OKLAHOMA CITY’S 2025 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
JOB GAINS TODAY AND PROSPECTIVE LABOR FORCE FOR FUTURE POSITIONS OKLAHOMA CITY FOR LONG RUN SUCCESS Oklahoma City’s steady job growth, younger-than- average population and role as the state’s economic driver position the metro for long-term success, according to the 2025 Greater Oklahoma City Economic Outlook. The study, completed by Russell Evans, partner and chief economist for Thorberg Collective, and Eric Long, research economist for the Chamber, projects a 2.5% increase in metro job growth for 2025, adding 18,200 jobs. The Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) continues to drive the state’s economy, contributing nearly 40% of the state’s GDP and over a third of its population. Economic activity is dispersing across the metro, with Oklahoma County’s share of GDP falling to 70% and population dipping below 55%. Growth is focused in the south and west, where Canadian and McLain counties have seen annual population growth of 3.3% and 2.5%, respectively, and economic growth rates of 6.5% and 7.2% since 2013. This trend is expected to continue as Oklahoma City leads state economic growth while Oklahoma County’s share gradually decreases. Real per capita income and GDP in the Oklahoma City MSA are expected to grow modestly in 2025, with income growth meeting or exceeding U.S. averages. With 21.4% of the population aged 10-24, Oklahoma City is well positioned for future growth. LOOKING BACK AT 2024 In 2024, the Oklahoma City metro economy saw a 2.1% year-over-year increase in nonfarm jobs – or 14,700 positions. The largest job gains were in education & health (6.6%), construction (6.5%), leisure & hospitality (5.3%), other services (4.0%), government (2.6%) and mining/oil & gas (1.0%). Declines occurred in
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