Moving to Oklahoma statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Oklahoma?

Approximately 107,679 people moved to Oklahoma in 2023, while 84,309 moved out. This represents a net gain of 23,370 residents. While not as popular as its Southern neighbor, Texas, the state averaged an impressive 88 movers per day between 2022 and 2023, mostly driven by domestic migration.

The Sooner State has been growing in popularity among domestic migrants, attracting more than six of its seven neighbors, with the exception of Texas. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Oklahoma ranked as the 10th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Oklahoma

Oklahoma ranked as the 45th best U.S. state to move to in 2024, as its poor economy, education and health care scores hold it back. However, with housing costs over 42% below the national median and the second lowest cost of living, the state’s up-and-coming appeal can partially be attributed to affordability.

The majority of people moving to the Sooner State are choosing the suburbs surrounding Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Oklahoma City attracted the most new residents, adding 21,676 movers (3.2% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Yukon — a suburb of OKC — saw the highest population growth, growing by 11.6% within that same time period.

A few Tulsa suburbs — Broken Arrow and Owasso — also gained significant population. Broken Arrow added 5,641 new residents (5% growth), while Owasso gained 2,855 (7.5% growth).

The top five Oklahoma cities people moved to between 2020 and 2023 are as follows:

Why do people move to Oklahoma?

Oklahoma, and especially Oklahoma City, is a booming destination for job seekers and investors alike. In 2023 alone, there were 71 announcements regarding company growth, with 17 companies establishing a new presence in the state. This equates to a potential investment of $7.8 billion and the creation of over 6,500 new jobs.

The largest industries in the Sooner State are government, trade, transportation, and utilities, and education and health services. Collectively, these industries employ about 53.6% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state, however, is construction, growing by 6.4% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Oklahoma housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,252.14 and a median home sale price of $242,200, Oklahoma renters and homeowners can expect to pay a significant 42.4% less than the national median for housing.

Oklahoma offers middle-of-the-road property tax rates, ranking 22nd in the nation with a rate of 0.89%. In 2021, the average property owner in Oklahoma County — where OKC is located — paid $1,776 in annual property taxes. In general, residents of the Sooner State pay lower property taxes than other states, in part due to low property costs. The most expensive county is Cleveland County, where residents paid an average of $2,045 in 2021, while the most affordable county is Cimarron County, where residents paid as little as $291 that same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s cost-of-living index is 86, making it the second most affordable state in the union. Gas prices are also considerably less than the national average ($3.26) at $3.01 per gallon. This is the case in part due to having the sixth highest oil and gas production in the United States. However, Oklahoma only ranks as the 40th most green state, partly due to high carbon emissions and a lack of recycling.

Though the Sooner State does have a lower-than-average cost of living, the median household income is only $60,342. That means the typical household here earns 20% less than the national median of $75,358. Luckily, unemployment is also lower (3.4%) than the national average (4.2%).

Overall, Oklahoma offers one of the lowest cost-of-living indexes in the U.S. but with the caveat that your salary will likely be less than the national median. Would-be residents should budget carefully and be mindful of the job opportunities available.

Who lives in Oklahoma?

An estimated 4,053,824 people live in Oklahoma as of 2023, making it the 28th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 34,553 people compared to 2022.

Oklahoma’s population skews slightly female, with women accounting for 50.25% and men accounting for 49.75% of residents. In 2023, approximately 2.04 million Oklahoma residents were female, and 2.02 million were male.

On average, Oklahoma’s population is also slightly younger (37.2 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 and 44 years old, accounting for 26.7% of the population, or 1.08 million people.

White residents account for the largest share of Oklahomans, representing 72.9% of the population (2.95 million people). The state also has one of the largest shares of American Indian residents in the country, at 9.5% of the population (386,895 people). Hispanic and Black residents also account for 12.9% and 7.9% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Oklahoma

Not sure how to start your move to Oklahoma? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

With the second lowest cost-of-living index and median home sale prices over 42% below the national median, Oklahoma offers some of the most affordable living in the United States. However, would-be movers should also be mindful of the job opportunities available, as the median household income is considerably lower than the national median. Affordability can also vary by region, with residents of OKC and Tulsa paying more on average than those in rural areas. Before making the move, tools like OK.gov can help you better understand local expenses and resources.

2. Explore the job market

Despite lower-than-average household incomes, Oklahoma is a major up-and-coming destination for existing businesses and young entrepreneurs alike. In recent years, several large companies have decided to relocate to the state, bringing job opportunities and economic prosperity to major cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. You can start your job search using resources like Oklahoma Works to explore opportunities aligned with your skills and experience.

3. Prepare for seasonal weather

Oklahoma’s south central location in the U.S. means that you can expect a wide variation in weather patterns from summer to winter. Summers can regularly be well over 90 degrees, while winters can bring the occasional deep freeze with ice and snow. We recommend investing in homes with adequate insulation and HVAC systems, as well as season-appropriate clothing. You can monitor seasonal changes through the National Weather Service website.

4. Be aware of natural hazards

With an annual average of 62 tornadoes per year, Oklahoma has the fourth-highest number of twisters in the nation. Peak tornado season runs from April through June, with May being noted as the worst month. Other common hazards in Oklahoma include severe thunderstorms and occasional ice and snowstorm. Check out the Oklahoma Emergency Management website for weather preparation tips.

5. Research transportation needs

While there are some public transportation options available in major hubs like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the Sooner State is largely car-dependent. Additionally, with long stretches of highway in dry regions, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is equipped for long-distance travel. For detailed information on transportation resources, visit the Oklahoma Department of Transportation website.

6. Embrace Oklahoma’s unique culture

Oklahoma offers a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Mexico, Native American tribes and the Old American West. Try incredible barbecue and Hispanic cuisine, or explore the numerous museums and events celebrating the region’s history. Visit TravelOK.com to discover recreational activities and local events that make Oklahoma a great place to call home.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Oklahoma, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.