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Elk City, Oklahoma

8 topographic sheets cover this place, the earliest surveyed in 1955 and the latest in 1987. It stands in the Elk City census division. It lies in ZIP code area 73644. The Survey maps it on the Elk City quadrangle. 11,561 people lived here at the 2020 count. It stands 1,919 feet above sea level.

Research this city

Elk City within Beckham County

On record in Elk City

Buildings and businesses the archive holds for this place. Each opens its own page, with the source record it came from.

On the National Register 4 records

Population over time

2 figures

Elk City fell from 11,693 to 11,561 between 2010 and 2020. These are the recorded population figures Wikidata holds for this place, reached through the Geographic Names Information System number this page is keyed on rather than by name, so they belong to this place and not to another of the same name. Most are census counts, but not all are: an early figure may be a founding or settlement estimate, and an estimate published within five years of a census is left out. The change column is computed, and is left blank where more than 20 years separate a figure from the one before it, because a gap that long is not a change between two counts.

YearPeople Change
201011,693
202011,561-132 (-1%)

Topographic sheets covering this place

5 surveys from 8 printed sheets

Matched by testing this settlement's coordinate against the published boundary of every sheet in the United States Geological Survey's historical collection. Each opens the scanned sheet at the Survey.

Photographs

8 of 16 photographs shown, 2020

Taken for the Office of War Information and the Farm Security Administration, who photographed the country between 1935 and 1944. Works of United States government photographers, with no known restriction on use. Each opens its catalogue record.

This sign introduces the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, along the historic "Mother Road" that ran (and still does in limited sections) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
This sign introduces the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, along the historic "Mother Road" that ran (and still does in limited sections) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Carnegie Library in the western Oklahoma community of Elk City
Carnegie Library in the western Oklahoma community of Elk City
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Randy Haggard's 2017 "Life-Death-Infinity" metal sculpture outside the Carnegie Library in the western Oklahoma community of Elk City
Randy Haggard's 2017 "Life-Death-Infinity" metal sculpture outside the Carnegie Library in the western Oklahoma community of Elk City
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
T. D. Kelsey's metal-art sculpture of Commotion, a world-renowned bucking bronco (and his unfortunate rider) at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, along the historic "Mother Road" that ran (and still does in limited sections) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
T. D. Kelsey's metal-art sculpture of Commotion, a world-renowned bucking bronco (and his unfortunate rider) at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, along the historic "Mother Road" that ran (and still does in limited sections) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Joe E. Smith's 1999 "Buffalo on the Prairie" metal-art sculpture at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, along the historic "Mother Road" that ran (and still does in limited sections) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
Joe E. Smith's 1999 "Buffalo on the Prairie" metal-art sculpture at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, along the historic "Mother Road" that ran (and still does in limited sections) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
A portion of the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, along the historic "Mother Road" that ran (and still does in limited sections) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
A portion of the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, along the historic "Mother Road" that ran (and still does in limited sections) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
A vintage Phillips 66 gasoline pump at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, along the historic "Mother Road" that ran (and still does in limited sections) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
A vintage Phillips 66 gasoline pump at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, along the historic "Mother Road" that ran (and still does in limited sections) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The Rock Island Railroad's early-1900s depot, abandoned in 1970 but still standing (as of 2020) in the western Oklahoma community of Elk City
The Rock Island Railroad's early-1900s depot, abandoned in 1970 but still standing (as of 2020) in the western Oklahoma community of Elk City
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress

Every photograph of Beckham County

Fires near this place

1 since 2006

Regional context, not property-specific evidence. The federal wildfire occurrence database lists 1 fire within 5 miles of Elk City in 2006, burning about 20 acres in total. None started naturally. 1 was recorded as arson. Distance is straight-line from the map coordinates, so a fire counted here may appear on a neighbouring settlement's page as well.

Reported cause Fires
Arson/incendiarism1

The most recent of them, most recent first, with the day each was reported and the service that recorded it.

DateCause SizeReported by Name on the report
30 March 2006Arson/incendiarism20 acresConcho Field OfficeELK 2

Settlements close enough to share some of these fires:

Every fire recorded in Beckham County

Mines and quarries near this place

2 within 5 miles

Regional context, not property-specific evidence. The federal mineral resources record lists 2 workings within 5 miles of Elk City: 2 past producers. None of them still produces. What was taken out: Sand and Gravel, Construction. Distance is straight-line from the map coordinates, so a quarry counted here may appear on a neighbouring settlement's page as well.

Where SiteCommodity StatusRecorded
Unknown Gravel PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionPast Producer
Unknown Gravel PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionPast Producer

Every working recorded in Beckham County

Storms near this place

60 of 167 shown

Regional context, not property-specific evidence. The National Weather Service names Elk City in 167 storm reports between 1993 and 2026: 80 thunderstorm wind, 69 hail, 6 tornado, 6 flash flood. The reports record 1 injury. Each account below is quoted exactly as the forecast office filed it, from the NOAA Storm Events Database, and each date opens the federal record of that event.

WhenEvent Place namedHarm What the report says
May 2001Flash FloodElk City1 hurt, $30,000Several cars stalled in high water, and a young boy was swept into a drainage channel but pulled to safety.
May 2015Flash FloodElk City$500,000Numerous homes flooded with water rescues ongoing.
June 2008Thunderstorm WindElk City$500,000The roof of the Lincoln Teen Center was mostly removed by the strong winds, with another sustaining major damage. Numerous trees were blown down and several dumpsters were blown over. High voltage transmission structures and power lines were blown down. The Holiday Inn sign was also blown down. Monetary damages were estimated.
May 2015Flash FloodElk City$300,000Significant flash flooding in Elk City. Numerous roads closed and impassable. Several water rescues occurred with water flooding several homes.
April 2026Thunderstorm WindElk City$50,000Thunderstorm wind damage occurred in and around Elk City, including damage to a steel building, trees and powerlines. A tractor trailer was also overturned along Interstate 40. The location is approximate, and the event time is estimated based on radar observations and a nearby significant wind gust at Elk City Regional Business Airport.
May 2017Thunderstorm WindElk City$50,000Numerous homes and structures were damaged including roofs removed. One home collapsed.
October 1998LightningElk City$50,000no account filed
April 2002Tornado (F1)Elk City$40,000This tornado was observed by the Elk City Fire Dept., near Highway 34, in northeast Beckham County. A sw-ne oriented, anchored mobile home was blown 50 yards northward with only the foundation remaining. A 16 foot stock trailer, oriented n-s, was twisted 180 degrees, and barns were destroyed.
March 2000Thunderstorm WindElk City$40,000A barn and camper were destroyed. Three fences were blown over. A barn and shed were damaged. A cattle semi-trailer was blown over, and roofs of a house and barn were blown off.
May 1999Thunderstorm WindElk City$40,000no account filed
May 1997Thunderstorm WindElk City$35,000Severe thunderstorm winds in Elk City blew the roof off of one business and blew eight overhead doors out of several other businesses. On the edge of town an 11,000 pound tank trailer was blown onto its side and into a fence. Countless trees and limbs were snapped and signs were downed throughout town.
July 2023Thunderstorm WindElk City$30,000Numerous social media images showing the front entryway of a Walmart Supercenter blown inward by thunderstorm wind. Time is radar estimated.
May 2005Thunderstorm WindElk City$25,000Strong thunderstorm wind gusts blew over a double-wide trailer located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Highway 152 and Highway 6, south of Elk City. Stop signs were also blown over about a mile south of this intersection.
October 2001Tornado (F1)Elk City$20,000A5. Beckham County portion. This tornado ripped off the southwest corner off a mobile home and partially removed its roof in Beckham County.
May 1998Thunderstorm WindElk City$18,500no account filed
June 2008Thunderstorm WindElk City$15,000Large power poles were blown down. Monetary damages were estimated.
April 2002Thunderstorm WindElk City$15,000The roof and sign of a motel along Interstate 40 were damaged, and power lines were downed.
May 1999Thunderstorm WindElk City$15,000no account filed
May 1998Thunderstorm WindElk City$13,000no account filed
June 2023Thunderstorm WindElk City$10,000Large free-standing communications tower collapsed due to thunderstorm wind. Time is radar estimated.
August 2023Thunderstorm WindElk City$10,000Phone call report of numerous power poles blown down and sporadic roof damage across Elk City. Time is radar estimated.
May 2016Thunderstorm WindElk City$10,000A semi was blown over.
May 1998Thunderstorm WindElk City$9,000no account filed
September 2010Thunderstorm WindElk City$8,000Power poles and associated power lines were downed along Highway 6. Monetary damages were estimated.
July 2009Thunderstorm WindElk City$6,000Numerous tree limbs were blown down. Power was briefly out over parts of Elk City as well. Monetary damages were estimated.
June 2023Thunderstorm WindElk City$5,000MPing report of tree and power pole damage.
December 2012Thunderstorm WindElk City$5,000Power lines were reported down on Merritt Road just north of I-40 at MM 34.
May 1996Thunderstorm WindElk City$5,000no account filed
August 1994Thunderstorm WindElk City$5,000no account filed
June 1994Thunderstorm WindElk City$5,000no account filed
August 1998LightningElk City$2,500Lightning started a 30 acre grass fire that consumed a large fence. Severel fire departments battled the blaze for many hours.
August 1999LightningElk City$2,500no account filed
May 1998Thunderstorm WindElk City$2,000no account filed
May 1997Thunderstorm WindElk City$1,000A barn was damaged by severe thunderstorm winds.
August 1997Thunderstorm WindElk City$1,000Severe thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 mph downed trees, fences, and tree limbs.
May 1998Thunderstorm WindElk City$1,000no account filed
August 1997HailElk City$750Hail as large as golf balls broke several windows and knocked holes in the siding of a house.
June 2005Thunderstorm WindElk City$500Two inch diameter tree limbs were downed.
August 1999Thunderstorm WindElk City$500no account filed
June 2000Thunderstorm WindElk City$200A 150-foot section of a wooden fence was blown down.
October 2001Tornado (F0)Elk City$100B1. Beckham County portion. This tornado developed northeast of Elk City, near Eastern Ave., and eventually moved through portions of Washita and Custer Counties. Damage in Beckham County consisted of broken tree limbs.
June 1997Thunderstorm WindElk City$100Eight to ten inch diameter trees and limbs were blown down by the strong winds.
May 1997Thunderstorm WindElk City$10Severe thunderstorm winds downed tree limbs.
April 2026HailElk City-The location is approximate.
April 2026HailElk City-The location is approximate.
April 2026Thunderstorm WindElk City-Elk City Regional Business Airport (KELK) observation.
April 2026HailElk City-The report was relayed through mPING.
April 2026HailElk City-Shared images showed accumulating small hail in Elk City. The location is approximate, and the event time is estimated based on radar observations.
May 2025Thunderstorm WindElk City-Elk City Regional Business Airport (KELK) observation.
May 2025Thunderstorm WindElk City-An estimated wind gust from a broadcast media storm chaser. The location is approximate.
May 2025Thunderstorm WindElk City-Elk City (ELKC) Mesonet observation.
May 2025Thunderstorm WindElk City-Elk City Regional Business Airport (KELK) observation.
May 2025HailElk City-The report was relayed through mPING.
May 2025HailElk City-An image was shared. The location is approximate, and the event time is estimated from radar observations.
June 2025HailElk City-The report was relayed through mPING.
June 2025HailElk City-The location is approximate.
June 2025Thunderstorm WindElk City-Elk City (ELKC) Mesonet observation.
June 2025HailElk City-The report was relayed through mPING.
June 2025HailElk City-The report was relayed through mPING.
June 2025Thunderstorm WindElk City-Elk City (ELKC) Mesonet observation.

Every storm recorded in Beckham County

Nearest settlements

The eight closest, with where each one stands in the county. Distances are straight-line, computed from the Geographic Names Information System coordinates.

Map PlaceDistance Sheets
Merritt6.1 miles9
Hocker9.2 miles8
Doxey11.3 miles9
Taylor11.4 miles9
Carter14.4 miles9
Sayre15.0 miles9
New Liberty16.9 miles9
Prentiss21.5 miles9

Elsewhere

Matched on this settlement's Geographic Names Information System number rather than its name, so it cannot be a different place of the same name in another state.

Wikipedia article on Elk CityAn encyclopaedic summary. Its text is share-alike, so it is linked here rather than copied.
Wikidata item Q1007885The structured record the population and elevation above come from. Public domain (CC0).

Provenance

This settlement is recorded in the Geographic Names Information System as feature 1092527. The sheet list is computed by point-in-boundary test against the United States Geological Survey's historical topographic inventory. Both are works of the United States government and carry no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.

Wildfire. Short, Karen C. 2022. Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2020 [FPA_FOD_20221014]. 6th Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2013-0009.6 Collected with United States Government funding and usable without additional permissions or fees.

Mines and quarries. USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.

Storms. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105. Narratives are quoted verbatim from the National Weather Service report and are not edited or summarised.