Population & Demographics

The population of southwest Oklahoma generally follows the boom-and-bust cycle of oil and gas. This small population scattered widely over a large geographical area presents challenges when dealing with workforce and economic development issues. The largest population ever officially counted in the area was 192,663 in 1930. As of the most recent American Community Survey, conducted in 2019 the region has decreased in population since 2010 from 109,917 to 106,964 a total reduction of -2.7% its smallest population in over 100 years.

The fastest growing sector of the population over the last 40 years is individuals with Hispanic heritage. The Hispanic population was 4,282 in 1970, in 2019 the Hispanic population of the region 18,751 (17.6%) of the total population. The top three Hispanic population rates by county are Harmon (30%), Jackson county (25.2%), and Custer county (18.9%). For comparison in 2019, the State of Oklahoma Hispanic population was estimated to be 11.1%. We need to implement more measures to assure that we take into consideration the needs and benefits of these members of our communities.

Outside of the ratio of Hispanics and the declining total population, Southwest Oklahoma regional demographics closely resemble the rest of the State of Oklahoma. Predominant races in the region are White (79.4%), African American (4.3%), Native American (2.4%). Average age is approximately 35.6 years: 24.9% of the population is under 18 years, 24.6% is 18-34 years, 11.7% is 35-44 years, 23.7% is 45-64 years, and 15.1% is 65+ years per capita.

Per Capita income generally runs about 75% of the U.S. income. The poverty rate for the region is estimated at 17.1% as opposed to the U.S. rate of 10.5%.