Oklahoma City's diverse economy
In December 1993, the citizens of Oklahoma City approved a $238 million community enhancement package. Progress is seen everywhere! This is a vibrant city with a growing economy.
Agribusiness: Oklahoma City and surrounding areas have over 6,000 farms and over 650,000 acres under cultivation.
Construction and Real Estate: In 1993, there were about 3,700 residential single family building permits issued in the Oklahoma City area. The City issued 88 commercial retail permits and 17 commercial office permits.
Government: OKC is the capitol of Oklahoma and is the site for many governmental agencies. The government employs over 20% of the area's non-agricultural employees. The government sector contributes to a high demand for well trained employees and is a major source of economic and social development of the area.
Health Care: Oklahoma City has over 52,000 employees in the health care sector. The Oklahoma City Metro area has 20 general medical and surgical hospitals, four specialized hospitals, and two federal medical installations with a combined total of over 6,000 beds. The city is a major area of health care delivery and research.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing employs about 11% of the total nonagricultural labor force (50,000+). Major firms represented are General Motors Corporation, AT&T Network Systems, Dayton Tire, Seagate Technology, LSB Industries, Fred Jones Manufacturing, and Gulfstream Aerospace Technologies.
Military: Tinker Air Force Base is one of the premier maintenance and repair facilities within the Department of Defense. Tinker employs about 10,000 military personnel and over 15,000 civilians.
Mining/Energy: Mining is not a major factor in the economy, employing only about 2% of the labor force.
Wholesale and Retail Trade: High retail trade activities are a direct result of the City's centralized location within the state. There are over 20 trade areas with 200+ centers throughout the Metro Area. Major regional shopping centers include:
- Crossroads Mall (largest shopping center with over 1.1 million square feet)
- Quail Springs Mall (second largest mall with over 1 million square)
- Penn Square Mall ( has over a million square feet)
OKC Chamber of Commerce
