Quote:
Originally Posted by swake
Household income is only part of the story, you have to look at cost of living too. Denver is ranked 22nd out of 360 metro areas for personal income with an average of $47,510 but Tulsa is not far behind ranked 41st with an average $43,330.
Denver’s cost of living index is 103.2 and Tulsa’s is 88.4. So, Tulsa’s average income is 91.2% that of Denver’s while Tulsa’s cost of living is 85.7% of Denver’s. Incomes in Tulsa are higher than Denver when leveled for the difference in the cost of living.
On average people are better of economically in Tulsa than in Denver.
BEA: News Release: Personal Income for Metropolitan Areas, 2008
The 2012 Statistical Abstract: Consumer Price Indexes, Cost of Living Index
As a comparison, Oklahoma City’s average income is ranked 61st at $40,942 and has a cost of living index of 91.7 so Oklahoma City’s average income is 86.2% of that of Denver and OKC’s cost of living is 88.9% of that of Denver.
People are better off economically in Denver than Oklahoma City, but not Tulsa. |
Where do you get these averages? Im thinking they are around 3-4 years old. CD info is from 2009 which is way outdated and your other source is from 2008?
How would this be helpful unless someone is asking a question needing a past tense reply??
heres something from at least 2011...
Best Places to Live 2011 - Town details: Oklahoma City, OK - from MONEY Magazine
It clearly paints a different image. Anyway my point was to keep it on topic w Denver vs Tulsa. Why bring in OKC? No need.
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Just found this list interesting. No bragging here...Just want to show what is currently happening in OKC so everyone can be living in the same time period.
OKC Accolades from 2010-2012(so far).
OKC Ranked No. 3 for Small Business
April 13, 2012 - The Business Journal | Archived Article
Small business is the backbone to any healthy economy so it is no surprise Oklahoma City ranks at the third "Best U.S. City for Small Business. The Business Journal created a formula to analyze small business climates across the country. The metro area has 26.27 small businesses per 1,00 residents.
Standard & Poors Give OKC AAA Rating
April 4, 2012 - Standard & Poors | Archived Article
Conservative financial management, strong retail sales and a deep and diversified employment base are three of the factors that led Standard & Poor's rating service to confirm Oklahoma City's General Obligation debt rating of 'AAA.' Moody's Investor Service also confirmed the City's 'Aaa' bond rating.
OKC Ranks as Top City for Job Creation
March 30, 2012 - Gallup | Archived Article
Gallup's Job Creation Index ranked Oklahoma City as the number one city for job creation in 2011 out of the nation's 50 largest metro areas. According to the study, Oklahoma City had a job creation index score of 25, outplacing other top-performing cities by at least 3 points and beating the national job creation score by 12 points.
Oklahoma Ranks in the Top 5 for Personal Income Gains
March 28, 2012 - Wells Fargo Securities | Archived Article
Oklahoma's personal income grew by 6.2 percent in 2011 ranking it as one of the five-fastest growing states in 2011. Wells Fargo contributed the gains to the energy and agricultural sectors.
U-Haul Names OKC a Top 50 City for Movers
March 27, 2012 - U-Haul International | Archived Article
U-Haul knows a thing or two about moving and they know OKC is a great destination. Oklahoma City came in at No. 27 in their list of "Top 50 Cities for Movers". The ranking reflects destinations for movers traveling more than 50 miles. The study looked at every city in the country regardless of size.
OKC Tech Company Makes Best Places to Work List
March 17, 2012 - Business Insider | Archived Article
OKC-based a la mode was recently named the fifth-best Tech Company to work for in the U.S. by Business Insider. Companies like a la mode and others who frequent "Best Places to Work" lists are just more examples of OKC being a great place to recruit and retain employees due the metro areas' business climate and growing creative-class.
Survey Finds OKC One of the Best Cities for Jobs in 2012
March 13, 2012 - Manpower Group | Archived Article
Manpower Group, an employment service firm, recently surveyed 18,000 employers across the country and tabbed Oklahoma City fourth in the their "Best City for Jobs in Spring of 2012". The metro area had a net employment outlook of 20 percent for the second quarter. In total, 24 percent of the OKC companies surveyed expected to increase hiring in the Spring.
Arts and Entertainment a Big Boon For Oklahoma City
March 6, 2012 - The Business Journals | Archived Article
Year after year, Oklahoma City sees growth in both tourism and general recreational spending. In fact, Arts and Entertainment are starting to become a significant sector of the OKC economy. According to stats recently released by The Business Journals, Oklahoma City ranks in the top 10 percent of all metros in Arts and Entertainment employment. This sector has more than 8,000 employees and that number continues to grow.
OKC is a Great Place for Manufacturing
February 20, 2012 - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Archived Article
As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics continue to release their 2011 data, OKC continues to get good news. It was revealed today that Oklahoma City ranked in the top 10 in manufacturing growth. The metro saw a 5.20 percent job increase in that sector over the past year.
Retail Continues to Grow in OKC
February 9, 2012 - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Archived Article
As 2012 kicks off, Oklahoma City continues to see the retail sector gain momentum. In fact, according to stats from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OKC ranked third in the nation in percentage increase in retail jobs. Oklahoma City saw a 3.68 percent increase in jobs in 2011.
U.S. Cities Bouncing Back from the Recession
February 7, 2012 - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Archived Article
According to recent statistics released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oklahoma City is one of 13 cities in the United States to have bounced back from the recession. The list includes major markets that have recovered all jobs lost during the recession.
OKC is Surging in Private-Sector Gains
February 6, 2012 - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Archived Article
A lot has been made about Oklahoma City's economic strength during the Recession and the numbers continue to back up the praise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, OKC ranked seventh in the nation for private-job growth between 2010 and 2011. The metro saw a 12,000 job increase which represents a 2.75 percent increase in one year.
Oklahoma City is One of the Happiest Cities to Work In
January 17, 2012 - CareerBliss.com | Archived Article
People are just happier when going to work in Oklahoma City, at least according to CareerBliss.com. The company recently surveyed 43,000 workers nation wide and found that Oklahoma City was the third "Happiest City for Work", proving once again that OKC is the perfect place to work, play and live.
OKC Makes List of Cities with Best Real Estate Appreciation Potential
January 11, 2012 - Forbes | Archived Article
Forbes recently released their list of cities they felt had great real estate potential and Oklahoma City made the top 10. OKC's steady home prices the past three years and four percent population growth helped the metro make the renowned publication's ranking.
Study Finds OKC Ranks High for IT Activity
January 6, 2012 - Zinnov | Archived Article
Leading management consulting company Zinnov recently looked at the best economically emerging mid-sized cities. Among other things, their study showed Oklahoma City ranked second among these top cities in back office outsourcing. The study went on to show that companies can save 20 to 25 percent by headquartering in places like Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Great for Starting a Business
December 28, 2011 - Kiplinger | Archived Article
Renowned business forecaster Kiplinger named Oklahoma City one of its "10 Great Cities for Starting a Business". The write up goes on to say "Oklahoma City entrepreneurs have two big advantages over business owners elsewhere: midwestern start-up costs are low, and government support for business is strong." The article also highlights i2E's contributions to entrepreneurship in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Named One of the "Most Secure Places to Live"
December 15, 2011 - Farmers Insurance | Archived Article
Oklahoma City is one of the safest large metros according to Farmers Insurance's eighth annual "Most Secure Places to Live in the U.S." report. The study, which ranked OKC No. 18, looks at crime rates, extreme weather, air quality and other factors.
Forbes Recognizes Oklahoma City's Manufacturing Economy
December 15, 2011 - Forbes | Archived Article
Oklahoma City is no stranger to Forbes as the metro made another of the publication's rankings. This time Forbes named Oklahoma City one of the "Best Cities for Manufacturing Jobs". The story cited Oklahoma City's 28-percent growth in manufacturing jobs over the past 10 years.
Oklahoma City Ranked No. 1 for Economic Security
December 14, 2011 - MetroTrends | Archived Article
MetroTrends released their annual Report Card on Economic Security and Oklahoma City was at the top of the class. The publication gave OKC an "A" and ranked it as the Best Metro in the U.S. for economic security. In the write up, the metro's area diverse economy was lauded, as well as the stable housing market.
Wall Street Journal Names OKC One of the Best Cities for Business
December 13, 2011 - Wall Street Journal Market Watch | Archived Article
The Wall Street Journal recently released their annual list of "Best Cities for Business" and Oklahoma City cracked the list for the first time. The metro came in sixth due to its personal income and job growth. The article also highlighted Project 180 and the relocation of Boeing and Continental Resources.
Oklahoma City Offers Best Value in Office Space
December 9, 2011 - Building Owners and Mangers Association | Archived Article
Oklahoma City offers one of the most competitive business climates in the country. One major factor in that is the affordability of the office market. Recently, the Building Owners and Managers Association ranked the metro area as the ninth most affordable office market in the U.S.
OG&E Named Best Electric Utility in North America
December 9, 2011 - Electric Light and Power | Archived Article
Oklahoma City-based OG&E Electric Services was named the best electric utility in North America by Electric Light and Power Magazine. The publication highlighted OG&E's rollout of their new smart grid technology and the fact that OG&E consistently produces lower rates for Oklahoma when compared with other states.
Oklahoma is One of the Best States for Business
December 8, 2011 - Forbes | Archived Article
Forbes recently released its sixth annual scorecard of "Best States for Business" and Oklahoma came in an impressive 13th. The publication highlighted Oklahoma as a state moving up due to our improved job and economic outlook. Oklahoma scored its highest ranking is business cost and economic climate ranking. Oklahoma City has routinely had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation the last couple of years.
Oklahoma City the Best Place for Military Retirement
November 9, 2011 - USAA | Archived Article
Oklahoma City offers a high number of jobs that require skill-sets learned in the military. That combined with a large number of veteran-owned businesses, numerous federal jobs and a local VA medical center led USAA to name the metro as the "Best Place for Military Retirement" in the U.S.
Eight Healthiest Housing Markets
November 7, 2011 - RealtorMag | Archived Article
The National Association of Realtors recently named Oklahoma City one of the "8 Healthiest Housing Markets" in the United States. Expected income increases and low unemployment continue to attract new businesses and households to the metro area according to the publication.
10 Cities Where Mortgages are Staying Afloat
November 3, 2011 - AOL Real Estate | Archived Article
Oklahoma City continues to receive national praise for its steady housing market. This time AOL Real Estate lauded the metro area at the No. 8 city "Where Mortgages are Staying Afloat". Low unemployment and steady home prices the past 12 months helped Oklahoma City land on the list.
Site Selection Tabs Oklahoma as Having One of the Best Business Climates
November 1, 2011 - Site Selection | Archived Article
Site Selection released their annual rankings of "Best Business Climates" and Oklahoma came in at 13th. Of all the factors used, Oklahoma showed best in the Executive Survey aspect of the rank.
Oklahoma City is the Fourth-Best for a Job Search
October 25, 2011 - BenefitsPro | Archived Article
A lot of factors go into a healthy job market and Oklahoma City offers most of them. Low cost of living, low unemployment and value in the housing market caught BenefitPro's eye as the site named the metro area as the "Fourth Best City for a Job Search."
Oklahoma City Named One of the Nation's 100 Best Communities for Young People
October 12, 2011 - America's Promise Alliance and ING | Archived Article
Oklahoma City achieved national recognition as one of America's Promise Alliance's 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING for its initiatives to help young people. This is Oklahoma City's fifth time on the 100 Best Communities for Young People list.
Oklahoma City among Top 20 Strongest Metros in the Nation For Tenth Consecutive Quarter
October 6, 2011 - Brookings | Archived Article
For the tenth quarter in a row, Oklahoma City was listed as one of the Top 20 Strongest Metros among America's 100 largest metropolitan areas, according to The Brookings Institute MetroMonitor report. Oklahoma City has been in the Top 20 in this report since the recession began. While the majority of the cities evaluated saw high unemployment rates, rising foreclosures and other negative economic indicators, Oklahoma City saw a positive trend in nearly all areas.
Best Sports Cities: OKC Makes the Cut
October 4, 2011 - Sporting News | Archived Article
Oklahoma City has always been known as a town crazy about sports, from our love for our local minor league franchises to our favorite colleges, the metro has always boasted passionate fans. However, since the Thunder came to town that passion has been taken to another level. The Sporting News has taken notice and named OKC the No. 26 "Best Sports City" in America.
Oklahoma City #5 on "Best Places to Start Over" List
September 31, 2011 - MSN Real Estate | Archived Article
Oklahoma City has done more than just OK in the jobs arena. It has consistently ranked as one of the nation's strongest economies over the past few years. Low unemployment, healthy economy and stable housing market landed OKC on the 10 "Best Places to Start Over" list.
Oklahoma Makes Top 10 in Two Categories of "Top States For Doing Business" Survey
September 22, 2011 - Area Development Magazine | Archived Article
Area Development recently surveyed highly-respected location consultants and Oklahoma City came up big in two critical areas. The state ranked fourth in both incentives and shovel-ready programs. Those surveyed work with a nationwide client base.
Oklahoma City #3 on "10 Metros with Greatest 5-Year Gain in Real Estate Values" List
September 2, 2011 - Inman News / Zillow | Archived Article
Housing bubble not inspiring any Lawrence Welk-esque merriment in your area? Check out Oklahoma City. Zillow "calculated the 10 U.S. metro areas that have experienced the largest gains in home values over the past five years, based on the company's home-value estimates and its Zillow Home Value Index" in order to find the best housing markets in the country. OKC clocked in at a 10.1% rate of appreciation over that period, in stark contrast to the many negative rates that continue to dominate the nation.
Chesapeake Energy Arena Ranked 6th on the NBA
August 24, 2011 - Orlando Sentinel | Archived Article
Chesapeake Energy Arena was ranked as the 6th-best arena in the NBA due to great location, the mascot Rumble and friendly and rowdy fans. The author expects the arena to jump into the top three after current renovations are complete.
Oklahoma City Makes Top 10 of "Best Places to Live" List
August 3, 2011 - RelocateAmerica via WSJ Marketwatch | Archived Article
Citing a "renovation of convention, cultural and educational sites" as well as all types of new downtown development projects, Oklahoma City lands at number 10 on another Top 10 list (this time from relocation specialist RelocateAmerica) for best places to live.
Kotkin: OKC a Top 20 Boom Town in the U.S.
July 6, 2011 - Forbes / New Geography | Archived Article
Past, present and future job growth and demographic factors like growth in educated migration and population increases help explain Oklahoma City's presence on Joel Kotkin's "Next Boom Towns in the U.S." top 20 list, published in Forbes and New Geography. What's behind the next boom? "...well-established patterns of job creation and vital demographics will drive future regional growth, not only in the next year, but over the coming decade. People create economies and they tend to vote with their feet when they choose to locate their families as well as their businesses," says Kotkin.
Oklahoma City Named 2nd-Best Place to Start a Small Business
July 1, 2011 - The Fiscal Times | Archived Article
Along with an affordable cost of living and a high concentration of local investors, The Fiscal Times explains OKC's exciting environment for emerging companies as easy-to-succeed for entrepreneurs with a bevy of groundbreaking incentives alongside a strong economy, an expanding population, great "quality of life, revitalized downtown, and cultural activities, along with a talented workforce."
Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers: OKC #28 of 200
June 29, 2011 - Forbes | Archived Article
Forbes looked at "12 metrics relating to job growth (past and projected), costs (business and living), income growth, educational attainment and projected economic growth," as well as a bevy of quality-of-life factors and proximity to highly-ranked colleges among the top 200 metros in the country. Oklahoma City's economic strength, cost of doing business, income growth and proximity to four universities on Forbes' "Best Colleges" ranking all helped OKC rise to the top 14% of all 200 metro areas studied.
Oklahoma Ranked 6th-Lowest Cost of Business State, 4th-Best Economy
June 28, 2011 - CNBC | Archived Article
In CNBC's "America's Top States for Business 2011" report, Oklahoma ranked 6th-best for cost of business due to low income, property and business taxes, "particularly as they apply to new investments." CNBC also factored in utility costs, cost of wages and rental rates for both office and industrial space to round out their cost-of-business rankings. In addition, Oklahoma also ranked as the 4th-best economy (due to economic diversity and fiscal health) and the 3rd-lowest cost of living in the CNBC study.
Brookings: Oklahoma City Among Top 20 Metros for Overall Performance
June 21, 2011 - The Brookings Institution MetroMonitor | Archived Article
Once again, Oklahoma City is singled out among the Top 20 Performing Metros according to The Brookings Institution. Brookings examines employment numbers, unemployment rates, home prices and gross metropolitan product levels to determine their star performers, once again showing OKC's resilience and economic strength and diversity, even during - as well as after - the recession.
Oklahoma City Boasts 5th-Best Retail Employment Growth Since Recession
June 20, 2011 - The Business Journals | Archived Article
In Bizjournals' analysis of new U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Oklahoma City ranks fifth in raw retail employment growth since April 2008, "when the recession slammed the brakes on consumer spending." OKC is also one of only eight of the top 100 markets to add jobs since the recession began, another indication of how Oklahoma City's economic strength makes it one of the country's few prime growth spots for destination retail. With a strong economy, high-paying jobs, multiple Fortune 500 headquarters and a real estate market lauded for its investment potential, OKC is on every national retailer's radar.
Global Insight: Oklahoma City Expected to Show 2nd-Highest GMP Growth
June 20, 2011 - U.S. Conference of Mayors / Global Insight | Archived Article
With an estimated 7.5% increase in Gross Metropolitan Product, Oklahoma City ranked 2nd for GMP growth among the 100 largest U.S. metros in Global Insight's 2011 U.S. Metro Economies Report of GMP and employment forecasts. Highlighting a rosy future as well as a sunny recent past, the report also details OKC's actual 4.8% annual average GMP growth rate from 2007-2009, which ranks #1 among the 100 largest metros, as well as our lowest unemployment rate among metros with more than 1 million in population for Q1 of 2011.
Two OKC HQ'd Cos Among Computerworld's "Best Places To Work in IT"
June 20, 2011 - Computerworld | Archived Article
A healthy, highly-skilled, productive, cutting-edge workforce is the norm in Oklahoma City. For the 2nd year in a row, Chesapeake Energy (#7) and American Fidelity (#11) have been named to Computerworld's "Best Places to Work in IT" list - both headquartered in OKC.
OKC a Top 20 Fastest-Growing Area for 5-17 Year-Olds
June 16, 2011 - New Geography | Archived Article
In another sign of present and future growth, New Geography looked at new census data to determine the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. for kids, while noting that most cities at the top had a few things in common, including job growth, strong economies and affordable housing. Want a place that's attractive to families and where it's easy to find a workforce now and in the future? Try Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Thunder Ranked 6th-Best Pro Sports Franchise by ESPN
June 15, 2011 - ESPN The Magazine | Archived Article
Ranked 6th overall and 2nd in the NBA by ESPN, the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder mirrors their hometown by excelling in areas crucial and easily recognizable to business that explain both on- and off-the-court success: Bang for the buck (ROI), overall affordability (low cost structures), fan relations (spirit of community partnership) and players (workforce).
Two OKC HQ'd Cos Named to Top 10 "Best Large Companies to Work for in America"
June 7, 2011 - Careerbuilder.com / AOL Jobs | Archived Article
Want a place where headquarter companies can thrive? Try Oklahoma City, with two companies, Chesapeake Energy and Devon Energy, in the Top 10, according to AOL Jobs and Careerbuilder.com.
OKC #3 on "Best Cities for Recent Grads" List
June 1, 2011 - Newsweek / The Daily Beast | Archived Article
After four years at college, which "cities offer the brightest future?" Oklahoma City ranks 3rd in Newsweek's "The Daily Beast" new "Best Cities for Recent Grads" list by virtue of our superior economy along with an outstanding quality of life. First-class housing, employment, affordability and livability rankings? We've got it all - along with more than 120,000 metro college students - in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma Boasts 6th-Greatest Increase in Financial Sector Employment
May 25, 2011 - The Business Journals | Archived Article
A product of a strong economy, a business-friendly environment and the lack of a financial sector unduly disturbed by unwelcome subprime lending practices, Oklahoma ranks an amazing 6th in raw change in financial sector job growth since 2010.
Oklahoma Ranks #12 in Raw Private Sector Job Growth
May 24, 2011 - The Business Journals | Archived Article
Adding more than 31,000 jobs from April 2010 to April 2011, Oklahoma's job numbers are a result of not simply avoiding the housing bubble, but of a strong economy and a workforce that is ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Forbes / New Geography: OKC #8 of "Top Big Cities for Manufacturing Jobs"
May 9, 2011 - Forbes | Archived Article
What city boasts an enviable CareerTech system offering free employee training, a solid tradition and experience in the MRO sector, and a business climate that just does it better for manufacturers with comprehensive tort and workers' comp reform just passed? Whether you're involved in traditional industrial activities or high-tech manufacturing, Oklahoma City shines, coming in at #8 on Joel Kotkin's "New Geographer" / Forbes' "Top Big Cities for Manufacturing Jobs" list
Forbes: OKC 4th-Best Place to Buy a Home Right Now
May 9, 2011 - Forbes | Archived Article
Housing bubble or high unemployment got you down? Come to OKC. Forbes looked at Zillow data for 125 metro areas, examining home price-to-income ratios, unemployment, foreclosures and price trends and found OKC to indeed be both a better living and a better life, putting us at #4 on their "Best Places to Buy a Home Right Now" list.
OKC #7 on "Best Cities to Find a (Great) Job" List
May 5, 2011 - CBS News BNET | Archived Article
Based on Indeed.com's latest job posting / unemployment analysis, BNET recognized Oklahoma City's strong economy, quality of jobs available and our nation's-best low unemployment rate, and put OKC at lucky #7 on their list of "Best Cities to Find a (Great) Job," which comes as no surprise to some of our new residents and companies. Read more on our ongoing renaissance at our new digital magazine, Velocity.
Chief Executive: OK is more than OK for Biz
May 3, 2011 - Chief Executive | Archived Article
Coming in at #11, Oklahoma makes the 4th-best one-year jump, and the biggest five-year gain of all, in Chief Executive's annual "Best and Worst States for Business" survey results - and all this before passing comprehensive workers' comp and tort reform this legislative session.
Oklahoma City #2 in The Business Journals' "Small Business Vitality" Ranking
April 11, 2011 - The Business Journals | Archived Article
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and County Business Patterns, The Business Journals' third annual Small Business Vitality index shows Oklahoma City 2nd on their list of most conducive places for the creation and development of small businesses. Bizjournals used a six-part formula to analyze the nation's 100 largest metros to find the best climates for businesses to grow and flourish -- and once again, Oklahoma City shows its low-cost, high-value combination is tough to beat.
OKC's OMRF Ranked #6 in National Survey
March 3, 2011 - The Scientist | Archived Article
In its annual ranking of the "Best Places to Work for Postdoctoral Fellows," The Scientist magazine ranked the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, headquartered in downtown Oklahoma City's burgeoning biotech corridor, 6th among U.S. institutions. The rankings, which appear in the March issue of The Scientist, were based on surveys that gathered thousands of responses from postdoctoral fellows-postdocs-at nearly 100 institutions.
Oklahoma City Earns Highest Possible Ratings from S&P, Moody's
February 28, 2011 - Standard & Poor's and Moody's / City of OKC | Archived Article
Standard & Poor's rating service has announced that they confirm Oklahoma City's General Obligation debt rating of AAA, while Moody's Investor Service has also confirmed the City's Aaa bond rating. Both ratings are the highest ratings offered by their respective services, putting Oklahoma City in an elite group of the best municipal credits in the marketplace. A few of the factors that contributed to Oklahoma City's continued high rating include: Oklahoma City's expanding regional economic base that serves as the State's economic engine; ongoing downtown redevelopment; consistently strong financial performance and position that includes strategic business planning; conservative financial management practices; low debt and an affordable capital improvement program; and political and management stability -- all factors that contribute to making OKC a great place for business.
BEA: Oklahoma City 1st in Real GDP Gains Among Top 50 Markets
February 23, 2011 - Bureau of Economic Analysis | Archived Article
With 80 of the top 100 U.S. markets suffering economic decline, Oklahoma City ranked #3 overall and #1 among large markets in percentage change in real GDP, registering a whopping 14.5% increase in metro output during the 2008-2009 study period. High value and a stable local economy mean companies in Oklahoma City find it easier to grow and prosper in any economic climate.
OKC Shows Strong Private-Sector Job Growth Over Past Year, Decade
February 3, 2011 - Bureau of Labor Statistics / Bizjournals | Archived Article
A new analysis by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Oklahoma City's recent success is not simply a passing fortuity, with OKC ranking in the top ten (#7) in percentage job growth over the past year, and in the top 25 (#21) in raw job growth over the past decade.
U.S. News: OKC is 4th Best City to Get a Job
February 1, 2011 - U.S. News & World Report | Archived Article
U.S. News analyzed stats from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and job aggregator site Juju.com to find the best places for the unemployed to seek "greener pastures." OKC's economy and quality of life continue to outperform the competition, and these results are just another indicator of Oklahoma City's ongoing success.
Citizens of Oklahoma City Named Southern Business & Development's "Person of the Year
February 1, 2011 - Southern Business & Development | Archived Article
Citizens of "The City that Keeps Investing in Itself" were recognized by respected economic development publication Southern Business & Development for their willingness to be a part of the larger vision that has put OKC on positive media lists all over the world, jump-started the city's renaissance made it such a great place for both citizens and business. As the article says, "In an age of marked skepticism... Oklahoma City stands out like no place in the country. It is a city that has continued to invest in itself over and over again and the results are nothing less than extraordinary."
ABC News: Oklahoma City Ranked 2nd on "Best Cities to Buy a Home" List
January 26, 2011 - ABC News / Zillow | Archived Article
With "a strong job market that's only getting better," improving home prices and almost unheard-of value, OKC is ranked 2nd on ABC News' "Good Morning America" / Zillow report on the Best Cities to Buy a Home in 2011.
Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts Achieves Elite National Ranking
January 21, 2011 - Art Fair Sourcebook | Archived Article
According to the latest edition of Greg Lawler's "Art Fair SourceBook," Oklahoma City's annual Festival of the Arts is ranked in the elite top 20 (#16) in the Fine Arts category. Lawler's publication is an industry standard for artists as well as art festival patrons from all over the country, and the ranking is further proof that OKC's cultural amenities continue to paint a pretty picture for prospective and current residents alike.
Oklahoma City Ranked Fifth on Forbes' "America's Best Job Markets" List
January 6, 2011 - Forbes | Archived Article
Boasting one of the lowest employment rates in the nation, Forbes reports that "retail and leisure jobs have been on the upswing, as well as professional services" - further proof that OKC is the place to be for business to grow.
Forbes: OKC Among Top Ten Best Bargain Cities
January 6, 2011 - Forbes | Archived Article
For this analysis, Forbes examined median home prices, salary data, cost-of-living factors and unemployment rates to "reflect the strength of local economies." Oklahoma City lands at number nine on their list due to our low unemployment, rising incomes and outstanding overall value for employees and businesses alike.
Oklahoma City Boasts Top Ten (#6) Private-Sector Job Growth Rate
January 6, 2011 - Business First / Bureau of Labor Statistics | Archived Article
Oklahoma City's value continues to drive business success. Analyzing new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business First found Oklahoma City to have the sixth-highest percentage growth in private-sector jobs from November 2009 to the same month a year later. The Oklahoma City MSA added 7,200 positions - enough to even rank OKC in the top 20 (#19) in raw job growth.
MPF Research: OKC Ranks 4th Among Apartment Markets to Watch
December 29, 2010 - MPF Research | Archived Video
MPF Research noted Oklahoma City's leading job growth in the tech sector, as well as job growth overall, in naming OKC its #4 "Secondary Market to Watch in 2011."
OKC Among 10 Real Estate Markets to Thrive in 2011
December 20, 2010 - Business Insider | Archived Article
Citing strong job growth and corresponding net migration as well as continued stability and development of OKC's energy and aerospace sectors, Business Insider picked Oklahoma City as one of its "10 Real Estate Markets That Will Thrive in 2011." OKC's well-known value also plays a factor, with an astounding 80.1% (tops on the list) of families able to afford their own home.
Brookings: Once Again, OKC A Top 20 Performer
December 15, 2010 - The Brookings Institution MetroMonitor | Archived Article
The seventh installment of Brookings' MetroMonitor series again highlights Oklahoma City as being among the Top 20 Strongest Performing Metro Areas in the nation. Oklahoma City was also singled out for being one of only 15 large metro areas to have at least 3 consecutive quarters of job growth the last year, one of only five large metros who had job growth in every quarter of 2010, and one of only ten metro areas that regained more than a quarter of the jobs they lost between their pre-recession high and post-recession low.
Oklahoma City Ranked #2 Post-Military Best Places
December 8, 2010 - Military.com / USAA | Archived Article
Noting Oklahoma City's low housing costs, wealth of nearby educational opportunities, recreational and cultural resources (not to mention a thriving Tinker Air Force Base), Oklahoma City was ranked second on Military.com / USAA's Best Places for Military Retirement list. Often coveted by corporate recruiters, Oklahoma City makes a wealth of sense for post-military folks as well as businesses that value low costs and a productive, stable, well-skilled workforce.
OKC #1 in Tech Job Growth
December 7, 2010 - TechAmerica Foundation / Cybercities 2010 | Archived Article
Ready for yet another example of the power of Oklahoma City's low cost / high value combination and what it can mean to business growth and expansion? Clocking in at #1 in both percentage (5.4%) and raw (more than 900) job growth last year, Oklahoma City tops TechAmerica Foundation's Cybercities 2010 jobs report.
Mayor Mick Cornett Garners 2nd Place in World Mayor Project
December 7, 2010 - World Mayor | Archived Article
Highlighting economic, fiscal and social initiatives and the partnership between leadership and the business community in Oklahoma City, the City Mayors Foundation awarded Mayor Mick Cornett with 1st runner up in the 2010 World Mayor Project competition. Tann vom Hove, senior editor at City Mayors, said Mayor Cornett helped turn a city with an unsure future into an American showcase of urban renewal. "A number of economic, fiscal and social initiatives have turned Oklahoma City, which doubted itself after the bombing of 1995, into one of America's boomtowns."
Oklahoma Leads Nation in GSP Growth Rate
November 18, 2010 - Bizjournals | Archived Article
In a year where 38 states showed declines, Oklahoma lead the nation in Gross State Product gains in 2009, at 6.6% - and was the only state in the southwest region to record an increase.
Urban Land Magazine / ULI Lists Top 10 Areas of New Non-farm Jobs: OKC #7 in Raw Gains
November 11, 2010 - Urban Land (subscription) | Archived Article
Examining BLS data for new non-farm raw job growth over the past year, the Urban Land Institute's Urban Land magazine noted Oklahoma City's place at #7 on that list - out of the nation's largest 49 metros.
Newsweek's "Top Ten Places Poised for Recovery" Highlights Oklahoma City
November 8, 2010 - Newsweek | Archived Article
Is your city "stronger and shinier" than it was before the "economic twister?" In addition to appearing on Newsweek's "Top Ten Places Poised for Recovery" list, man-behind-the-curtain Joel Kotkin puts the spotlight on Oklahoma City's low unemployment, growing energy and aerospace sectors, home value stability and net in-migration from California, all helping to make OKC one of the best job markets for young people. With all these factors in place, as Kotkin puts it, "who's to say Oklahoma City can't be Oz?"
Oklahoma City #2 in Job Growth Rate, Top 10 in Raw Private Sector Job Gains
November 3, 2010 - Bizjournals / BusinessFirst | Archived Article
According to new figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, among the nation's largest 100 metros, Oklahoma City ranked #2 in terms of percentage gain of private sector job growth, and an astounding #9 in terms of raw numbers of private sector job gains from September 2009 to September 2010.
Forbes: Oklahoma City #1 "America's Most Affordable City"
October 28, 2010 - Forbes Magazine | Archived Article
Forbes looked at a variety of factors, including unemployment and job growth as well as cost of living, in order to come up with their list. "We searched for cities that had a balance of cheap living and economic prosperity--places with solid job markets, but where costs aren't prohibitive." Their conclusion to the question of who offers the best overall value in the nation? Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett Named Public Official of the Year
October 27, 2010 - Governing Magazine | Archived Article
Cited for his leadership on MAPS 3 (the latest iteration of Oklahoma City's landmark capital projects program) and community health initiatives, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett has been named Public Official of the Year by Governing magazine, the nation's preeminent publication for state and local governments. Among the qualities recognized are leadership, courage, innovation, creativity and good management. Good leadership and partnership opportunities are essential ingredients for a positive business environment - and OKC has working together to get big things accomplished down to an art.
OKC's Devon Energy Named BCA TEN Award Recipient by Americans for the Arts October 20, 2010 - Americans for the Arts | Archived Article
A strong supporter of the arts in Oklahoma City, Devon Energy has been named one of the prestigious BCA TEN award winners for the 10 Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America. Through a variety of means and programs, Devon has reached out to school children, art students and local patrons all across OKC, and is truly one of the best examples of a "good corporate citizen" in the global marketplace today.
Milken: OKC Among Top 25 Best Performing Cities
October 19, 2010 - Milken Institute | Archived Article
What are the strongest indicators of a great city for business? After examining job, wage, salary and technology growth, Milken Institute found Oklahoma City to be in their Top 25 Best Performing Cities (#21). Milken attempts to understand the forces behind creating / sustaining jobs and economic growth, and once again OKC proves a great place to be for business.
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. Sorry, I got too carried away with the nonsensical number+percentage+BS= best place to live evaluation.
