Sayre is located in western Oklahoma in Beckham County (of which it is the county seat) just southwest of Elk City along Highway 283 on the banks of the North Fork of the Red River near the Texas state line. Interstate 40 passes just south and east of the town.

Situated on historic Route 66, Sayre's Owl Drug offers 50's-style foamy root beer and chocolate malts at the longest antique soda fountain in the state. The town also houses the RS&K Railroad Museum which has about 200 antique model trains displayed. Other attractions include the The Shortgrass Country Museum.

Post-high school education is available at Southwestern Oklahoma State University-Sayre.

The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 2,760, a decrease of 121 since 1990.