Oklahoma is one of the states that has experienced a significant population decline in recent years, mainly due to people moving out to other places. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahoma’s net migration rate was -3.4 per 1,000 residents from 2021 to 2022, meaning that more people left the state than moved in. This trend has affected several cities in Oklahoma, some of which are among the 50 American cities that people are leaving in droves. Here are some of the reasons why Oklahoma residents are packing their bags and heading elsewhere.

High Cost of Living

One of the main factors that drives people away from Oklahoma is the high cost of living, especially in the larger cities. Oklahoma City, for example, has a cost of living index of 87.8, which is higher than the national average of 82.6. The city also has a median home value of $172,900, which is 12.6% higher than the state average of $153,600. Moreover, Oklahoma City has a relatively high poverty rate of 16.3%, compared to the national average of 12.3%.

Tulsa, the second-largest city in Oklahoma, also suffers from a high cost of living, with an index of 84.9. The median home value in Tulsa is $144,900, which is 7.4% lower than the state average, but still higher than many other cities in the region. Tulsa also has a high poverty rate of 19.4%, which is well above the national and state averages.

Low Quality of Life

Another reason why people are leaving Oklahoma is the low quality of life, which is influenced by various factors such as education, health, crime, and environment. Oklahoma ranks 43rd out of 50 states in terms of overall quality of life, according to a 2022 report by U.S. News & World Report. The state performs poorly in several categories, such as:

Education: Oklahoma ranks 47th in education, with low scores in pre-K through 12th grade, college readiness, and higher education. The state also has a low high school graduation rate of 82%, compared to the national average of 85%.

Health: Oklahoma ranks 46th in health care, with low scores in access, quality, and public health. The state also has a high rate of obesity (36.8%), diabetes (12.6%), and heart disease (7.1%), compared to the national averages of 31.3%, 10.5%, and 6.2%, respectively.

Crime: Oklahoma ranks 41st in crime and corrections, with high rates of violent crime (449.8 per 100,000 residents) and property crime (2,982.8 per 100,000 residents), compared to the national averages of 366.7 and 2,109.9, respectively. The state also has a high incarceration rate of 673 per 100,000 residents, which is the second-highest in the nation.

Environment: Oklahoma ranks 40th in natural environment, with low scores in air quality, water quality, and pollution. The state also has a high risk of natural disasters, such as tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes.

Limited Opportunities

A third reason why people are leaving Oklahoma is the limited opportunities for economic and personal growth, especially for young and educated workers. Oklahoma ranks 39th out of 50 states in terms of economy, according to U.S. News & World Report. The state has a low GDP per capita of $48,497, compared to the national average of $63,093. The state also has a low median household income of $54,449, compared to the national average of $62,843.

Oklahoma also has a low rate of innovation, ranking 45th out of 50 states in terms of patents per capita, venture capital funding per capita, and share of STEM workers. The state also has a low rate of entrepreneurship, ranking 46th out of 50 states in terms of new business formation, startup density, and survival rate.

These factors make Oklahoma less attractive for people who are looking for better career prospects, higher wages, and more diverse and dynamic environments. Many of them choose to move to other states that offer more opportunities, such as Texas, Colorado, Florida, and California.

Conclusion

Oklahoma is facing a mass exodus of residents who are leaving the state for various reasons, such as high cost of living, low quality of life, and limited opportunities. This trend has negative implications for the state’s economy, society, and future. To reverse this trend, Oklahoma needs to invest more in education, health care, infrastructure, and innovation, as well as create a more business-friendly and inclusive environment. Otherwise, Oklahoma may continue to lose its population and its potential.