Americans Are Flocking to These 10 Fastest-Growing Counties in Oklahoma

Throughout the country, Americans are moving out of big cities and relocating to small towns and counties. Many people are looking for more affordable housing and a better cost of living. The state of Oklahoma has recently seen a population surge throughout many of its surrounding counties. It makes sense when you take into account the state’s low crime rates, affordable homes, and high-quality schools. So, are you interested in possibly moving to one of these areas in the state? Then check out our list of the 10 fastest-growing counties in Oklahoma.

1. Canadian County

At the top of our list, with the most growth over a ten-year period, is Canadian County. Canadian County is the fourth most populous county in the state, with a population of 169,149 in 2022. This area has seen the most population growth as its number of residents has increased by 38% from 2012 to 2022. The county is named after the Canadian River, which borders the southern part of the county. One of the biggest reasons behind the surge in residents is Canadian County’s proximity to Oklahoma City. The county is just west of the major city, which allows residents the opportunity to work in the city but then commute back to a more residential area. Many people also enjoy the quality of life that Canadian County has to offer. The area has access to both outdoor activities and cultural resources.

2. McClain County

Coming in second on our list of the fastest-growing counties in Oklahoma is McClain County. This county is located in south-central Oklahoma. Over the course of ten years, from 2012 to 2022, the population increased by roughly 27%. The most recent US Census Bureau data has recorded the population to be 45,306. What makes it so appealing to new residents is its proximity to both Norman and Oklahoma City. This proximity provides benefits to many newcomers as they are able to easily access big-city amenities such as hospitals, job opportunities, and more while enjoying a quieter lifestyle living outside the major cities. Additionally, McClain County has been recognized for having reputable schools and a strong sense of community among residents. The county also offers tons of stunning landscapes to take in.

3. Logan County

Over the past ten years, Logan County has continued to attract more and more newcomers. As of the 2022 census, the population was 51,933. Throughout the years, Logan County has continuously seen a steady increase in the population. Once again, one of the biggest selling points of this county is how close it is to other major cities. The county is only 30 miles north of downtown Oklahoma City. Additionally, the area itself has a lot to offer residents. Guthrie, the county seat of Logan County, features many historic buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. These historic buildings add to the charm of the city. Logan County also retains a lot of Western and cowboy culture. There are many events that take place throughout the county, such as rodeos and country music concerts. The county is also home to Langston University, which is the only historically black college in the state.

4. Wagoner County

Located in Oklahoma’s northeastern region, Wagoner County was founded in 1907 and has an incredibly rich history. Throughout the years, the county has seen significant growth in its population. From 2012 to 2022, the population grew by 15%. There are several reasons for the growing interest in this county. For starters, Wagoner County is located just east of Tulsa, one of the largest cities in the state. This makes it a convenient commuting distance for many residents who don’t want to live in a densely populated area. Additionally, there are more budget-friendly housing options in Wagoner County. Another big plus is the county’s accessibility to Lake Fort Gibson. Lake Fort Gibson is one of the largest lakes in the state and offers residents fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities.

5. Cleveland County

Cleveland County has consistently attracted many individuals and families looking for a high quality of life. The most recent population numbers for the county are 299,587 residents in 2022. This adds up to a 12% population increase over the past ten years. There are several factors about this county that make it attractive to potential residents. One of the biggest contributing factors to the interest in Cleveland County is the city of Norman. Norman is the third most populated city in the state and offers residents great schools, interesting museums to visit, and more. Additionally, Cleveland County is home to the University of Oklahoma (OU). There is also a lot of natural beauty in this county. Residents can take advantage of Lake Thunderbird, where you can swim and cool off during the hot summer days.

6. Rogers County 

Lots of newcomers have been making their way to Rogers County. As a matter of fact, Rogers County has seen a 12% population increase from 2012 to 2022. The most recent census in 2022 reported the population to be 98,836. This county has a lot of history, as it was originally called Cooweescoowee. However, protests eventually resulted in the name change, and Rogers County was then named after Clem Vann Rogers, a Cherokee rancher, and father of actor, author, and comedian Will Rogers. Throughout the years, people have been flocking here thanks to its close distance to Tulsa. However, some residents were initially sold on Rogers County when they realized how much scenic landscape the county has to offer. The natural splendor of Lake Oologah and many of its surrounding areas are a big selling point for many newcomers.

7. Bryan County

Bryan County is named after Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan. Bryan was one of the contributors to the Oklahoma Constitution of 1907. As of the 2022 census, the population of the county was 48,182. When comparing the population numbers over a ten-year period, the county saw a 10% increase. Since the area of this county encompasses both rural and suburban communities, it is able to attract a lot of new residents. While some people may commute to the largest city within the county, Durant, the county overall offers many employment opportunities. Additionally, the county is located near Lake Texoma. Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, and every year, people come here to vacation.

8. Tulsa County

As the second most populous county in Oklahoma, Tulsa County continues to grow every year. The most recent census in 2022 recorded the population to be 677,358. The largest city within the county is Tulsa. The city of Tulsa has an incredibly multifaceted economy and offers job opportunities in technology, aerospace, and energy. There are also great educational opportunities in the county thanks to the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University. Tulsa County is also recognized for having an incredibly diverse population, which contributes to its unique cultural experiences. Overall, the county has a lot to offer in terms of scenic parks, museums, galleries, educational opportunities, and more!

9. Oklahoma County

Oklahoma County has continued to be one of the fastest-growing counties in Oklahoma. It is the most populous county in the state, with a population of 802,559 in 2022 based on US Census Bureau data. The population has grown by 7.96% from 2012 to 2022. The county is home to Oklahoma City, which is the largest city in the state and is also the state capital. With the state’s largest city in this county, you can easily understand the continuous population growth. Oklahoma County offers residents job opportunities, captivating museums to visit, and impressive outdoor parks! Downtown Oklahoma City, in particular, attracts many people thanks to the Brockton District, where you can find tons of restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and more.

10. Payne County

Finally, we have Payne County, which was named after David L. Payne, an American frontiersman and political activist. The population here has seen a 5% increase between the years of 2012 and 2022. Payne County’s most current population numbers were recorded in 2022, and found the number of residents to be 82,794. One of the key contributing factors to the growth here is Oklahoma State University (OSU). OSU has a rich academic and sports history that attracts many students and offers many job opportunities as well. Another perk that attracts many newcomers is downtown Stillwater. Stillwater is the tenth-largest city in the state and is full of historic buildings, restaurants, and unique shops.

Summary of the Fastest-Growing Counties in Oklahoma

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