Thinking about moving to Tulsa?
You’ll be in good company. Between 2010 and 2016, more than 11,184 people have moved to Tulsa, an increase of 2.9%. New residents are attracted to Tulsa’s strong economic prospects, affordable housing, and low cost of living.
Despite what those unfamiliar with Tulsa might think, it isn’t some boring Midwestern backwater. Tulsa boats world-renowned museums, a professional opera and ballet, and 15 institutions of higher education. Tulsa’s downtown is famous for its Art Deco architecture thanks to a building boom in the early 20th century. There’s also a vibrant youth counterculture in Tulsa, mixing easily with more conservative Oklahoma cowboys.
Living
Tulsa is home to 403,090 Tulsans. With an area of 196.8 square miles, Tulsa has a population density of 2,048 persons per square mile, which makes it less dense than many other cities of comparable size.
The Tulsa, OK Metropolitan Statistical Area boasts a population of 987,201 people, of which Tulsa proper’s population makes up 41%.
Housing
Affordable housing is one of best things Tulsa has going for it. The median home value in Tulsa is $108,400, -46% below the US median value, according to Zillow. The median price per square foot in Tulsa is $74. Over the past 5 years, home values in Tulsa have increased by 3%.
Renters in Tulsa will also have an easy time finding affordable housing. The median rent in Tulsa is $958 per month, which is 33% lower than the US median. Over the past year, rental rates in Tulsa have decreased by 3.1%.
Economy
Tulsa’s economy is growing strong. The Tulsa metro area’s GDP grew by 18% between 2010 and 2015, from $46 billion in 2010 to $55 billion in 2015, a total increase of $9 billion. The metro area has a per capita GDP of $55,312. According to the US Census Bureau, the median household income in Tulsa, OK is $50,023, 3% higher than the national median. Tulsa’s unemployment rate is 5%.