Oklahoma (OK)

Nicknamed the "Sooner State," Oklahoma is a land of Native American heritage, western culture, and diverse landscapes. From the rolling plains to bustling cities, the state blends history, adventure, and Southern hospitality. Whether exploring Route 66, enjoying cowboy traditions, or experiencing vibrant arts, Oklahoma offers something for everyone.

• Population: ~4 million
• Weather: Hot summers (85-100°F); mild to cold winters (25-50°F).
• Famous Sites: Route 66, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Tulsa’s Gathering Place, Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma City National Memorial.
• Top Activities: Road trips, hiking, attending rodeos, fishing, exploring Native American culture, visiting museums.

Oklahoma’s job market is growing, with strong opportunities in healthcare, energy, technology, manufacturing, and education. These industries provide stable careers with competitive salaries. Here are the top five in-demand jobs in Oklahoma based on earnings and job openings. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Oklahoma offers thriving cities and vibrant college communities, each attracting thousands of students yearly due to its well-known universities and colleges. The table below highlights the 10 largest cities in Oklahoma, their populations, and the approximate college student enrollment numbers in each city.

Oklahoma is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in fields like engineering, business, healthcare, and liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Oklahoma

• University of Oklahoma (OU) – The state's flagship university, known for strong engineering, business, and medical programs.
• Oklahoma State University (OSU) – A top research university with strong agriculture, engineering, and business programs.
• University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) – Offers a wide range of programs, including business, education, and science.
• Northeastern State University (NSU) – Known for education, healthcare, and business-related programs.
• Cameron University – A strong regional university offering degrees in business, science, and education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Oklahoma

• University of Tulsa – A prestigious private university with strong law, business, and engineering programs.
• Oklahoma City University (OCU) – Known for its law, performing arts, and business programs.
• Oral Roberts University (ORU) – A Christian university with strong business, ministry, and healthcare programs.
• Southern Nazarene University (SNU) – A private liberal arts school known for education, business, and theology studies.
• Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) – A Christian liberal arts university with strong programs in healthcare, business, and fine arts.

Oklahoma offers some of the best public and private high schools, known for their strong academics, extracurricular opportunities, and commitment to college readiness. These schools help students excel in education and prepare for future success.

Top Public High Schools in Oklahoma

• Classen School of Advanced Studies, Oklahoma City – Offers a rigorous academic curriculum with a focus on the arts and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
• Edmond North High School, Edmond – Known for high academic performance, competitive athletics, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
• Booker T. Washington High School, Tulsa – A distinguished magnet school offering IB and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
• Jenks High School, Jenks – Provides excellent academics, strong athletics, and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Norman North High School, Norman – Offers an extensive selection of AP courses and extracurricular activities to enhance student learning.

Top Private High Schools in Oklahoma

• Casady School, Oklahoma City – A college preparatory school known for its strong academics, small class sizes, and leadership development.
• Heritage Hall, Oklahoma City – Provides a well-rounded education with an emphasis on academic excellence, arts, and athletics.
• Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, Oklahoma City – A faith-based school offering rigorous academics and competitive sports programs.
• Holland Hall, Tulsa – Offers personalized education with a strong focus on liberal arts and student growth.
• Metro Christian Academy, Tulsa – A private Christian school that balances academic rigor with spiritual development.

Oklahoma is home to one major professional sports team and several minor league and semi-pro teams in various sports. The state's sports scene is highlighted by the passionate fan base supporting its teams, particularly in basketball and baseball.

The most notable professional team in the state is:

• Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) – The state's only major league team, competing in the National Basketball Association. The Thunder have been a strong presence in the league since relocating from Seattle in 2008.

Along with the Thunder, Oklahoma has several minor league teams in baseball, soccer, hockey, and indoor football:

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Oklahoma

Baseball 🏟️

• Oklahoma City Baseball Club (Triple-A – Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate) – One of the top minor league teams, known for developing future MLB stars.
• Tulsa Drillers (Double-A – Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate) – A competitive team with a strong local fan base.

Soccer ⚽

• FC Tulsa (USL Championship – Second-tier professional league) – One of Oklahoma's top soccer teams, competing at a high level.

Hockey 🏒

• Tulsa Oilers (ECHL – Mid-level professional hockey league) – A long-established hockey team with a dedicated following.

Indoor Football 🏈

• Tulsa Oilers Football (IFL – Indoor Football League) – A growing team bringing fast-paced football action to Oklahoma.

Oklahoma’s sports culture is heavily influenced by college teams, especially the Oklahoma Sooners (University of Oklahoma) and the Oklahoma State Cowboys (Oklahoma State University). These teams compete at the highest level in college sports and have fan bases that rival those of professional franchises.

1. The Sooner State ⏳ – Oklahoma got its nickname from settlers who jumped the gun and claimed land before it was officially open for settlement during the Land Rush of 1889.
2. Tornado Capital of the World 🌪️ – Oklahoma sees more tornadoes on average than almost any other state, especially in an area known as "Tornado Alley."
3. Birthplace of Route 66 🛣️ – Cyrus Avery, an Oklahoman, helped create the famous Route 66, earning the state a title as the "Mother of the Mother Road."
4. Largest Native American Population 🏹 – Oklahoma is home to 39 Native American tribes, with a rich cultural history reflected in its traditions, language, and art.
5. A State with More Man-Made Lakes than Any Other 🏞️ – Oklahoma has over 200 lakes, most of which were built for flood control and water supply.
6. Home of the First Parking Meter ⏳ – The world’s first parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City in 1935 to help control downtown congestion.
7. The Annual Rattlesnake Hunt 🐍 – The tiny town of Okeene hosts an annual rattlesnake roundup, attracting visitors eager to see (or eat) the local reptiles.
8. Has a State Meal 🍽️ – Oklahoma is so serious about its cuisine that it designated an official state meal, featuring items like chicken-fried steak, cornbread, and pecan pie.
9. The World’s Largest Concrete Totem Pole 🗿 – In Foyil, you’ll find a towering 90-foot-tall totem pole, built as a tribute to Native American culture.
10. Home to the Cowboy Hall of Fame 🤠 – The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City celebrates the history of cowboys, rodeos, and the Wild West.