Elmore City, Oklahoma
Elmore City is a small town in Garvin County, Oklahoma, about 58 miles south of Oklahoma City. It has about 738 residents as of 2020, up from 697 in 2010. The town was named after businessman J. O. Elmore.
Two highways pass through Elmore City: State Highway 29 (east–west) and State Highway 74 (north–south). It sits about 12 miles west of Wynnewood, 25 miles south of Purcell, and 23 miles west of U.S. Highway 177.
History: The first business was opened by Jasper N. Black in 1890 near Rock Creek. The growing settlement became Banner, then got a post office and was renamed Elmore after J. O. Elmore. The name was later changed to Elmore City. The town was incorporated in 1898 and was part of Pickens County in the Chickasaw Nation before Oklahoma statehood.
Footloose connection: The town once banned public dancing before statehood. In 1979–80, high school students fought for a prom with dancing. The controversy drew national attention and helped inspire the 1984 film Footloose; the prom eventually took place with the mayor's support.
Geography: The town covers about 1 square mile, all land.
Demographics (summary): In 2010 about 697 people lived there, with a mix of White and Native American residents. The community had about 328 households, with roughly 2.3 people per household. The median age was around 37 years. Incomes were modest, with many families earning around $23,800 a year.
Education: Elmore City is served by Elmore City-Pernell public schools. The school mascot is Bogey the Badger, and the colors are purple and white.
Cemetery: There is one cemetery, Elmore City Cemetery.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 03:29 (CET).