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Velma, Oklahoma
Location of Velma, Oklahoma
Location of Velma, Oklahoma
Country United States
State Oklahoma
County Stephens
Area
 • Total 1.36 sq mi (3.53 km2)
 • Land 1.35 sq mi (3.50 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation
1,040 ft (320 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 554
 • Density 409.46/sq mi (158.06/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
73491
Area code(s) 580
FIPS code 40-76900
GNIS feature ID 2413425

Velma is a small town located in Stephens County, Oklahoma, in the United States. In 2010, about 620 people lived there. By 2020, the population was 554.

Velma's History

A post office opened in Velma on September 25, 1886. At that time, this area was known as Indian Territory. The town was named after Velma Dobbins. She was the daughter of a local business owner and a long-time resident.

When Velma was first founded, it was part of Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation.

Where is Velma?

Velma is located in Oklahoma. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town covers about 1.4 square miles (3.5 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the town limits.

Velma is famous for its "Annual Old Settler's Picnic and Rodeo." This event has been held almost every year since Oklahoma became a state. It takes place on the first weekend of August. The rodeo is known for attracting some of the best calf ropers in the United States.

Velma's Population

Historical population
Census Pop.
1970 611
1980 831 36.0%
1990 661 −20.5%
2000 771 16.6%
2010 620 −19.6%
2020 554 −10.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were 664 people living in Velma. These people lived in 247 households, and 187 of these were families. The population density was about 470 people per square mile.

Most of the people living in Velma were White (about 91%). About 8% were Native American. A small number of people were from other backgrounds.

Households and Families

Out of the 247 households in 2000, about 40% had children under 18 living with them. More than 60% of households were married couples living together. About 12% had a female head of the household without a husband present.

The average household had about 2.69 people. The average family had about 3.15 people.

Age and Income

In 2000, about 29% of the population was under 18 years old. About 12% were 65 years or older. The average age of people in Velma was 35 years old.

The average income for a household in Velma was about $30,341 per year. For families, the average income was about $34,286.

Famous Person from Velma

  • Joe Diffie, a well-known country singer and songwriter, was from Velma.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Velma (Oklahoma) para niños

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