Oklahoma City (1990 pop. 444,719), state capital, and seat of Oklahoma co., central Okla., on the North Canadian River; inc. 1890. The state's largest city, it is an important livestock market, a wholesale, distribution, industrial, and financial center, and a farm trade and processing point. Oil is a major product; the city is situated in the middle of an oil field (opened 1928), with oil derricks even on the capitol grounds. The city has diversified light and heavy industries, and the nearby Tinker Air Force Base, a logistics center with one of the world's largest air depots, is also an important source of civilian employment.

One of the largest U.S. cities in area (650 sq mi/1,683 sq km), the city extends into three neighboring counties of Oklahoma co. and has many parks. Of interest are the capitol, the state historical museum, the city art museum, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the civic center buildings and monuments, a theater complex, a convention center, the state library, and a zoo. Educational institutions include the Univ. of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City Univ., and Oklahoma Christian Univ. The city also has a symphony orchestra.

Oklahoma City was quickly settled in a land rush after the area was opened to homesteaders on Apr. 22, 1889. It became the state capital in 1910. In 1995 a terrorist bomb destroyed a downtown federal office building, killing 168 people; the site is now a national memorial (see National Parks and Monuments (table)).

Oklahoma City Capital and largest city of Oklahoma, USA, in the centre of the state on the North Canadian River. The area was settled in 1889. The city was made the state capital in 1910, and prospered with the discovery of rich oil deposits in 1928. It was the site of a terrorist bomb in April 1995, which killed 168 people and injured 400 others. Industries: oil refining, grain milling, cotton processing, steel products, electronic equipment, aircraft. Pop. (2000) 506,132.

Oklahoma City

The City in Brief

Founded: 1889 (incorporated 1890)

Head Official: Mayor Mick Cornett (since 2004)

City Population

1980: 404,014

1990: 444,724

2000: 506,132

2003 estimate: 523,303

Percent change, 1990–2000: 13.8%

U.S. rank in 1980: 31st

U.S. rank in 1990: 29th (State rank: 1st)

U.S. rank in 2000: 36th

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 861,000

1990: 959,000

2000: 1,083,346

Percent change, 1990–2000: 12.9%

U.S. rank in 1980: 43rd

U.S. rank in 1990: 42nd

U.S. rank in 2000: 48th

Area: 606.99 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 1,291 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 60.1° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 32.03 inches of rain, 9.0 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: energy, aviation, services, trade, government, manufacturing

Unemployment rate: 3.7 % (December 2004)

Per Capita Income: $19,098 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 49,929

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Oklahoma,University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City

Daily Newspaper: Oklahoman