Oklahoma Counties See Dramatic Population Shifts

Census data shows major growth and decline across the state

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:03am

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Oklahoma's population has grown significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with some counties experiencing major booms while others are losing residents. Eight counties gained over 1,000 new residents between 2024-2025, while five lost 100 or more. The fastest growing county is Canadian County, home to cities like Edmond and Yukon, followed by Tulsa County. The state has seen an influx of over 160,000 new residents, largely made up of millennials moving from Texas.

Why it matters

Population shifts can have major impacts on local economies, infrastructure needs, political representation, and community dynamics. Understanding where people are moving to and from in Oklahoma provides valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and residents.

The details

The Oklahoma population has grown by 163,934 residents between 2020 and 2025, including both natural change and net migration. Nearly 160,000 people have moved to Oklahoma since the start of the pandemic, with 107,244 coming domestically and 51,694 arriving internationally. Millennials make up 27% of new residents in 2023, and Texas appears to be the biggest source of new Oklahomans.

  • Between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025, Oklahoma gained 25,530 new residents according to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates.

The players

Canadian County

The fastest growing county in Oklahoma, home to cities like Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, and El Reno.

Tulsa County

The second fastest growing county in Oklahoma.

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The takeaway

Oklahoma's population shifts highlight the state's appeal to new residents, particularly younger generations, and the need for local governments to plan accordingly for changes in infrastructure, services, and representation. The dramatic growth and decline across different counties underscores the uneven nature of these population movements.