OKC metro unemployment at 2.8% in May

The Oklahoma City metro area posted a preliminary unemployment rate of 2.8% in May, up from a revised 2.4% in April. Despite the monthly increase, the metro continues a 46-month streak of unemployment below 4%, the longest such run in the city’s modern history. 

Among the 56 U.S. metro areas with populations over 1 million, OKC reported the fourth lowest unemployment rate in May. Honolulu led large metros at 2.5%, while Fresno, California had the highest at 7.8%. 

Statewide, 65 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties posted lower unemployment rates in May compared to a year earlier. Rates rose in eight counties and remained unchanged in four. 

Unemployment data for May by region: 

• Oklahoma County: 2.9% (up from 2.5% in April) 
• Tulsa MSA: 2.9% (up from 2.5% in April) 
• State of Oklahoma: 3.1% (down from 3.2% in April) 
• United States: 4.2% (unchanged) 

These figures are preliminary and subject to revision. 

For more information, visit: 

• Oklahoma Employment Report (includes Greater OKC data) 
• BLS Metropolitan Economic News Release 
• Unemployment Rate Rankings for Large Metros 
• Oklahoma Local Area Unemployment Statistics Data Report 

Upcoming Release Dates (assuming no reporting delays): 

• U.S. unemployment for June: released July 3 
• State of Oklahoma unemployment for June: released July 18 
• Metro and county unemployment for June: July 30