The city of Blanchard is a quaint and small rural town that has undergone tremendous growth over the years. This rapid growth has necessitated the annexation of a buffer zone in 2004. A downtown beautification project has been initiated and infrastructure is being improved to cope with the population growth. Older buildings in the center of Blanchard were demolished to make way for wider U.S. 62.
The town started as a part of the Chickasaw Nation in 1855 when the Chickasaws formed their own government. The Chickasaws elected their first governor, Cyrus Harris, in 1855. The area became a route during the California Gold Rush. The Oklahoma Central Railroad's California Road served as a main route. In 1850, Nathan Boone led a wagon train to Santa Fe.
In 2010, the population of Blanchard Twp City grew by 7.9%. By 2035, the population is estimated to be around 22,500. The increase in population is due to a number of factors, including the housing market nationally and the city's appetite for new homeowners. With that much growth, the city will continue to face challenges. As a result, it is essential to increase its housing supply to meet the needs of the local residents.
There are fourteen zoning districts in the city of Blanchard. The city's zoning ordinance outlines two agricultural/acreage residential districts, four residential zoning districts, two commercial/industrial districts, two industrial districts, and a buffer zone around the city to prevent encroachment of neighboring communities. It is important to note that while there is a lot of potential for growth in the city, certain areas should remain in the community until the city annexes these areas.