Rent vs. Buy Calculator, Mortgage Calculator, and Cost of Living Calculator help you compare Moore against your budget. As a full-service, broker-owned company operating nationwide since 2009, we can help you browse rental options across the U.S. Relocating and keeping a property to rent out? Call us at (800) 716-4950. Se Habla Español. Your Rental. Your Way.