Oklahoma invests heavily in early childhood education, with 74% of 4-year-olds enrolled in pre-K, the second highest rate in the US. This early education leads to better outcomes including higher graduation rates and increased likelihood of post-secondary education. Oklahoma also has a low cost of living, with housing, electricity, gas, and food prices well below the national average, and many of its cities rank among the most affordable places to live in the US. Additionally, Oklahoma has a business-friendly environment and low unemployment rate, contributing to its ranking as one of the best states for business and career opportunities.

1. CONVERGE in OKLAHOMA
Early education has been proven to lead to better grades and higher graduation rates. It also raises the likelihood
for post-graduate education, which increases personal earnings and promotes a stronger economy. A survey of
factors such as average metro home price, energy bills, cost of doctors visits, and retail price of a half gallon of milk
OF 4-YEAR-OLDS ARE ENROLLED IN PRE-K,
THE 2ND-HIGHEST STATE IN THE U.S. 74%
50+
MORE EDUCATION Oklahoma
LIFESTYLE BETTER CHOICES
137 15327 Oklahoma U.S. Average
Percentages of Working
Households with a Severe
Housing Cost Burden
A BETTER ECONOMY
700
NATIONAL MERIT
SCHOLARS ARE
CURRENTLY
ENROLLED
OSU MAINTAINS A PRESENCE IN ALL 77
OKLAHOMA COUNTIES THROUGH ITS
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
reveals Oklahoma to be the nation’s least expensive state to live in overall.
200
1 million
LAKES
35 STATE PARKS
SURFACE ACRES OF WATER
12th
INSTITUTIONS FOR
HIGHER LEARNING OVERALL
GOLF CITY
9th
11th
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
2008
0%
2009
2010 2011
2012
HAS AMONG THE LOWEST
HOUSING COST BURDENS IN
THE UNITED STATES
AMONG U.S.
PUBLIC
UNIVERSITIES 1st
IN OVERALL
TEAM VALUE
(out of 30)
OKC
MOST AFFORDABLE
CITY IN AMERICA
(Forbes ‘14)
OKLAHOMA IS HOME
TO MORE THAN 552 MUSEUMS, INCLUDING:
Historial
Societies
85
History
Museums
MANY OKLAHOMA COMMUNITIES RATE AMONG
THE NATION’S BEST FOR LOW COST OF LIVING
Art
Museums
14th BEST STATE
TO DO BUSINESS
CITY FOR YOUNG
RENT
59% ($720 per month)
62% (7.80¢ per kwh)
ELECTRICITY
GAS
MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY
CITIES
TULSA
OKLAHOMA’S UNEMPLOYMENT
RATE HAS CONSISTENTLY BEAT
THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
Sources: AAA, CBS MoneyWatch, Center for Housing Policy, Chief Executive Magazine, CNBC,
CNN Money, ElectricChoice.com, Forbes, Golf Digest, National Institute for Early Education
Research, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, Oklahoma Museums Association,
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Tourism
& Recreation Department, University of Oklahoma, U.S. Census Bureau
COST OF RENT, ELECTRICITY AND GAS IS WELL BELOW
THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
OK 4.6%
U.S. 6.3%
% of U.S. average
92% ($3.04 per gallon)
UNIVERSITY OF
OKLAHOMA
#2 – PRYOR CREEK
#8 – MUSKOGEE
#17 – ARDMORE
#27 – TULSA
#50 – PONCA CITY
(Forbes)
(Chief Executive
Magazine ‘13)
(CNN Money ‘12)
ENTREPRENEURS #1
#1 OKC
OKC
THUNDER
The Circles of Life