Living in small-town Oklahoma is quite different than living in the big cities in the state. In the larger cities, you can go about your day and not run into anyone who knows you by name. However, that’s not the story in many small towns across the Sooner State. Whether you’re looking for towns in the Oklahoma panhandle or are open to traveling all over, here are 14 small towns in Oklahoma with a population of under 3,000 where everyone is on a first-name basis:

1. Barnsdall
Barnsdall, OK 74002, USA
David Stapleton/Wikimedia
Bigheart, Oklahoma, or Barnsdall, as it's now known, is a small town in Osage county with a lot of unique history. The town houses the world's only Main Street oil well. Barnsdall is not only rich in history, but is a close-knit community with a population of 1,237.
2. Chouteau
Chouteau, OK 74337, USA
Doug Wertman/Flickr
With a large Amish population in the area, Chouteau is located along the historic KATY railroad on Route 69 in Oklahoma. As the second-largest town in Mayes County, Chouteau has a population of 2,114.
3. Boise City
Boise City, OK 73933, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Located in the Oklahoma panhandle, Boise City is known as the only town in the United States that was bombed from airplanes during World War II. The town is full of friendly people who have known each other for generations. The local economy is based on ranching, farming, and the production of oil and natural gas. The population of Boise City is just over 1,200 residents.
4. Beaver
Beaver, OK 73932, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Beaver, Oklahoma has a population of approximately 1,500 people and is host of the annual World Cow Chip Throwing Championship. Since the residents of this Oklahoma Panhandle town know everyone by name, they can spot the visitors passing through to Beaver Dunes State Park.
5. Mangum
Mangum, OK 73554, USA
J Stephen Conn/Flickr
The City of Mangum is a thriving community located in Southwest Oklahoma. Home to a growing population of approximately 3,000 people, Mangum is a place that is always on the go, with the hustle and bustle of everyday life adding to the charm of this delightful, historic city. We're sure you'll agree that it's one of the best small towns in Oklahoma.
6. Waurika
Waurika, OK 73573, USA
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
Waurika is located about 106 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. Waurika's economy has largely been based on cattle raising, agriculture and petroleum production since the founding of the city. The population is just over 2,000 residents.
7. Union City
Union City, OK, USA
anyjazz65/Flickr
Union City is located in southern Canadian County and has a population of 1,742. The city's economy is still supported by goods and services for the local agriculture industry. One grain elevator still operates out of the original three that were once in existence.

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8. Okarche
Okarche, OK 73762, USA
Andy C./Yelp
Home to Oklahoma's oldest bar, Eishens, Okarche sees many visitors in its small town of only 1,235 residents. They all know each other by name, but are also happy to welcome visitors to their quaint town.
9. Wister
Wister, OK 74966, USA
Granger Meador/Flickr
Wister is a town in Le Flore County with a population of 1,085. It is also the location of a popular Army Corps of Engineers lake, Lake Wister. Lake Wister State Park, located in southeast Oklahoma, is a gateway to the beautiful Ouachita National Forest.
10. Kellyville
Kellyville, OK, USA
Rcsprinter123/Wikimedia
Kellyville is a town in Creek County, Oklahoma. The population of this small town is 1,151. 97 percent of the employed residents commute to jobs in Sapulpa and Tulsa.
11. Krebs
Krebs, OK 74501, USA
Richard Masoner/Flickr
Now known as Oklahoma’s Little Italy, the town of Krebs got its start as a small coal mining camp in the 1870s. Nearly half of the population was comprised of Italian-Americans, so it was no surprise when Italian restaurants began popping up in both Krebs and the neighboring city of McAlester. The population of Oklahoma's Little Italy in Pittsburg County is 2,000.
12. Newkirk
Newkirk, OK 74647, USA
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
Newkirk is a city and county seat of Kay County with a population of 2,317. Newkirk is located on land known as the Cherokee Strip, which belonged to the Cherokee Indians. Check out the 7 Clans First Council Casino Hotel when you visit.
13. Jay
Jay, OK 74346, USA
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
The city is celebrated as the Huckleberry Capital of the World and has been host to the annual Huckleberry Festival each July 4th weekend since 1967. Almost 40% of its residents are Native American, thus Jay is home to numerous Cherokee tribal offices and a health clinic for the Delaware District of the Cherokee Nation. The population is 2,486. If you're looking for a unique place to stay while you're here, read about this three-story villa on a lake in Jay.
14. Walters
Walters, OK 73572, USA
Crimsonedge34/Wikimedia
Walters is located about 19 miles south of Lawton, and is situated between two tributaries of the Red River - the East and West Cache Creeks. With a city motto, "Small town; Big heart" and a population of approximately 2,500, this small town in Oklahoma is a place where everyone will know you by name.

Do you live in any of these small towns? What other ones should we add to this list?

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More to Explore

Small Towns in Oklahoma

Danielle Schwartz | September 23, 2022

What is the oldest town in Oklahoma?

The place that is considered the oldest town in Oklahoma is Fort Gibson. It was established way back in 1824 and was a military town at first. It was also a bustling trade center and the last stop on the Trail of Tears. Clearly, it's bursting with history, so when you visit, make sure you learn all about the significance of this town. If you visit Fort Gibson Historical SIte, you'll even get to visit buildings that have been preserved and look the same as they did in the 1800s. It's a great way to get an idea of what life was like here, as you'll get to see many buildings that life revolved around at the time, including a schoolhouse and theater.

Where are the most beautiful places in Oklahoma?

Sometimes you've got to get out of the city to visit a small town or one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma. We have plenty of great suggestions for you! Head to Grand Lake O' The Cherokees, or just "Grand Lake" in the Ozarks. It's a gorgeous body of water that is the perfect setting for an outdoor getaway. There's plenty of space at this lake, so if you're looking for some peace and quiet, you'll be able to find it here. If you're in the mood for a scenic drive, hop in the car and make your way along the Talimena Scenic Highway for breathtaking views of southeastern Oklahoma.

What are the best ghost towns in Oklahoma?

Curious about the tiny towns that are no more? You're certain to have some unique experiences when you visit ghost towns in Oklahoma. Ingalls was a town of only about 150 people and was first inhabited in 1889. It was home to gangs and is the site of a shootout that happened long ago. There isn't too much left of the town, but you can see some of the buildings and perhaps feel the spirits of people who lived here once upon a time. Skedee is another ghost town in Oklahoma with an interesting history. It used to be an oil town that was full of economic prosperity, but now it's entirely abandoned. It's definitely worth checking out to learn about its history.

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