Oklahoma: More Than Just Dust Devils and Rodeos (Maybe)
So, you're curious about Oklahoma? You're picturing wide-open plains, ten-gallon hats, and enough fried food to clog a state fair funnel cake machine. But what about the people? How many folks are out there wranglin' cattle and two-stepping the night away? Well, buckle up, partner, because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of Oklahoma's population... specifically, how many towns and cities boast more than 20,000 residents.
Spoiler Alert: It's Not All Farms and One-Horse Towns
Now, Oklahoma might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of bustling metropolises. But hold your horses (or should we say, Sooners?) There are actually more than 15 cities and towns in the state that crack the 20,000 mark. That's right, over 15 pockets of civilization where you won't have to travel for miles just to find a decent cup of coffee (although, a good pair of boots might still come in handy).
Who's Who in the Oklahoma Population Rodeo?
So, which cities are the frontrunners in this population race? Well, the big dogs are, unsurprisingly, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, boasting populations that would make a longhorn steer do a double take. But don't sleep on places like Norman, Broken Arrow, and Edmond. These up-and-coming contenders are growing faster than a tumbleweed in a tornado (okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea).
Here's a little sneak peek at the top 5:
- Oklahoma City: Hold onto your hats, it's a city slicker showdown with over 700,000 residents!
- Tulsa: Not to be outdone, Tulsa trails close behind with a population of over 400,000.
- Norman: Home to the University of Oklahoma, Norman's got the brains and the brawn with over 130,000 residents.
- Broken Arrow: This city's population is on the rise, with over 119,000 folks calling it home.
- Edmond: Don't underestimate this contender! Edmond's got a population of over 98,000 and is growing like a bluebonnet patch in spring.
But wait, there's more! Oklahoma has a whole lotta other cities and towns with populations over 20,000. We're talking Lawton, Moore, Enid, and the list goes on.
So, You Want to Be an Oklahoman? (How to Guides for the Curious)
Feeling inspired by Oklahoma's surprising population density? Here are some quick tips to get you started on your Sooner State adventure:
- How to Talk Sooner: Learn a few key phrases like "howdy," "ya'll," and "bless your heart" (use with caution!).
- How to Dress for the Weather: Be prepared for anything from scorching summers to surprisingly chilly winters. A good pair of boots and a hat are always handy.
- How to Find the Best Fried Food: Ask a local! Seriously, Oklahomans take their fried food very seriously.
- How to Cheer on the Sooners: Paint yourself crimson and cream and learn the OU fight song (it's catchy, we promise).
- How to Embrace the Oklahoma Spirit: Be friendly, helpful, and have a good sense of humor. After all, Oklahoma charm is a real thing!
There you have it, folks! Oklahoma: it's not just about rodeos and tumbleweeds anymore (although, those things are pretty cool too). So, if you're looking for a place with a surprising amount of urban life mixed with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality, Oklahoma might just be the place for you.