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Stillwater, Oklahoma

10 topographic sheets cover this place, the earliest surveyed in 1893 and the latest in 1990. It stands in the Stillwater census division. It lies in ZIP code area 74074. The Survey maps it on the Stillwater South quadrangle. 48,394 people lived here at the 2020 count. It stands 984 feet above sea level.

Research this city

Stillwater within Payne County

On record in Stillwater

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 12 of 21 shown

Every listing in Payne County

Surveyed buildings and structures 7 records

Population over time

2 figures

Stillwater grew from 45,688 to 48,394 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
201045,688
202048,394+2,706 (+6%)

Topographic sheets covering this place

5 surveys from 10 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 19 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.

Statue of Henry G. Bennett on the grounds of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
Statue of Henry G. Bennett on the grounds of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The Donald W. Reynolds School of Architecture Building at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
The Donald W. Reynolds School of Architecture Building at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The Oklahoma State University Museum of Art in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma State University Museum of Art in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The Okie Exchange boutique in Stillwater, Oklahoma
The Okie Exchange boutique in Stillwater, Oklahoma
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The School of Civil & Environmental Building (note the oil derricks on the roof) at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
The School of Civil & Environmental Building (note the oil derricks on the roof) at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Very old cannons outside the Military Sciences and ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) building at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
Very old cannons outside the Military Sciences and ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) building at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The Edmon Low Library, the main library at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
The Edmon Low Library, the main library at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, a key agricultural center in Oklahoma
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress

Every photograph of Payne 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 Stillwater in 2006, burning about 250 acres in total. None started naturally. None 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
Missing data/not specified/undetermined1

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
5 January 2006Missing data/not specified/undetermined250 acresOklahoma Division of ForestrySTILLWATER 1

Every fire recorded in Payne 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 Stillwater: 2 occurrences. None of them still produces. What was taken out: Copper. 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
Stillwater East-3CopperOccurrence1975
Stillwater East-4CopperOccurrence1972

Every working recorded in Payne County

Storms near this place

60 of 215 shown

Regional context, not property-specific evidence. The National Weather Service names Stillwater in 215 storm reports between 1993 and 2026: 101 hail, 88 thunderstorm wind, 12 flash flood, 5 tornado. The reports record 1 death and 4 injuries. 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 1999Tornado (F2)Stillwater1 killed, 3 hurt, $100,000Tornado B20 (Payne County portion). On January 10,2001 tornadoes B20 and B21 were combined and will be identified as B20. Tornado B21 no longer exists. See summary at end of May 3rd storm reports for more information.
September 1998LightningStillwater1 hurtno account filed
June 2004Thunderstorm WindStillwater$75,000Wind gusts caused minor damage to several dorms and the stadium at Oklahoma State University. An 18 by 24 foot roof structure that covers the boiler and water reservoir at a Best Western was also heavily damaged. Widespread tree damage was reported around town.
June 2007Flash FloodStillwater$50,000Twenty-five to thirty roads were barricaded or closed. A few residences had to be evacuated by boat. Cars were stalled/flooded due to high water on a US-177 feeder road on the north side of town. Widespread street flooding was reported throughout Stillwater. The golf course was also reported under water. Monetary damages were estimated.
April 1994HailStillwater$50,000no account filed
July 1994HailStillwater$50,000no account filed
July 1994Thunderstorm WindStillwater$50,000no account filed
January 2026Thunderstorm WindStillwater$25,000Thunderstorm winds damaged the roof of a building on the campus of Oklahoma State University. The event location is approximate.
June 1999Thunderstorm WindStillwater$25,000no account filed
April 2006Thunderstorm WindStillwater$15,000A pole barn under construction, near the intersection of 6th Street and Country Club, was lifted and thrown over 8 city blocks.
June 2001FloodStillwater$15,000Cars stalled in high water.
May 2019Tornado (EF0)Stillwater$10,000An outbuilding and detached garage were significantly damaged by a brief QLCS tornado.
September 2015Thunderstorm WindStillwater$10,000Several tree limbs and whole trees blew down, with some of the limbs going through roofs.
June 2013Thunderstorm WindStillwater$10,000Minor skylight damage at Walmart from wind gusts. Tree also blown down near this location. Time estimated.
August 2009Thunderstorm WindStillwater$10,000Several 10-15 inch diameter tree limbs were downed, some of them falling on top of power lines. At least 6,200 people were without power for around an hour. Monetary damages were estimated.
July 2007Flash FloodStillwater$10,000Major street flooding was reported by the emergency manager. Several vehicles stalled in the rapidly rising water. Monetary damages were estimated.
August 2005Thunderstorm WindStillwater$10,000A portion of the roof of a house on East 11th Avenue was removed exposing 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a stairwell.
March 1997Thunderstorm WindStillwater$10,000An unoccupied mobile home was overturned on HWY 177 north of Stillwater.
June 2007Thunderstorm WindStillwater$8,000A tree fell on a house and car near the Stillwater high school. Monetary damages were estimated.
August 2009Thunderstorm WindStillwater$7,000A billboard and power pole were blown to the ground. Monetary damages were estimated.
August 2023Flash FloodStillwater$5,000Report of flooded roadways in northern portions of the community of Stillwater. Vehicles reported stranded with water up to their bumpers. Time is estimated.
August 2018Thunderstorm WindStillwater$5,000Tree limb down on a car. Time estimated from radar.
August 2018Thunderstorm WindStillwater$5,000Tree down on a power line. Time estimated from radar.
July 2016Thunderstorm WindStillwater$5,000Significant tree damage occurred in Stillwater. Media relayed a viewer report via Twitter of a substantial tree down on fence. Time estimated via radar.
April 2008Flash FloodStillwater$5,000Numerous streets in Stillwater were closed due to high water. Other roads around the county were also closed due to high water running over top of them. No damages were reported.
April 2006Thunderstorm WindStillwater$5,000A small building used at the entrance of Tumbleweed Dance Hall and Concert Arena to check IDs, etc. was blown over into a chain-link fence.
August 2002LightningStillwater$5,000Lightning struck a transmission line, causing a power outage.
April 1999Thunderstorm WindStillwater$5,000no account filed
October 1998Tornado (F0)Stillwater$5,000no account filed
May 2000LightningStillwater$4,000no account filed
July 2011Thunderstorm WindStillwater$3,000A piece of the roof at Cowboy book was blown onto a vehicle. Monetary damages were estimated.
March 2000Thunderstorm WindStillwater$3,000A roof was blown off a home, and billboard signs were downed on the west side of Stillwater. In addition, outbuildings were destroyed, and power lines were downed near the intersection of Highway 51 and Cottonwood Blvd.
August 2015Thunderstorm WindStillwater$2,000Large trees were snapped by wind.
August 2011Thunderstorm WindStillwater$2,000A tree was blown over and several large tree limbs were snapped on the campus of Oklahoma State University. Monetary damages were estimated.
August 2001Thunderstorm WindStillwater$2,000Trees and power poles were downed at Stillwater Municipal Airport.
May 2000Thunderstorm WindStillwater$2,000Numerous trees were uprooted.
August 1996Thunderstorm WindStillwater$2,000no account filed
September 2015Thunderstorm WindStillwater$1,000Large tree limbs were blown down, including a 4-inch tree limb blown down onto a patio roof.
August 2001Thunderstorm WindStillwater$1,000Power poles were downed.
July 2000Thunderstorm WindStillwater$500Two oak trees and one maple tree were downed.
March 1999LightningStillwater$500Lightning struck near a substation knocking out power to portions of southwest Stillwater.
November 1998Thunderstorm WindStillwater$500no account filed
May 2006Thunderstorm WindStillwater$250Tree limbs, up to 12 inches in diameter, were downed.
August 2005Thunderstorm WindStillwater$150Three to four inch diameter tree limbs were downed on the west side of town.
August 2006Thunderstorm WindStillwater$100Five inch diameter tree limbs were snapped.
April 2026HailStillwater-Reported by a broadcast media storm chaser. The location is approximate.
January 2026Thunderstorm WindStillwater-A tree was blown down on Husband Street, just north of Stillwater High School. The event location is approximate, and the time is estimated from radar observations.
April 2025HailStillwater-The report was relayed through mPING.
May 2025HailStillwater-Hailfall occurred near the intersection of 19th Street and Western Road.
May 2024Thunderstorm WindStillwater-Social media image showing a tree blown down. Time is radar estimated.
May 2023Thunderstorm WindStillwater-Numerous 2+ inch diameter tree limbs blown down across portions of the Oklahoma State University campus.
May 2019Thunderstorm WindStillwater-Large tree blown over. Twitter report with a picture.
June 2019Flash FloodStillwater-Water moving across the road.
May 2019HailStillwater-Reported through Mping.
May 2019FloodStillwater-Road closed south of 32nd at Stillwater Creek. Also several home and vehicle rescues within town.
August 2018Thunderstorm WindStillwater-Social media video showed 6-8 inch diameter tree limb snapped from tree. Time estimated from radar.
August 2018Thunderstorm WindStillwater-Six to eight inch limb downed. Time estimated from radar.
August 2018FloodStillwater-Multiple streets and intersections with flooding in Stillwater.
August 2018Flash FloodStillwater-Car swept off road by floodwater. 1 to 2 feet of water on roadway.
October 2017Flash FloodStillwater-Street flooding reported with stalled vehicles.

Every storm recorded in Payne 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
Yost6.4 miles11
Mehan7.8 miles11
Marena8.7 miles11
Ingalls9.4 miles11
Perkins9.9 miles11
Glencoe10.5 miles11
Ripley10.5 miles11
Vinco11.2 miles11

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 StillwaterAn encyclopaedic summary. Its text is share-alike, so it is linked here rather than copied.
Wikidata item Q852714The 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 1098541. 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.