Best Cities for Young Professionals in Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks #26 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 53.7. Bixby is its best city for young professionals at 67.0.
- Oklahoma, all states
- #26 of 50
- Population
- 30,155
Oklahoma for Young Professionals: The Full Picture
Oklahoma ranks #26 out of 50 for young professionals, landing in the middle of the pack. The state's economy scores 42/100, though with 3.4% unemployment and a median household income of $66,148. Modest population growth of 0.62% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. Oklahoma's cost-of-living index of 87.8 is significantly below the national average, meaning entry-level salaries go further here than in most metros. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Oklahoma's livability score of 27/100 is modest, which may matter to young professionals who value nightlife, dining, and cultural events. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 47/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Bixby | A | 67.0 | 66.9 | 71 | 74 | 40 | 30,155 |
| 2Jenks | A | 63.5 | 64.9 | 75 | 54 | 35 | 27,102 |
| 3Edmond | A | 63.1 | 63.7 | 71 | 59 | 38 | 96,825 |
| 4Broken Arrow | B+ | 61.5 | 60.5 | 64 | 63 | 38 | 118,180 |
| 5Owasso | B+ | 60.4 | 60.8 | 61 | 54 | 41 | 40,151 |
| 6Yukon | B | 59.3 | 58.0 | 59 | 66 | 39 | 25,529 |
| 7Norman | C+ | 56.6 | 55.3 | 55 | 45 | 49 | 129,672 |
| 8Moore | B | 55.9 | 56.6 | 61 | 43 | 37 | 63,420 |
| 9Stillwater | C+ | 54.3 | 53.3 | 43 | 48 | 40 | 49,269 |
| 10Oklahoma City | C | 54.3 | 51.1 | 55 | 53 | 49 | 697,125 |
| 11Bartlesville | C | 52.4 | 50.1 | 48 | 45 | 36 | 37,878 |
| 12Midwest City | C | 52.0 | 51.1 | 46 | 45 | 43 | 58,297 |
| 13Shawnee | C | 51.8 | 49.1 | 45 | 53 | 39 | 31,671 |
| 14Enid | C | 51.7 | 49.8 | 52 | 39 | 40 | 50,653 |
| 15Tulsa | D | 51.6 | 47.3 | 49 | 43 | 60 | 413,794 |
| 16Ponca City | D | 49.6 | 48.4 | 47 | 38 | 36 | 24,326 |
| 17Lawton | D | 48.8 | 42.7 | 44 | 44 | 36 | 90,595 |
| 18Ardmore | D | 45.5 | 44.0 | 41 | 34 | 44 | 24,877 |
| 19Muskogee | F | 43.1 | 39.6 | 37 | 35 | 36 | 36,758 |
| 20Duncan | D | 42.6 | 45.5 | 20 | 30 | 36 | 22,958 |
City young professionals scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: Oklahoma for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma a good state for young professionals?
Oklahoma ranks #26 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 53.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (89/100) and its weakest is Livability (27/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in Oklahoma?
Bixby ranks #1 in Oklahoma for young professionals with a score of 67.0/100, followed by Jenks and Edmond.
What factors are most important for young professionals in Oklahoma?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.