Moving to Oklahoma in 2023? Complete Relocation Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Oklahoma.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Oklahoma

Are you planning to move to Oklahoma?

Oklahoma is one of the most coveted destinations for relocating families. The Sooner state’s low crime rates, affordable homes, and top-quality schools make it a top destination for many families in America.

If you’d like to live in a state with remarkable weather, where you’ll experience all four seasons in a year, moving to Oklahoma is perfect for you.

Oklahoma has a robust economy, a booming job market, and a thriving population of millennials, making it one of the best places for startups and investors in the country.

If all that sounds like what you’d like to be a part of, this guide contains all the key information you need to know about the state before making up your mind about moving to Oklahoma.

Let’s jump right in!

Demographics

Oklahoma Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Oklahoma.

Male vs Female Population of Oklahoma 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Oklahoma 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Oklahoma 2021

facts of Oklahoma

Quick facts to know before moving to Oklahoma

  • The cost of homes in Oklahoma are lower than the U.S. average
  • Costs of living in Oklahoma are lower than the national average
  • Commuting time in Oklahoma is shorter than the U.S. average
  • You’ll experience all four seasons in Oklahoma
  • Oklahoma averages 234 sunny days per year
  • Unemployment rates in Oklahoma are lower than the U.S. average
  • Crime rates in Oklahoma are lower than the national average
  • The average hourly rate for average jobs in Oklahoma is $20.34

What’s the population of Oklahoma?

Oklahoma’s population is 3,990,443. The state stretches across 69,898 square miles (181,195 square kilometers) making it the 20th largest by area in the United States. Oklahoma’s population is currently growing at a rate of 0.84%.

Since you’re considering moving to Oklahoma, here’s a breakdown of the state’s population:

  • Oklahoma’s median age is 37
  • Oklahoma is the 35th most densely populated state in the U.S.
  • Female account for 50.43% of Oklahoma’s population
  • Male account for 49.57% of Oklahoma’s population
  • Oklahoma City is the largest city in Oklahoma

How fast can you commute to Oklahoma?

Oklahoma’s average one-way commute time takes 21.3 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. That means commuting time in Oklahoma is shorter and faster than the U.S. average. This is one of the key perks to consider if you’re moving to Oklahoma. Spending less amount of time commuting means less stress and a longer lifespan.

Here’s how Oklahomans commute to work:

  • About 82.3% of Oklahomans drive their own car alone
  • Up to 11.2% of Oklahoman’s carpool with others
  • Around 3.5% of Oklahomans work from home
  • About 0.6% of Oklahomans take the mass transit

How is the weather like in Oklahoma?

The weather is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to consider before moving to Oklahoma. Here are key stats of the state’s weather since you’re mulling over moving to Oklahoma:

  • Oklahoma summer high in July is around 93 degrees
  • Oklahoma winter low in January is around 26 degrees
  • Oklahoma averages 39 inches of rain in a year
  • Oklahoma averages 6 inches of snow in a year
  • Oklahoma averages 234 sunny days per year. U.S. average is 205 sunny days
moving to oklahoma

Top 10 Reasons to move to Oklahoma

Thousands of people are moving to Oklahoma every year for several reasons.

We’ve made a top ten list of why most people move to the Sooner State since you’re considering moving to Oklahoma:

  • Oklahoma’s cost of living is lower than the national average:

    Oklahoma has the second-lowest cost of living in the US. In Oklahoma, the cost of living is about 15% less than the national average. The living wage in Oklahoma is $46,159, and the median household income is $51,424.

  • Oklahoma is rated as one of the best states for military retirees:

    Oklahoma is one of the best states for military retirees to move in for quality life, economic environment, and healthcare. In addition, there are seven state veterans’ homes in Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, Sulphur, and Talihina, offering free nursing services for both veterans and their spouses. The state even exempts property tax and sales tax for veterans by 100%.

  • Oklahoma is home to some of the best college cities in the U.S.:

    Some of the best colleges and universities in the US are in Oklahoma. The state is home to a mix of public and private large research universities, midsize colleges, and small liberal arts schools. Oklahoma City is the state capital and most colleges and universities are located in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metropolitan areas. Some of the top-ranking colleges in Oklahoma State include the University of Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City University, Oral Roberts University, and Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology—Okmulgee.

  • The lakes in Oklahoma are beautiful:

    Oklahoma is covered by one million surface acres of water. It has the most number of manmade lakes in the US, each prettier and captivating. Some of the best lakes in Oklahoma are:

    • Broken Bow Lake; McCurtain County
    • Lake Oologah; Rogers & Nowata counties
    • Skiatook Lake; Osage County
    • Eufaula Lake; Haskell, McIntosh & Pittsburg Counties
    • Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees
    • Konawa Lake

  • Homes are affordable in Oklahoma:

    Since Oklahoma has the second-lowest-cost of living in the US, it is natural that the housing costs are extremely low. An average two-bedroom apartment costs $879 per month and the median home value is $130,001.

  • Commute’s time is shorter in Oklahoma:

    Recent studies state that Oklahoma has the 9th shortest commute time in the US. On average, an Oklahoma resident takes 21.7 minutes for the one-way commute to work, which is 18.4% lower than the national average. While driving a car, a resident takes 21.5 minutes for the one-way commute to the office and by public transport, it is 36.7 minutes.

  • Oklahoma has a robust economy and booming job market:

    The economy of Oklahoma is highly robust and the job sector is booming. In May, employment rose by 559,000 and the unemployment rate declined by 0.3% to 5.8%. The major booming sectors in Oklahoma are bioscience, insurance, telecommunications, aviation, and energy.

  • Oklahoma is a melting pot of culture:

    Oklahoma is a land of diversity and it is home to nearly 4 million people who claim hundreds of cultures. You will see white, American Indian, black, Hispanic, English, Irish, German, Italian, Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Scottish, French, Dutch, and Middle Eastern in Oklahoma. In addition, the state also has a large Hispanic population.

  • You’ll enjoy all four seasons in Oklahoma:

    Oklahoma experiences all four seasons with frequent variations. Summers can be oppressive with temperatures stalling out in the 80s and 90s F in the daytime while in the fall, temperatures drop to 60 to 80-degree F and in the winter, it can go dip below the freezing mark, especially at night.

  • Oklahomans are friendly, polite, and laid-back people:

    One of the major pluses of Oklahoma is the friendly population here. Oklahomans are ranked as highly cordial and welcoming and they have the reputation of being the kindest and down-to-earth people in the country. In addition, the state has a highly laid-back attitude.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Oklahoma.

oklahoma pros and cons

Pros & Cons of Living in Oklahoma

Considering the pros and cons of the Sooner state can help you decide if moving to Oklahoma is right for you or not.

We’ve made a list of the various pros and cons of living in Oklahoma to help you get started:

Pros of living in Oklahoma Cons of living in Oklahoma
The cost of living in Oklahoma is lower than the national averageOklahoma is susceptible to extreme weather
Oklahoma is home to several attractive mid-sized citiesThe landscape in Oklahoma is best described as dull
Homes are affordable in OklahomaOklahoma doesn’t offer any access to major metropolitan areas
Oklahoma has a vibrant economyYou’ll have to put up with high state and local taxes
You’ll enjoy all four seasons in OklahomaSub-par K-12 education
Oklahomans are warm and friendly peopleYou’ll have to put up with the high level of fundamentalism
You’ll earn a decent wage in OklahomaOklahoma lacks adequate infrastructure funding
It’s easy to travel around OklahomaYou’ll have to put up with prevalent food tax
Oklahoma is rich in cultureOklahoma is not a politically diverse state
The excessive cultural independence triggers isolation
place in oklahoma to live

Best Places to Live in Oklahoma

Moving to Oklahoma means getting the chance to live in some of the best places in the state. To make it easier for you to choose any of these places, we’ve made a list of the ten best places to live in Oklahoma. Check out the list below:

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1Jenks22,4884.3%$214,300
2Bixby26,5412.9%$223,900
3Broken Arrow108,4964.2%$166,900
4Mustang21,4592.7%$160,200
5Edmond92,0093.6%$240,600
6Owasso36,1733.3%$172,700
7Piedmont7,7470.8%$222,300
8Blanchard8,3862.7%$191,700
9Choctaw12,4742.8%$178,600
10Tuttle7,2941.2%$197,600

Oklahoma Cities Moving Guides

cost of living in oklahoma

Cost of Living in Oklahoma

The cost of living in Oklahoma is 83.7. The United States average is 100.

That means the cost of living in Oklahoma is lower than the United States average. Here’s a breakdown of the various costs of living in the Sooner state if you’re moving to Oklahoma:

Cost of Living Oklahoma United States
Overall83.7100
Grocery92.3100
Health115.8100
Housing54100
Median Home Cost$124,800$231,200
Utilities99.7100
Transportation89.2100
Miscellaneous95.9100

Median House Price in Oklahoma vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Oklahoma vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Oklahoma vs USA 2021

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Oklahoma’s Housing Market

One of the key perks of moving to Oklahoma is affordable homes. More than 70% of Oklahomans are homeowners. Buying a home is a good housing option since you’re considering moving to Oklahoma. Here are key stats about the state’s housing market:

  • Oklahoma’s median home cost is $124,800
  • Homes in the state has appreciated by 24.9% in the last 10 years
  • Presently, Oklahoma homes have appreciated by 5.1%
  • More than 70% of Oklahomans are homeowners

Oklahoma’s median home rental cost

Renting a home after moving to Oklahoma can be a good housing option. About 28.9% of Oklahomans are renters. Up to 2.6% of homes and apartments in the state are available to rent. Here are key stats about the state’s rental market if you’re moving to Oklahoma:

  • The average cost of a studio apartment in Oklahoma is $568
  • The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Oklahoma is $629
  • The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Oklahoma is $801
  • The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Oklahoma is $1083
  • The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Oklahoma is $1,265
jobs in oklahoma

How is the job market in Oklahoma?

Moving to Oklahoma could mean getting a new job with new pay. Oklahoma has a robust economy, and the state’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average.

  • Oklahoma’s unemployment rate is 4.1%. The national average is 6.0%
  • Over the past year, the number of jobs in Oklahoma has risen by 1.8%
  • Oklahoma’s future job growth is expected to hit 28.90%

Here’s a simple analysis of Oklahoma’s job market:

Employment Information Oklahoma United States
The income per Cap$26,461$31,177
Household Income$49,767$57,652
Unemployment Rate4.16.0
Recent Job Growth-2.99%-6.18%
Future Job Growth28.90%33.51%

What’s the median salary in Oklahoma?

Since you’re considering moving to Oklahoma, you’ll most likely be interested in the median salary in the state. Here’s the average salary of the Sooner State if you’re moving to Oklahoma:

  • The average annual pay for the average hourly job in Oklahoma is $42,308
  • The average weekly rate for average jobs in Oklahoma is $814
  • The average hourly rate for average jobs in Oklahoma is $20.34
  • The average monthly rate for the average job in Oklahoma is $3,526

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What are the top Career Options in Oklahoma

If you’re considering a change of career after moving to Oklahoma, we’ve made a list of the top career options in the state to help you get started:

Rank Job Title AVERAGE SALARY ENTRY LEVEL SALARY # OF PEOPLE
1Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists$286,320$207,800310
2Anesthesiologists$278,540$186,240390
3Orthodontists$256,930$77,600130
4Obstetricians And Gynecologists$218,360$95,300100
5Family Medicine Physicians$217,520$66,3002,340
6Psychiatrists$212,680$59,640210
7General Internal Medicine Physicians$190,030$54,720370
8Nurse Anesthetists$175,090$60,130360
9Dentists, General$173,860$77,6601,090
10Physicists$173,400$64,10040

What are the top industries in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma is home to several top industries in America. These various large industries are known for propelling the state’s economy. Here are the top industries in the Sooner State since you’re considering moving to Oklahoma:

  • Aerospace and defense
  • Agribusiness
  • Automotive
  • Bioscience
  • Information and financial services
  • Manufacturing
  • Renewable energy
  • Traditional energy

Largest companies in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is home to several large companies. Since you’re considering moving to Oklahoma, we’ve made a list of the ten largest companies in the Sooner state to give you an idea of the state’s economy:

Rank Company City Employees
1Express ServicesOklahoma City500,002
2Hobby LobbyOklahoma City32,000
3QuikTripTulsa22,534
4Love’s Travel Stops & Country StoresOklahoma City22,000
5Accord Human ResourcesOklahoma City13,000
6Helmerich & PayneTulsa9,777
7SonicOklahoma City9,620
8MidFirst BankOklahoma City8,700
9University of OklahomaNorman8,510
10Saint Francis Health SystemTulsa8,200

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Oklahoma, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

taxes in oklahoma

How are taxes like in Oklahoma?

Moving to Oklahoma could mean paying lower or higher taxes depending on where you’re moving from.

We’ve highlighted key stats about the state’s taxes since you’re considering moving to Oklahoma:

  • Income tax rate in Oklahoma is 0.50% - 5%
  • Cities in Oklahoma have no local income taxes
  • Oklahoma sales tax is 4.5% - 11.5%
  • The property tax rate in Oklahoma is 0.87 average effective rate
  • The gas tax is 19 cents per gallon of regular diesel and gasoline
things to know about oklahoma

Best things to do in Oklahoma

There are lots of exciting things to do in Oklahoma. The Sooner State is home to many remarkable attractions along with various exciting activities.

Since you’re considering moving to Oklahoma, here are some of the best things to do in the state:

  • Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
  • Scissortail Park
  • Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball
  • Factory Obscura's Mix-Tape
  • Horse Shows
  • Oklahoma City Zoo's Sanctuary Asia
  • Conestoga Wagons & Teepees at Orr Family Farm
  • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
  • Oklahoma City Museum of Art
  • Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center

How safe is Oklahoma?

Safety is always a part of the key things to consider before making up your mind about moving to any state. However, considering the general low crime rates in the U.S., safety is often calculated using crime rates per 1000 incidents.

  • Violent crime rates in Oklahoma are rated 25.5. The national average is 22.7
  • Property crime rates in Oklahoma are rated 42.9. The national average is 35.4
  • The violent crime rate in Oklahoma is lower than the U.S. average
  • The property crime rate in Oklahoma is higher than the U.S. average

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10 Safest Cities in Oklahoma

If you’re moving to Oklahoma, you’d most likely be interested in living in the safest cities in the state. To help you narrow down your house hunting option, we’ve made a list of the ten safest cities in Oklahoma to help you get started. Check out the list below:

Rank City Population Violent Crimes Per 100k Property Crimes Per 100k
1Lone Grove, OK5,1110254
2Blanchard, OK9,02811886
3Piedmont, OK8,55393479
4Alva, OK5,022119716
5Jenks, OK24,2641111,228
6Bixby, OK28,3831051,412
7Choctaw, OK12,8121091,397
8Collinsville, OK7,271151990
9Harrah, OK6,602752,059
10Broken Arrow, OK110,4801241,789
schools in oklahoma

Best Universities and Colleges in Oklahoma

Moving to Oklahoma means getting the chance to attend some of the best schools in the country.

From the University of Tulsa to Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma is home to several top-quality schools. Here’s a list of the top ten universities and colleges in the state since you’re considering moving to Oklahoma:

Best Elementary Schools in Oklahoma

  • Roosa Elementary School
    Claremore, Public, PK-5 | 410 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Rose Union Elementary School
    Deer Creek, Public, PK-4 | 636 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Deer Creek Elementary School
    Deer Creek, Public, PK-4 | 411 students, Rating: 10/10

  • KIPP Reach College Preparatory
    KIPP Reach Coll (Charter), Charter, 5-8 | 285 students, Rating: 10/10

  • KIPP OKC South Community Prep
    KIPP Reach Coll (Charter), Charter, 4-5 | 163 students, Rating: 10/10

Best Middle Schools in Oklahoma

  • KIPP Reach College Preparatory
    KIPP Reach Coll (Charter), Charter, 5-8 | 285 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Erick Elementary School
    Erick, Public, PK-8 | 183 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Felt Elementary School
    Felt, Public, PK-8 | 58 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Sadler Arts Academy
    Muskogee, Public, K-8 | 363 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Pioneer Public School
    Pioneer, Public, PK-8 | 389 students, Rating: 10/10

Best High Schools in Oklahoma

  • Dale High School
    Dale, Public, 9-12 | 218 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Fairland High School
    Fairland, Public, 9-12 | 164 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Fairview High School
    Fairview, Public, 9-12 | 219 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Felt High School
    Felt, Public, 9-12 | 26 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Mulhall-Orlando High School
    Mulhall-Orlando, Public, 9-12 | 62 students, Rating: 10/10

Top Best Colleges in Oklahoma

  • University of Tulsa - Tulsa, OK

  • University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus - Norman, OK

  • Oklahoma State University-Stillwater - Stillwater, OK

  • Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City, OK

  • University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma - Chickasha, OK

  • Oklahoma Christian University - Edmond, OK

  • Northeastern State University - Tahlequah, OK

  • Oklahoma Baptist University - Shawnee, OK

  • Oklahoma Wesleyan University - Bartlesville, OK

  • Oral Roberts University - Tulsa, OK

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