Budget & Tax

Migration data show Oklahoma losing taxpayers under age 35

October 8, 2024

Curtis Shelton

Every year the Internal Revenue Service releases population migration data showing the states taxpayers are moving to and leaving. Since 2012, Oklahoma has seen more people moving into the state than leaving. However, digging deeper into the data shows there may be some areas for concern. 

Overall, Oklahoma has been gaining taxpayers from the rest of the country but has been losing out on taxpayers under the age of 35.

_{Source: Internal Revenue Service, U.S. population migration data}

Over the last 11 years, Oklahoma has lost more than 2,000 tax returns filed by those under the age of 35. Over two-thirds of those are under the age of 26.

In terms of adjusted gross income, the state has lost out on $425 million from taxpayers under 35. 

_{Source: Internal Revenue Service, U.S. population migration data}

With every other age category, Oklahoma saw an increase in the number of tax returns and adjusted gross income. Those over 35 are more likely to have higher incomes and be job creators, but a declining young population makes it harder and harder to find quality candidates to fill those jobs. This can create a situation where Oklahoma becomes less desirable for companies looking to relocate or expand in the state.

The trend of young people moving out of the state did stabilize in the years after the pandemic, partly because Oklahoma has a low cost of living and can take advantage of young workers' preference for remote work. However, with surrounding states like Arkansas and Kansas lowering their income tax burden, Oklahoma’s cost-of-living advantage is shrinking.