Oklahoma City Accolades
Bloomberg: OKC is a Boomtown
April 29, 2013 - Bloomberg | Archived Article
Business publication Bloomberg ran the census numbers to find the top Boomtowns in America and unsurprisingly Oklahoma City made the list. With a population increase of 7.13 percent between 2007 and 2011, the metro ranked 7th in the U.S. OKC has also had a 1.44 percent GDP compound annual growth over the same period.
Want to Start a Business? OKC is for You
April 22, 2013 - NerdWallet | Archived Article
For Small Business Month, NerdWallet set out to find the "Best Cities to Start a Business" and when the publication crunched the numbers, OKC came in at 5th on their list. NerdWallet cited the metro's aviation and healthcare hubs, low unemployment, low cost of living and available funding as reasons you need to start your next business in Oklahoma City.
Forbes:OKC Among Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S.
April 2, 2013 - Forbes | Archived Article
Forbes recently looked at demographic trends to determine which cities in the U.S. were growing the fastest and unsurprisingly Oklahoma City made the list. In fact, OKC ranked 12th with a growth rate 60 percent above the national average. The metro was one of the biggest risers, as Oklahoma City ranked 20th over the past decade.
OKC Ranks No. 2 for Small Business
February 7, 2013 - The Business Journal | Archived Article
Looking for the perfect place to launch your next business? Few places are better than Oklahoma City as The Business Journal ranked the metro the second-best city in America for small business. The business publication looked at several factors for its formula. OKC had a 4.02 percent job growth the past year and has 26.9 small businesses per 1,000 people.
Oklahoma Ranks Sixth in Wind Power
January 31, 2013 - American Wind Energy Association | Archived Article
According to the American Wind Energy Association, Oklahoma ranks sixth in the nation for wind-generation capacity. More than 1,100 megawatts of wind power capacity was added in 2012, moving the state up from eighth place in 2011.
Oklahoma City Among the Fastest Growing
January 24, 2013 - On Numbers Economic Index | Forbes
Forbes continues to recognize Oklahoma City as the publication ranked the metro 17 on its list of "Fastest Grwoing Cities". Forbes predicts OKC will grow by 1.2 percent in 2014. That follows a 1 percent increase in 2012.
OKC Regains Top Spot in Economic Rankings
January 15, 2013 - On Numbers Economic Index | Archived Article
Oklahoma City once again ranks No. 1 in the monthly On Numbers Economic Index. The index looks at the top 102 markets in the United States and ranks their vitality. Oklahoma City has ranked No. 1 five out of the six months the index has been released.
What Recession?
December 27, 2012 - Brookings Institute | Archived Article
In a recent report from the Brookings Institute, OKC ranked 3rd on the list of “Metro Areas' Recovery From Pre-recession Peak - Best and Worst”. The study looked at factors such as employment growth, unemployment rate and Housing Price Growth. OKC ranked highest in housing growth and low unemployment.
OKC-headquartered Devon Energy Named One of America's Most Community-Minded Companies
November 12, 2012 - Businessweek | Archived Article
Devon Energy, headquartered in Downtown Oklahoma City, was recently named to Businessweek's inaugural Civic 50. Devon ranked No. 41 in the new program designed to recognize the most community-minded companies in America. The Civic 50 recognizes companies that commit their time, talent and resources to empower and improve local communities.
Oklahoma City Tops Economic Strength Ranking for Fourth Straight Month
November 12, 2012 - On Numbers Economic Index | Archived Article
For the fourth consecutive month, Oklahoma City has ranked first in the On Numbers Economic Index. The index measures the economic health of metro areas above 500,000 in population. OKC's low unemployment rate, growth in the retail sector and stability in the housing market garnered the metro the top spot in the ranking.
OKC Ranks in Top 10 for Job Growth
November 2, 2012 - CareerBuilder.com | Archived Article
More and more national publications are starting to notice Oklahoma City's resilience during the recession. This time its CareerBuilder.com, as the website ranked Oklahoma City 6th in job growth between 2010 and 2012 (among large metros). According to the site, OKC added nearly 29,000 jobs during that period of time, ranking right above Dallas and San Francisco.
Oklahoma Rated as One of the Top States for Doing Business
October 26, 2012 - Area Development | Archived Article
Oklahoma ranked No. 10 in Area Development's annual "Top States for Doing Business" report. The ranking surveys location consultants on a multitude of factors. Oklahoma ranked high in incentives and workforce development programs. These two areas show continued strides the region has made in its economic development platform over the past decade.
OKC Continues its Streak as Nations Economic Leader
October 8, 2012 - The Business Journals | Archived Article
For the third month in a row, Oklahoma City has ranked #1 on the On Numbers Economic Index. The article highlighted OKC's unemployment rate, job growth, wage increases and housing sector as reasons for economic success.
OKC is the Place for Engineers
October 4, 2012 - New Geography | Archived Article
A study by New Geographyranked Oklahoma City No. 3 on its "Best Cities for Engineers" list. Engineering joobs have increased more than 10 percent since 2009. According to the study, "With nearly 14,000 current jobs, OKC is a good spot for engineers to be looking."
Housing Revival No Problem in OKC
September 14, 2012 - The Business Journals | Archived Article
While many cities are still trying to regain their housing market, data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency shows Oklahoma City is not having that problem. From 2007 to 2012, Oklahoma City saw a 2.88 percent increase in its housing index. This index represents housing prices. The increase was good for fifth best in the U.S. and boasts the stability of the metro's housing market.
Oklahoma Paces the Nation in Household Income Growth
September 13, 2012 - U.S. Census Bureau | Archived Article
Few states has been as resilient as Oklahoma during the recession and proof continues to come in. According to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahoma had the highest rate of median household income growth in the nation last year. From 2010 to 2011, Oklahoma's median household income 12.4 percent. The next closest state saw their income rise by 10.5 percent.
Metro Area Makes Best Communities for Young People
September 13, 2012 - America's Promise Alliance | Archived Article
For the sixth time, Oklahoma City was named one of the "100 Best Communities for Young People" by America's Promise Alliance. According the ranking Oklahoma City "continues to serve as a national model for making youth a citywide priority by offering a variety of programs to help support their academic success and overall well-being.
OKC Ranks No. 1 in Economic Strength
September 10, 2012 - The Business Journals | Archived Article
Oklahoma City continues to attract attention for its low unemployment and high private-sector job growth, ranking No. 1 on the On Numbers Economic Index for the month of September. The index awarded Oklahoma City with an overall score of 91.042, which topped the next-ranking city by more than five points.
Philanthropy Thrives in OKC
September 6, 2012 - New Geography | Archived Article
According to a new report by How America Gives, Oklahoma City ranks as the seventh most charitable major metro area. The reports shows that residents in OKC are donating 5.5 percent of their income to charity. In term of raw dollars actually given, Oklahoma City ranked No. 1 in the state.
Oklahoma City Sees Increase in Population with Bachelor Degrees
August 9, 2012 - New Geography | Archived Article
A new study by New Geography shows that Oklahoma City is battling "brain drain" as the metro ranked in the top 20 for "increases in population with Bachelor Degrees". The study, using census data, showed that OKC actually ranks four points higher than the national average. Oklahoma City is seeing an impressive influx of talented workers to its labor market.
Oklahoma Ranked No. 1 Spot for Oil & Gas Investment
August 3, 2012 - Fraser Institute | Archived Article
Oklahoma is the best place on earth for oil and gas investment, according to the Fraser Institute and their annual Global Petroleum Survey. Oklahoma jumped to the top spot after being ranked No. 4 in 2011.
Two OKC Institutions Named Best Places to Work in Academia
August 1, 2012 - The Scientist | Archived Article
The Scientist magazine ranked the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundations (OMRF) and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHCS) among its 25 "Best Places to Work in Academia" list. OMRF was ranked 21st and received high marks for job satisfaction and pay. OUHSC came in 25th with high scores in teaching and mentoring as well as tenure and promotion.
Oklahoma Ranks First for Cost of Living
July 12, 2012 - CNBC | Archived Article
In their "America's Top States for Business 2012" ranking, CNBC ranked Oklahoma the top state for cost of living. Oklahoma also placed fourth in cost of business, proving that in Oklahoma the value you get for your dollar exceeds almost anywhere else in the country.
Oklahoma Bucks the Trend with Retail
July 12, 2012 - The Business Journal | Archived Article
According to The Business Journal, Oklahoma is one of only six states who have recovered their retail jobs lost during the recession. Oklahoma ranked fourth on that list, not only recovering the lost jobs but adding 2,000 additional more in the retail sector.
Millennials Will Find a Home in OKC
July 9, 2012 - Moving.com | Archived Article
There are not many cities in the U.S. better to live in if you are a Millennial, according to the website Moving.com. The site ranked Oklahoma City No. 6 in its "Best City for Millennials" due to its low unemployment rate, affordable housing and good nightlife.
OKC Ranks as the Most Business-Friendly City
June 11, 2012 - CNN Money | Archived Article
Thumbtack surveyed more than 6,000 small businesses nationwide and found that Oklahoma City is the "Most Business-Friendly City" in the United States. The metro area's low cost of living and rising college graduate retention rates helped take the top spot in the survey.
Men's Fitness Ranks OKC Among the Most Fittest
June 1, 2012 - Men's Fitness | Archived Article
Men's Fitnessranked Oklahoma City the 23rd "Fittest City" in the United States and called Oklahoma City the biggest success story of the year. The fitness magazine pointed to Mayor Mick Cornett's effort to put Oklahoma City on a diet as evidence of the city's commitment to healthier living.
Recent College Grads are Happy in OKC
May 25, 2012 - Forbes | Archived Article
Forbes recently set out to find what cities are great for college graduates looking for a job and Oklahoma City made the cut at No. 9. The study looked at numerous data points including job growth, compensation and working environment.
OKC Ranks in Top 10 for Best Big Cities for Jobs
May 1, 2012 - Forbes | Archived Article
Forbes once again took notice of Oklahoma City as it ranked the metro the 10th "Best Big Cities for Jobs". OKC has been climbing the ranking of the annual report each year. Last year Oklahoma City ranked 22nd but moved up the ranking with an employment growth of 1.7 percent.
OKC ranked No. 1 for highest annual earnings growth rate
April 30, 2012 - Garner Economics | Archived Article
In a recent report by Garner Economics, Oklahoma City was ranked No. 1 in earnings growth for metros over 1 million in population. OKC's earnings grew by 11 percent over the time studied.
Oklahoma City Named Least-Costly City by KPMG Study
April 17, 2012 - KPMG | Archived Article
Oklahoma City was named the least-costly city to do business among 13 midsized U.S. cities according to a study by KPMG LLP. Oklahoma City had a cost index of 95.5, representing business costs 4.5 percent below the U.S. national baseline of 100.0
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.
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 Boom 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.
Three OKC Companies Make 100 Best Place to Work List
February 6, 2012 - Fortune | Archived Article
Three Oklahoma City headquartered companies recently made Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work for List". American Fidelity Assurance, Chesapeake and Devon are all repeat winners and all not only made the list for 2012 but ranked in the top 50.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
