Economic & Demographic Overview AREAS OF STRENGTH Population Growth
Oklahoma’s population continues to grow steadily, reaching about 4,123,288 residents as of July 1, 2025, an increase of roughly 160,000 (4.1%) since the 2020 Census (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025). Recent growth has been driven mainly by people moving into the state rather than natural population increase. Between the third quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2024, Oklahoma saw net in-migration from 29 other states, and only nine states have seen higher domestic migration since the start of COVID-19 (Farha & Wilkerson, 2024; Carter, 2024). These migration trends remain a key factor in the state’s population growth and workforce dynamics.
Labor Force Participation Rate Oklahoma’s labor force participation remains a strength. The state reached 63.1% in August 2024, exceeding the national rate of 62.7% for the first sustained period in over 30 years (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2024; Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, 2024). As of late 2025, participation holds near 63.0%, compared with about 62.5% nationally, showing stronger workforce engagement than the U.S. average (BLS via FRED, 2025).
Major Capital Investment for Better Jobs Significant capital investment in 2025 (nearly $13.7 billion) reflects confidence in Oklahoma’s economy and supports expanded job creation across sectors like advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and technology (Oklahoma Business Voice, 2025). This surge in investment not only drives workforce demand but also underscores the importance of aligning training and skill development systems to ensure residents can access these higher-quality employment opportunities.
22
Powered by FlippingBook