November 1, 2024

2024 Survey Highlights OKC as a Leading Destination to Live, Work, and Retire

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 29, 2024) – A recent survey shows that Oklahoma City continues to excel as a top-rated place to live, work, raise families, visit, and retire, with satisfaction levels significantly exceeding national averages. This annual survey, conducted in July by ETC Institute, provides city leaders with key insights to prioritize funding for future projects and services. Results are available at okc.gov.

Above-National Average Satisfaction

Oklahoma City scored:

  • 32% higher than the national average for livability
  • 17% higher for work opportunities
  • 13% higher for retirement appeal

The city also ranked 5% above the average for family-friendliness and 9% above for visitor satisfaction. Of 52 benchmarked categories, OKC surpassed the national average in 30, excelling significantly in 26 areas.

Positive Direction and Strong Customer Service

A notable 69% of residents feel OKC is progressing in the right direction. Oklahoma City employees also received high marks, delivering customer service 12% above the national average, with top ratings for the Fire Department (90%), trash services (84%), ambulance services (71%), Police Department (67%), water utilities (64%), and Parks and Recreation (63%).

City Manager Craig Freeman noted, “These scores reflect our employees’ dedication to serving the community with integrity.”

Addressing Areas of Improvement

Despite overall success, residents expressed concerns about homelessness and road conditions. Over half (51%) expressed dissatisfaction with homelessness, and 29% were very dissatisfied with street conditions and traffic flow. This year, homelessness was added as a survey category. Freeman highlighted the Key to Home Partnership, a coalition of over 50 organizations aiming to combat homelessness and the ongoing efforts to improve streets through the 2017 Better Streets, Safer City bond program. Additional infrastructure improvements are planned for 2025.

2023 vs. 2024 Satisfaction Changes

Top areas of improvement:

  • Bulky waste pickup
  • Public transit
  • Street and public area cleanliness

Top areas with decreased satisfaction:

  • Street markings
  • Traffic law enforcement
  • Service speed (e.g., utility repairs)

Engagement for Future Planning

OKC is planning a general obligation (GO) bond election for 2025 to fund infrastructure projects. Residents are invited to suggest improvement areas on okc.gov/GO.

Key Initiatives

Key to Home Partnership: Launched in April 2023, this public-private initiative includes over 40 agencies working to end homelessness in OKC. More details are at keytohomeokc.org.

Better Streets, Safer City Program: A $967 million initiative funded through a 10-year bond to improve streets, traffic, police services, and parks, supported by a permanent ¼-cent sales tax for hiring first responders.

For further information, contact Kristy Yager at (405) 297-2550 or kristy.yager@okc.gov.