OKC unemployment remains low despite slight increases in early 2025

Unemployment in the Oklahoma City metro area remained low through the early months of 2025, with slight increases in January and February. Despite the month-to-month changes, the area continued its streak of unemployment below 4%, a sign of ongoing labor market stability both locally and across much of the state. 

In January, the OKC metropolitan statistical area recorded an unemployment rate of 3.3%, up from 2.8% in December. Compared with the previous year, January unemployment rates fell in 56 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, rose in 13 and were unchanged in eight. 

Among large metropolitan areas with populations over 1 million, OKC recorded the No. 11 lowest unemployment rate in January. Honolulu had the lowest rate at 2.6%, while Fresno, California, recorded the highest at 8.6%. 

Oklahoma County reported a January unemployment rate of 3.4%, up from 3.0% in December. The statewide rate held steady at 3.3%. Tulsa’s rate increased to 3.4% from 2.9%. The U.S. rate fell to 4.0% in January from 4.1% the month before. 

In February, OKC’s unemployment rate increased to 3.4% from 3.3% in January. Compared with a year earlier, February unemployment rates declined in 48 counties, rose in 21 and were unchanged in eight. 

Among large metros, OKC ranked No. 8 in February. Honolulu again had the lowest rate at 2.7%. Fresno remained the highest at 8.9%. 

Oklahoma County’s rate rose to 3.5% in February from 3.4%. The statewide rate stayed at 3.3%. Tulsa matched Oklahoma County with a 3.5% rate, up from 3.4%. National unemployment rose slightly to 4.1% in February. 

The metro has now recorded unemployment below 4% for 43 consecutive months, the longest streak in the city’s recorded history. 

Upcoming data releases remain on schedule, and without disruptions in the data collection process, the release schedule is as follows: March U.S. unemployment data was released on April 4, 2025; Oklahoma statewide unemployment data was released on April 18, 2025; and metro and county-level data will be released on April 28, 2025.