Tulsa area population tops 1 million

The Tulsa metropolitan area has officially joined the 1 million population club, making it eligible to better compete for economic development projects, according to area officials.

Estimates released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau put the July 1, 2020, population in the Tulsa metro area, officially called the metropolitan statistical area, at 1,006,411, a 0.7%, or 7,063 person, increase over the estimate for 2019.

“When companies evaluate prospective locations for a relocation or expansion, a metro area of more than 1 million people can often be a deciding factor,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “Now that northeast Oklahoma clearly checks that box, we expect to compete against larger markets that have high labor and land costs.

“Our region’s low cost of living, short commute times and collaborative approach to economic development will continue to give us an edge as we ascend to this new tier of communities.”

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