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Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City, officially the City of Oklahoma City, and often shortened to OKC, is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The county seat of Oklahoma County ranks 20th among United States cities in population and is the 8th largest city in the Southern United States. The population grew following the 2010 census and reached 681,054 in the 2020 census. The Oklahoma City metropolitan area had a population of 1,396,445, and the Oklahoma City–Shawnee Combined Statistical Area had a population of 1,469,124, making it Oklahoma's largest municipality and metropolitan area by population.

Oklahoma City's city limits extend somewhat into Canadian, Cleveland, and Pottawatomie counties, though much of those areas outside the core Oklahoma County area are suburban tracts or protected rural zones (watershed). The city is the eighth-largest in the United States by area including consolidated city-counties; it is the second-largest, after Houston, not including consolidated cities. The city is also the second-largest by area among state capital cities in the United States, after Juneau, Alaska. Along with Topeka, Kansas, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, Oklahoma City is one of three state capitals with an indigenous name in a state with an indigenous name.

Oklahoma City has one of the world's largest livestock markets. Oil, natural gas, petroleum products, and related industries are its economy's largest sectors. The city is in the middle of an active oil field, and oil derricks dot the capitol grounds. The federal government employs a large number of workers at Tinker Air Force Base and the United States Department of Transportation's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (which houses offices of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Department's Enterprise Service Center, respectively).

Oklahoma City is on the I-35 and I-40 corridors, one of the primary travel corridors south into neighboring Texas and New Mexico, north towards Wichita and Kansas City, west to Albuquerque, and east towards Little Rock and Memphis. Located in the state's Frontier Country region, the city's northeast section lies in an ecological region known as the Cross Timbers. The city was founded during the Land Run of 1889 and grew to a population of over 10,000 within hours of its founding. It was the site of the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, in which 168 people died, the deadliest terror attack in U.S. history until the attacks of September 11, 2001, and the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.

Since weather records have been kept beginning in 1890, Oklahoma City has been struck by 14 violent tornadoes, 11 of which were rated F4 or EF4 on the Fujita and Enhanced Fujita scales, and one each rated F5 and EF5.

Oklahoma City lies along one of the primary corridors into Texas and Mexico, and is a three-hour drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The city is in the Frontier Country region in the center of the state, making it an ideal location for state government.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 620.34 square miles (1,606.7 km2), of which 601.11 square miles (1,556.9 km2) is land and 19.23 square miles (49.8 km2) is water.

Oklahoma City lies in the Sandstone Hills region of Oklahoma, known for hills of 250 to 400 feet (80 to 120 m) and two species of oak: blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) and post oak (Q. stellata). The northeastern part of the city and its eastern suburbs fall into an ecological region known as the Cross Timbers.

The city is roughly bisected by the North Canadian River (recently renamed the Oklahoma River inside city limits). The North Canadian once had sufficient flow to flood every year, wreaking destruction on surrounding areas, including the central business district and the original Oklahoma City Zoo. In the 1940s, a dam was built on the river to manage the flood control and reduce its level. In the 1990s, as part of the citywide revitalization project known as MAPS, the city built a series of low-water dams, returning water to the portion of the river flowing near downtown. The city has three large lakes: Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser, in the northwestern quarter of the city; and the largest, Lake Stanley Draper, in the city's sparsely populated far southeast portion.

The population density normally reported for Oklahoma City using the area of its city limits can be misleading. Its urbanized zone covers roughly 244 square miles (630 km2) resulting in a 2013 estimated density of 2,500 per square mile (970/km2), compared with larger rural watershed areas incorporated by the city, which cover the remaining 377 sq mi (980 km2) of the city limits. Oklahoma City is one of the largest cities in the nation in compliance with the Clean Air Act.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Oklahoma City, supported by a robust healthcare system and a commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle. The OU Health Sciences Center, a leading medical and research institution, plays a crucial role in providing cutting-edge healthcare services to residents and advancing medical knowledge. The city also boasts an extensive network of parks, including the iconic Myriad Botanical Gardens, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and fostering a sense of community well-being. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum serves as a poignant tribute to the victims, survivors, and heroes of the tragic Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, offering visitors a solemn yet inspiring experience through its exhibits, artifacts, and memorial grounds. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection of artworks spanning various periods and styles, featuring both permanent and rotating exhibitions that offer insight into the rich cultural heritage and artistic expression of Oklahoma City and beyond.

Top sites in Oklahoma City, OK are Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Oklahoma City Zoo, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Population: 702,767 (2023). ZIP codes: 73101, 73199. Area codes: 405, 572. Elevation: 1,198 ft (365 m). Area: 620.79 sq mi (1,607.83 km2).

FAQs

Why is Oklahoma City, OK so popular?

Nestled in the heart of the United States, Oklahoma City, often referred to as OKC is a city on the rise. With its vibrant economy, affordable living, and a strong sense of community, it's no wonder that many people are considering making the move to this charming city. Oklahoma City’s job market is thriving, with a diverse range of opportunities in various industries.

What is the race population in Oklahoma City, OK?

White: 61.44% Black or African American: 13.68% Two or more races: 11.79% Other race: 5.07%. Oklahoma City has experienced very healthy growth over the last two decades, particularly among the suburbs. From 2000 to 2010, Oklahoma City grew 8.1%. It finally became the 29th most populous city in the US, passing Milwaukee and Las Vegas, in 2012.

Is Oklahoma City, OK expensive to live in?

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma's cost of living is 16% lower than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, average salary, and the real estate market of that area. Oklahoma City's housing expenses are 29% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 6% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 9% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of OKC

STK Homes

World Population Review

Payscale

Sofia Health

OU Health Sciences Center

Visit OKC

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Oklahoma City Zoo

Myriad Botanical Gardens

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.