Performance
Score Breakdown
Natchitoches
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Natchitoches is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
66% lower compared to Ponca City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Natchitoches's average rent is
17% lower than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Natchitoches | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $664 | $800 | -17% |
| Groceries | $0 | $649 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $208 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $186 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $139 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $664 | $1,982 | -66% |
| Cost Index | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 32% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Natchitoches | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $22,157 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $52,000 |
| Household Income | $37,133 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Natchitoches | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Natchitoches scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Natchitoches leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Natchitoches | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Ponca City is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Natchitoches.
From a growth perspective, Natchitoches is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Ponca City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Natchitoches | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,577 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 26.5 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 5.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Natchitoches
Advantages
Natchitoches boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, being the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase.
The average commute time of 16.2 minutes is significantly shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience.
The cost of living, particularly median rent at $664 per month, is relatively low, enhancing affordability.
The city is home to Northwestern State University, contributing to a vibrant, youthful demographic and educational opportunities.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive healthcare services and is actively working to improve patient satisfaction and quality of care.
Drawbacks
Natchitoches has a high crime rate, with total crime being 149% higher than the national average and a violent crime rate of 891.1 per 100,000 residents.
The city's livability score is 56/100, ranking it low compared to other U.S. cities.
Public transportation is limited, leading to high car dependency for residents.
The median household income of $37,133 in 2024 is considerably lower than the national average.
Summers are characterized by oppressive heat and high humidity, which can be uncomfortable for some residents.
Ponca City
Advantages
The cost of living in Ponca City is 17.4% lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Housing expenses are significantly lower, approximately 30.8% less expensive than the national average.
The average commute time is relatively short at 15.7 minutes.
Ponca City has a strong presence of manufacturing, agriculture, and energy industries, providing diverse employment opportunities.
The city offers a temperate climate with distinct seasonal changes, suitable for various outdoor activities.
Drawbacks
Ponca City has a higher crime rate than the national average, with an overall safety grade of D+.
The city has experienced a slight population decline, with a projected annual rate of -0.02% in 2026.
Employment in Ponca City saw a decline of -0.508% from 2023 to 2024.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is highly car-dependent.
The poverty rate in Ponca City is 17.95%, which is higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Natchitoches
#103Louisiana, USA
55.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$664
Avg Salary
$22,157
Cost Index
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
56
Business
60
Ponca City
#97Oklahoma, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$800
Avg Salary
$32,704
Cost Index
83
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
60
Business
65
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