Oklahoma City Metro Area Economy Projected to Outpace Rest of the Nation

According to David L. May, Ph.D., Professor of Economics at Oklahoma City University, the Oklahoma City metropolitan area economy should continue to outperform the nation as a whole for a number of reasons. Dr. May cites the following reasons for the robust local economy:

1. The Oklahoma City housing market has remained stable, and prices have not become overinflated as in some areas of the country. Therefore, the current problems with sub-prime mortgages afflicting some parts of the nation are not really too significant here.

2. Natural gas and oil are extremely important to our economy. Energy prices are expected to remain high for most of the coming year, helping to keep our economy strong.

3. Native American gaming casinos continue to grow and support increased tourism to our area.

As well, the Oklahoma City metro area has a very low cost of living. All of these factors should contribute to a strong and stable economic picture for Oklahoma City in the near future.