Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks #41 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 42.9/100 and a C grade. Its strongest category is Affordability (91/100) and its weakest is Health (10/100).
How Does Oklahoma Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Oklahoma
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | Bixby | A | 62.5 | 29,402 | $99,602 | 118.6 | — |
| 203 | Jenks | B+ | 60.1 | 26,519 | $104,970 | 130 | — |
| 231 | Edmond | B+ | 59.3 | 98,113 | $98,524 | 162.7 | 91 |
| 232 | Owasso | B+ | 59.3 | 39,013 | $79,386 | 125.6 | — |
| 314 | Broken Arrow | B+ | 57.4 | 119,666 | $84,374 | 208.4 | — |
| 359 | Yukon | B | 56.3 | 24,802 | $76,408 | 169.9 | — |
| 491 | Moore | B | 53.2 | 63,045 | $76,941 | 263.8 | 91 |
| 619 | Norman | C+ | 50.4 | 130,052 | $62,411 | 321.4 | 91 |
| 683 | Stillwater | C | 48.7 | 48,818 | $42,015 | 213.9 | — |
| 755 | Enid | C | 46.8 | 50,821 | $63,472 | 464.5 | 86.1 |
| 768 | Oklahoma City | C | 46.3 | 702,654 | $67,015 | 650 | 91 |
| 811 | Bartlesville | D | 44.9 | 37,559 | $59,457 | 389.4 | — |
| 813 | Shawnee | D | 44.8 | 31,511 | $54,281 | 485.5 | — |
| 843 | Midwest City | D | 43.8 | 58,170 | $57,739 | 374.4 | — |
| 864 | Duncan | D | 42.8 | 22,872 | $57,020 | 374.3 | — |
| 870 | Ponca City | D | 42.7 | 24,377 | $55,270 | 542.6 | — |
| 899 | Tulsa | D | 41.6 | 410,915 | $56,821 | 923.4 | 89.5 |
| 944 | Ardmore | D | 39.4 | 24,757 | $52,954 | 1219 | — |
| 950 | Lawton | D | 38.9 | 90,226 | $51,571 | 782.5 | 87.6 |
| 986 | Muskogee | F | 34.9 | 36,819 | $48,735 | 1065.2 | — |
Best Cities in Oklahoma for...
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Oklahoma Rankings Overview
Oklahoma earns an overall grade of C with a composite score of 42.9 out of 100, ranking #41 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Affordability (91/100) while its biggest challenge is Health (10/100).
Economy & Employment in Oklahoma
With an unemployment rate of 3.3% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Oklahoma performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $60,528, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks #45 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #39 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Oklahoma is 75 years, and the high school graduation rate is 86%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's total tax burden is 7.01% of personal income, which is below the national average of 8.74%. The top marginal income tax rate is 4.75%. The effective property tax rate is 0.85% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 9.06%.
Housing & Affordability in Oklahoma
The median home price in Oklahoma is $244,000, below the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 88 (where 100 equals the national average), making it a more affordable state. The price-to-income ratio is 4.0x.
Environment in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a median air quality index of 46 (EPA AirData), above the national average. 52% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources, one of the highest rates in the country. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 34.6 (above average risk).
Growth & Migration in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's population growth rate is +0.6% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is +3.5 per 1,000 residents, indicating more people are moving in than out. 91.1% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in Oklahoma
The top-ranked cities in Oklahoma based on our composite scoring are Bixby, Jenks, and Edmond. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oklahoma's overall ranking?
Oklahoma ranks #41 out of 50 states with a composite score of 42.9/100 and a grade of C.
Is Oklahoma a good place to live?
Oklahoma scores 42.9/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Oklahoma?
The violent crime rate in Oklahoma is 434 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Oklahoma's economy compare?
Oklahoma's median household income is $60,528 with an unemployment rate of 3.3%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Oklahoma?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Oklahoma are Bixby, Jenks, and Edmond.
How does Oklahoma rank for families?
Oklahoma ranks #38 of 50 states for families with a score of 45/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Oklahoma rank for retirees?
Oklahoma ranks #40 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 51.1/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Oklahoma rank for remote workers?
Oklahoma ranks #20 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 56.7/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.