The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) released its third-quarter 2025 Cost of Living Index, showing Oklahoma City’s overall score at 81.9, or 18.1 points below the national average of 100.
Oklahoma City’s unemployment rate held steady in August, continuing a historic stretch of strong job performance across the metro. The OKC metropolitan statistical area (MSA) recorded an unemployment rate of 3.3%, improving from 3.0% in July (seasonally adjusted).
Homelessness continues to affect thousands of people in Oklahoma City, but coordinated efforts across sectors are showing signs of progress. Public, private and nonprofit organizations are working together to connect people to housing, services and long-term support.
Oklahoma has positioned itself as one of the nation’s most active aerospace and defense hubs. The state blends long-standing capabilities with a climate that supports innovation, workforce development and business growth.
As part of its ongoing workforce development efforts, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber launched OKC FAME in fall 2024 to support the region’s growing manufacturing sector.
Business and civic leaders recently gathered for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s State of the Region event, which offered a clear, data-focused look at where Central Oklahoma stands—and where it needs to improve. The event featured a regional economic overview presented by Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater.
Oklahoma’s biotech sector took center stage when the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) brought its national Roadshow tour to Oklahoma City. This event, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Life Sciences Oklahoma highlighted the dynamic and growing bioeconomy in the region.
Improving Oklahoma City’s air service is the goal of a new task force formed by the Chamber. Chaired by Burns Hargis, former chair of the Chamber and former president of Oklahoma State University, the task force is comprised of airport representatives, Airport Trust members, and business leaders interested in working together to provide valuable information to airlines as they consider expansion in the market.
