Known as the "Sooner State" and the historic epicenter of the 1930s Dust Bowl, Oklahoma remains an important agricultural region as well as a major natural gas and oil producer. Oklahoma is a great location for nature lovers, home to dozens of state parks and several federally managed sites. Leading industries include energy (oil and natural gas), aerospace and aviation, government and military, healthcare, manufacturing, and biotechnology. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the state economy and in its exports.
In terms of both population and land mass, the Sooner State sits right around the middle of the pack. As of 2025, Oklahoma is home to roughly 4.1 million people, ranking about 28th among the states, while its total land area ranks around 20th. Oklahoma is generally regarded as a business-friendly state and is home to a handful of Fortune 500 companies.
The Cities and Towns of OK
As of 2025, the typical Oklahoma home is valued at roughly $200,000 according to Zillow's Home Value Index, well below the national average, which keeps the state one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The Sooner State does not have the extreme price disparity seen in some coastal states. Home values tend to be higher in and around the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metros and more modest in rural areas, though prices across the state have risen meaningfully over the past decade.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City, sometimes abbreviated OKC, is the state capital and its largest city, with a population of roughly 700,000 as of the mid-2020s. It is also one of the largest U.S. cities by land area. The Oklahoma City metropolitan area is home to well over one million residents. Like much of the state, OKC's economy has long been driven by energy, though healthcare, aerospace, government, and technology have become increasingly important. The city is home to the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, the state's first major professional sports franchise.
Tulsa
Tulsa is Oklahoma's second-largest city, with a population of roughly 410,000 and a metro area of about one million people. Historically known as the "Oil Capital of the World," Tulsa has diversified its economy over the years, and aerospace, telecommunications, healthcare, and financial services now support many local jobs. The city is frequently recognized for its livability and walkable neighborhoods.
Norman
Norman is Oklahoma's third-largest city, with a population of roughly 130,000. It is perhaps best known as the home of the University of Oklahoma, which is a major local employer. Other sizable employers in and around Norman include federal agencies, national weather research operations, and a range of technology and service firms.
Your Banking Options
Though Oklahoma is best known as an energy state, it has a deep and competitive banking sector. BOK Financial Corporation, which owns Bank of Oklahoma, is headquartered in Tulsa and is the largest bank based in the state. Beyond BOK, a strong roster of local and community banks and credit unions compete to serve Oklahomans, and a number of larger, multi-state banks also maintain branches and ATMs across OK.
Below, we've outlined a few of your banking options, from local players to the national banks that operate in Oklahoma. Bank availability and branch networks change over time, so confirm current options before you decide.
Local and regional banks:
- BancFirst
- Arvest Bank
- MidFirst Bank
- Bank of Oklahoma (BOK Financial)
- RCB Bank
- IBC Bank
- City National Bank and Trust
- Exchange Bank and Trust Company
- First National Bank of Weatherford
Credit unions:
- Tinker Federal Credit Union
- TTCU Federal Credit Union
- WEOKIE Federal Credit Union
- Communication Federal Credit Union
- 66 Federal Credit Union
- Tulsa Federal Credit Union
- FAA Credit Union
- Oklahoma Central Credit Union
- Oklahoma's Credit Union
- Energy One Federal Credit Union
National banks with a presence in OK:
- JPMorgan Chase
- Bank of America
- UMB Bank
- BMO
As you can see, Oklahoma is a state full of proud community banks and credit unions ready to serve local residents, alongside national institutions. Whichever you choose, it pays to compare offers before committing, just as you would with any other major transaction. At RateZip, you can compare offers from lenders in OK and across the nation to find the deal that's best for you.
Oklahoma Mortgage Loans
For those who want to put down roots near the heart of the country, RateZip.com can help you compare home loan options from regional banks and national lenders, potentially saving you money on a purchase or refinance. Whether you're buying a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage, comparison shopping online is a smart first step. Naturally, it starts with understanding your home loan options.
The most popular home loan in OK, as in the rest of the country, is the fixed-rate mortgage. As the name implies, the interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan. Other options include the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), whose rate can change over time after an initial fixed period, and the home equity loan, which is designed to let you borrow against the equity you've built in your home. Because rates and terms change constantly, be sure to compare current offers before you decide.
First-time buyers in Oklahoma may also qualify for assistance through the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), which partners with approved lenders statewide to offer programs such as OHFA Gold and OHFA Dream, including down payment assistance for eligible borrowers. Program details and eligibility requirements change periodically, so check the latest guidelines when you're ready to buy.