Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States. It is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains to the flat prairies of the Great Plains. With a total area of 69,898 square miles, Oklahoma is the 20th largest state in the United States. The state is divided into 77 counties, each with its own unique character and history. In this essay, we will take a closer look at the top 20 counties in Oklahoma, based on population and other important factors.
- Oklahoma County is the most populous county in the state, with an estimated population of 797,072 people in 2020. It is also the largest county in terms of land area, covering 708 square miles. Oklahoma County is home to the city of Oklahoma City, which is the state capital and largest city in Oklahoma. The county is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with numerous museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions located within its borders. Oklahoma County is also home to several major economic engines, including Tinker Air Force Base and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
- Tulsa County is the second largest county in Oklahoma, with a population of 603,403 people. The county is located in the northeastern part of the state and is bordered by Wagoner County to the east, Osage County to the north, and Rogers County to the west. Tulsa County is home to the city of Tulsa, which is the second largest city in Oklahoma and a major hub for the energy, finance, and aerospace industries. The county is also known for its strong education system, with several highly-regarded universities and colleges located within its borders.
- Cleveland County is located in central Oklahoma and is bordered by Oklahoma County to the west, Pottawatomie County to the east, and Canadian County to the north. The county has a population of 255,755 people, making it the third largest county in Oklahoma. Cleveland County is home to the city of Norman, which is the third largest city in Oklahoma and the home of the University of Oklahoma. The county is also home to numerous parks, lakes, and recreational areas, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Comanche County is located in southwestern Oklahoma and is bordered by Grady County to the west, Caddo County to the east, and Cotton County to the south. The county has a population of 126,988 people, making it the fourth largest county in Oklahoma. Comanche County is home to the city of Lawton, which is the fifth largest city in Oklahoma and a major hub for the military, healthcare, and education industries. The county is also home to Fort Sill, one of the largest military installations in the United States.
- Canadian County is located in central Oklahoma and is bordered by Cleveland County to the south, Kingfisher County to the west, and Oklahoma County to the east. The county has a population of 126,541 people, making it the fifth largest county in Oklahoma. Canadian County is home to the city of El Reno, which is the sixth largest city in Oklahoma and a major hub for the oil and gas industry. The county is also known for its rich history, with several historic sites and monuments located within its borders.
- Grady County is located in southern Oklahoma and is bordered by Caddo County to the east, Comanche County to the west, and Stephens County to the south. The county has a population of 52,431 people, making it the sixth largest county in Oklahoma. Grady County is home to the city of Chickasha, which is a major hub for the agricultural industry. The county is also known for its parks and recreation areas, including Lake Chickasha, which is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
- Payne County is located in north-central Oklahoma and is bordered by Noble County to the north, Logan County to the east, and Pawnee County to the south. The county has a population of 78,751 people, making it the seventh largest county in Oklahoma. Payne County is home to the city of Stillwater, which is the home of Oklahoma State University and a major hub for the education and research industries. The county is also known for its rolling hills, scenic countryside, and recreational opportunities.
- Rogers County is located in northeastern Oklahoma and is bordered by Washington County to the north, Tulsa County to the south, and Mayes County to the east. The county has a population of 86,905 people, making it the eighth largest county in Oklahoma. Rogers County is home to the city of Claremore, which is a major hub for the manufacturing and retail industries. The county is also known for its scenic countryside, including Lake Oologah, which is a popular destination for boating and fishing.
- Washington County is located in northeastern Oklahoma and is bordered by Rogers County to the south, Tulsa County to the west, and Creek County to the east. The county has a population of 50,976 people, making it the ninth largest county in Oklahoma. Washington County is home to the city of Bartlesville, which is a major hub for the energy and manufacturing industries. The county is also known for its parks and recreational areas, including the Osage Hills and Lake O’ the Cherokees.
- Creek County is located in central Oklahoma and is bordered by Tulsa County to the west, Okmulgee County to the east, and Oklahoma County to the south. The county has a population of 69,967 people, making it the tenth largest county in Oklahoma. Creek County is home to the city of Sapulpa, which is a major hub for the manufacturing and transportation industries. The county is also known for its parks and recreational areas, including Keystone Lake and Lake Skiatook.
- Pottawatomie County is located in central Oklahoma and is bordered by Cleveland County to the west, Seminole County to the east, and Lincoln County to the south. The county has a population of 70,580 people, making it the eleventh largest county in Oklahoma. Pottawatomie County is home to the city of Shawnee, which is a major hub for the education and healthcare industries. The county is also known for its parks and recreational areas, including Shawnee Twin Lakes and Lake Thunderbird.
- Bryan County is located in southeastern Oklahoma and is bordered by Marshall County to the north, Atoka County to the east, and Choctaw County to the south. The county has a population of 42,416 people, making it the twelfth largest county in Oklahoma. Bryan County is home to the city of Durant, which is a major hub for the retail and tourism industries. The county is also known for its parks and recreational areas, including Lake Texoma and the Choctaw Casino Resort.
- McCurtain County is located in southeastern Oklahoma and is bordered by Le Flore County to the west, Pushmataha County to the east, and Little River County to the south. The county has a population of 33,151 people, making it the thirteenth largest county in Oklahoma. McCurtain County is known for its scenic countryside, including the Ouachita National Forest, and its recreational opportunities, such as fishing and boating in Broken Bow Lake.
- Canadian County is located in central Oklahoma and is bordered by Kingfisher County to the north, Oklahoma County to the east, and Cleveland County to the south. The county has a population of 115,541 people, making it the fourteenth largest county in Oklahoma. Canadian County is home to the city of Yukon, which is a major hub for the retail and manufacturing industries. The county is also known for its parks and recreational areas, including Lake Overholser and the Canadian River.
- Carter County is located in southern Oklahoma and is bordered by Love County to the north, Johnston County to the east, and Murray County to the south. The county has a population of 47,557 people, making it the fifteenth largest county in Oklahoma. Carter County is home to the city of Ardmore, which is a major hub for the retail, healthcare, and education industries. The county is also known for its parks and recreational areas, including Lake Murray and the Ardmore Skate Park.
- Garvin County is located in south-central Oklahoma and is bordered by Murray County to the west, Carter County to the north, and McClain County to the east. The county has a population of 27,576 people, making it the sixteenth largest county in Oklahoma. Garvin County is home to the city of Pauls Valley, which is a major hub for the agricultural and manufacturing industries. The county is also known for its parks and recreational areas, including Lake Murray and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
- Lincoln County is located in central Oklahoma and is bordered by Cleveland County to the west, Oklahoma County to the south, and Pottawatomie County to the east. The county has a population of 34,273 people, making it the seventeenth largest county in Oklahoma. Lincoln County is home to the city of Chandler, which is a major hub for the retail and manufacturing industries. The county is also known for its parks and recreational areas, including Lake Thunderbird and the Lincoln Park.
- Jackson County is located in southeastern Oklahoma and is bordered by Haskell County to the west, Pushmataha County to the east, and McCurtain County to the south. The county has a population of 26,447 people, making it the eighteenth largest county in Oklahoma. Jackson County is known for its scenic countryside, including the Ouachita National Forest, and its recreational opportunities, such as fishing and boating in the Kiamichi River.
- Le Flore County is located in southeastern Oklahoma and is bordered by McCurtain County to the east, Latimer County to the south, and Sequoyah County to the west. The county has a population of 50,384 people, making it the nineteenth largest county in Oklahoma. Le Flore County is home to the city of Poteau, which is a major hub for the retail and healthcare industries. The county is also known for its parks and recreational areas, including Lake Wister and the Talimena Scenic Drive.
- Atoka County is located in southeastern Oklahoma and is bordered by Coal County to thewest, Johnston County to the north, and Pittsburg County to the east. The county has a population of 14,083 people, making it the twentieth largest county in Oklahoma. Atoka County is known for its scenic countryside, including the Ouachita National Forest, and its recreational opportunities, such as fishing and boating in Lake Atoka. The county is also home to the city of Atoka, which is a hub for the agriculture and energy industries.
In conclusion, the Oklahoma County Map provides a comprehensive overview of the various counties in Oklahoma. Each county has its own unique qualities, from scenic countryside and recreational opportunities to major industries and cities. Understanding the top 20 counties in Oklahoma is important for individuals looking to live, work, or visit the state. Whether you are interested in exploring the beauty of nature, pursuing a career in one of the major industries, or simply looking for a place to call home, Oklahoma has something for everyone.