The closest major city to Vance AFB is Enid, Oklahoma. It has about 50,000 people, and is in Garfield County, which has a population of about 61,000 people. There are several nearby small communities of less than a thousand people; the closest to base is Waukomis, with about 1,200 people.

It is about 7 miles from downtown Enid to Vance; this takes about 14 minutes to commute, but the city is somewhat spread out and travel times can vary significantly, especially in winter. The average commute in Garfield County is about 16 minutes.

The local economy is mostly agriculture and farm support businesses, along with military support business and industry, and oil industry.

Local Housing Rental Prices: The average apartment rent in the Enid area ranges from $350 to $550 per month, with a median of $425 per month.

Local Housing Purchase Prices: The average price for a house in Enid is about $85,000, compared to $110,000 for Oklahoma.

Short Description of the Area: Enid is a mid-sized city in north-central Oklahoma, about one hour south of the Kansas border, an hour and a half north of Oklahoma City, and two hours west of Tulsa. Enid is a small city, but one of the more interesting places in the state.

Enid is the Wheat Capital of the US, with more grain storage than anywhere in the US. This is the heart of the American breadbasket; a lot of the amber waves of grain are shipped to market from here.

Climate and Weather: The area has a humid, warm climate in summer, and cold, dry climate in winter. Winter temperatures range from the high 40s to mid-20s, with chills as low as the tens below zero; snow is not usually deep, but with wind chill the winters can be bitter. Summer temperatures range from the mid 90s to low 70s, with spikes of up to 110. Springs and summers have thunderstorms, and this area is in Tornado Alley; Enid has been hit by tornadoes and storm-driven flash floods; have an emergency kit and plan ready.