Oklahoma City hit record low on unemployment in 2025

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This spring, Oklahoma City recorded the lowest unemployment rate among the 56 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, posting a rate of 2.3%, down from 3.0% in the previous survey. The employment rate stands out now more than ever, as Oklahoma City prepares itself for years of ribbon cuttings on massive, job-generating projects across the metro. There is no doubt that our city is growing, and fast, but the astonishingly low unemployment rate shows that our growth is healthy and sustainable. It is a symbol that the best is yet to come for OKC.

This achievement underscores our resilient economy and steady labor market, with sustained job growth and consistent hiring contributing to economic stability. The milestone marks the 45th consecutive month that Oklahoma City’s unemployment rate has remained below 4%, the longest stretch in its modern history. In comparison, national unemployment has held steady at 4.2%. Notably, 68 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties saw unemployment decline over the past year, reinforcing broader signs of economic health and expansion.

An achievement like this certainly does not happen by luck. Years of investment in our small businesses and recruitment for companies to open offices, factories, or stores in the city have broadened and, importantly, diversified our job market. The Alliance for Economic Development of OKC is proud to offer many services that help foster a healthy economy, like incentivizing strategic investments and development. More broadly, everything from better transit to help all residents commute to jobs, to abundant opportunities for education and job training have helped foster this incredible low unemployment rate. Many of the initiatives OKC has taken on to foster a great quality of life here are certainly paying off, as we now see in the numbers.

A strategic focus on supporting small businesses (particularly in difficult times like the years following COVID-19’s peak economic impacts) has empowered local entrepreneurs to grow and hire more OKC residents. Small businesses now make up about 71% of all businesses in Oklahoma City, which helps more of the money circulating in our economy stay local, and thus creates more jobs in the community. More than that, a healthy ecosystem for small businesses helps make the community unique, with its own defined “local flavor.”

Oklahoma City’s record-low unemployment is more than a statistic — it’s proof that thoughtful investments, strong partnerships, and a commitment to local businesses build a foundation for shared prosperity and a bright future for everyone who calls OKC home.

Kenton Tsoodle is the president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.