Ada is located in southern Oklahoma in Pontotoc County (of which it is the county seat) southeast of Oklahoma City along SR 1 about five miles south of the Canadian River.
The town is the home of the Chickasaw Nation Office of the Governor and the Chickasaw Cultural Center Museum which is filled with tribal artistry and artifacts. In addition, the Robert S. Kerr Memorial, a tribute to the former U.S. Senator and first native Oklahoman to be elected governor, is open to visitors.
Ada's higher education opportunities take the form of East Central University where four-year degrees can be earned.
The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 15,313, a decrease of 452 since 1990.