Lawton is a city located in southwest Oklahoma, about 85 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. With a population of 95,316 as of 2020, Lawton is the fifth largest city in Oklahoma.
Demographics
According to the Wikipedia page for Lawton, the racial makeup of the city is 51.7% White, 22.3% African American, 4.8% Native American, 2.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 11.4% from other races, and 7.1% from two or more races. 17.8% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The median age in Lawton is 29.2 years old. 18.9% of the population is under 18 years old, while 14.5% is 65 years and older. There is a slight female majority, with women making up 50.9% of the population.
67.6% of households in Lawton are considered family households. 30.7% of households have children under 18 years old living with them. The average household size is 2.51 people.
Economy and Major Employers
Lawton has a stable economy supported by industries such as healthcare, retail, education, and the military. The largest employer in Lawton is Fort Sill, which is a United States Army post. Fort Sill employs around 15,000 people, many of whom are active duty soldiers and their families.
Other major employers in Lawton include:
- Comanche County Memorial Hospital – healthcare
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company – manufacturing
- Lawton Public Schools – education
- Cameron University – higher education
- City of Lawton government – public administration
- Elmer Thomas Park Zoo – tourism & entertainment
- Hobby Lobby – retail
The median household income in Lawton is $44,816, which is below the national median of $61,937. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. Major industries providing employment include healthcare, retail, accommodation and food services, and public administration.
Attractions and Tourism
Despite its small size, Lawton offers several attractions and destinations for visitors and residents alike. The most popular attraction is the Elmer Thomas Park Zoo, which features exotic animals, an indoor aquarium, train rides and more. The zoo brings in over 200,000 visitors per year.
Other attractions include the Museum of the Great Plains, McMahon Memorial Auditorium, and the Lawtonka Fishing Lake. There are also several historical sites related to Fort Sill and Geronimo.
In terms of outdoor recreation, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers great hiking, rock climbing, camping, fishing and more just a short drive from Lawton. The refuge brings in around 600,000 visitors per year.
Local Culture and Sports
Lawton has a diverse culture influenced by its military community at Fort Sill and Native American heritage. Annual cultural events include the Fort Sill Apache Tribe Powwow, International Festival, and the Medicine Park Blues Festival.
For sports fans, Lawton is home to the Lawton Rangers ice hockey team. The Rangers play in the Western States Hockey League at the Fairgrounds Coliseum. Other popular sports in Lawton include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and rodeo.
With its affordable cost of living, military influence, nature attractions and growing arts and culture scene, Lawton offers a unique community in Oklahoma worth exploring.