Who’s Moving To and From Oklahoma?
In the latest Census data (2022), Oklahoma gained about 24,821 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Texas, and the largest number leaving head to Texas.
Top states moving into Oklahoma
- Texas 29,005
- California 11,134
- Colorado 6,127
- Arkansas 5,972
- Kansas 5,364
Net interstate migration: +24,821 more people moved in than out (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where Oklahoma residents go: the biggest destinations are Texas, Kansas and Arkansas. The single largest stream runs to Texas — about 23,411 people in a year. In total, roughly 83,411 residents left Oklahoma for another state, versus about 108,232 who moved in.
Who moves to Oklahoma: the largest inbound flows come from Texas, California and Colorado, led by Texas with about 29,005 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.
Why people come: Oklahoma is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (0.0%–4.5%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Texas and other high-cost states are a large part of the story.
Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between Oklahoma and Texas can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Oklahoma with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.
Frequently asked questions
- Are people leaving Oklahoma?
- On net, no — Oklahoma gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 24,821 in 2022. The most people arrive from Texas.
- Which state do most people move to from Oklahoma?
- Texas is the top destination for people leaving Oklahoma, with about 23,411 moves in the latest year, followed by Kansas and Arkansas.
- Which states do people move to Oklahoma from?
- The largest inbound flows to Oklahoma come from Texas, California and Colorado, led by Texas with about 29,005 arrivals.