Oklahoma, known for its diverse landscapes and friendly Midwestern charm, offers a unique blend of affordability and challenges. Let’s explore key aspects of life in the Sooner State.
Cost of Living
Oklahoma boasts one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, with expenses running 12% below the national average:
- Housing costs are 28% lower than the national average
- Utilities are 4% lower
- Food costs are 4% lower
- Healthcare is 6% lower
- Transportation costs are 5% lower
This affordability makes Oklahoma an attractive option for many residents, with Oklahoma City’s cost of living being 15% lower than the national average[6].
Housing Market
The Oklahoma housing market remains relatively affordable:
- Median home value: $226,000 (as of October 2024)
- Year-over-year increase: 3.2%
- Average time on market: 35 days
While prices have risen, they remain significantly below the national median of $433,500, making homeownership more attainable for many Oklahomans[2].
Education
Oklahoma faces significant challenges in education:
- Ranked 49th out of 50 states according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 review
- Poor performance in standardized test scores and graduation rates
- Challenges in higher education statistics such as college graduation rates and graduating debt
Despite these challenges, the state continues to work on enhancing its education system, with a focus on improving overall educational outcomes[3].
Healthcare
Healthcare in Oklahoma presents a mixed picture:
- Ranked 49th in overall healthcare quality and access according to U.S. News & World Report
- Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa named the No. 1 hospital in Oklahoma for 2024-25
- Faces challenges in public health
While there’s room for improvement, Oklahoma boasts some top-tier medical facilities and specialties[4][7].
Transportation and Infrastructure
Oklahoma’s infrastructure received mixed reviews:
- Ranked 17th in infrastructure according to U.S. News & World Report
- The state approved a $9 billion Eight-Year Construction Work Plan for highway improvements
- Plans include 3,755 miles of roadway improvements and addressing 632 bridges
The state has made significant efforts to improve its infrastructure, with major investments in road and bridge maintenance[5][7].
In conclusion, Oklahoma in 2024 offers a compelling mix of affordability and significant challenges. While the low cost of living provides advantages, the state must continue to address critical issues in education and healthcare to enhance the quality of life for all its residents. As Oklahoma evolves, it remains a state of contrasts, balancing its rich heritage with the demands of modern living.
Citations:
[1] https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/ok/oklahoma-city/
[2] https://theluxuryplaybook.com/oklahoma-housing-market-analysis-forecast-2024-2025/
[3] https://oklahomawatch.org/2024/08/15/is-oklahoma-ranked-among-the-worst-states-for-education/
[4] https://www.saintfrancis.com/newsroom/us-news-2024
[5] https://oklahoma.gov/odot/about-us/newsroom/2024/more-than–9-billion-in-improvements-scheduled-for-oklahoma-high.html
[6] https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/ok/
[7] https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/oklahoma
[8] https://www.redfin.com/cost-of-living-calculator/oklahoma-city-ok
[9] https://www.unbiased.com/discover/banking/what-is-the-cost-of-living-in-oklahoma
[10] https://www.greateroklahomacity.com/news/2024/06/13/accolade/oklahoma-city-breaks-into-top-10-least-expensive-cities-nationwide-in-2024/
