Lawton
RANK #52 / 996 NAT · #4 / 14 OK · POP 121,777
1YR FORECAST: +4.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +39%
Comanche County, Oklahoma, is defined by the rugged beauty of the Wichita Mountains and the significant presence of Fort Sill, a historic U.S. Army post established in 1869. Located in southwest Oklahoma, with Lawton as its largest city and county seat, the county is about an hour's drive from Oklahoma City. The landscape features prairies, rolling hills, and the ancient granite peaks of the Wichita Mountains, offering extensive outdoor recreation. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a nearly 60,000-acre protected area, provides opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, including bison and longhorn cattle. Commutes within the Lawton area are generally short, with public transit available.
Life in Comanche County offers a blend of community and access to nature. Many residents own their homes, and public schools in the county are considered above average. The economy is largely influenced by the government sector, particularly Fort Sill. Beyond the military, the area has seen recent economic development in manufacturing and green energy industries. These developments contribute to a local economy that supports families and professionals, with a focus on community and a lower cost of living.
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Hecate Energy Sooner Solar project
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI)
|
$512M | Pre-construction |
|
Comanche Solar Project
Undisclosed (part of SPP interconnection queue, EDF Renewables previously reported)
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Comanche Battery/Storage
Undisclosed (part of SPP interconnection queue)
|
$250M | Planned |
|
Residential Development Portfolio
Multiple Developers
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Comanche U2-U3 Natural Gas Project (pipeline & facilities)
Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) / American Electric Power (AEP)
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Blue Canyon Windpower Repowering (multiple phases)
EDP Renewables / Leeward Renewable Energy
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Comanche County ranks #52 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 95/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.0% and a median household income of $57,150 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Comanche County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $145,800, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.39 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $903/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Comanche County are both close to flat — population +0.2% YoY and jobs +1.0%. Home values shifted +4.5% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.14% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Comanche County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.