According to a recent analysis by the Institute for Family Studies, Oklahoma is one of the top states in the country gaining more families. The report indicates that states with conservative political environments are seeing an influx of families, with Oklahoma ranking twelfth in percentage growth of the population who are parents with children.
Authors Lyman Stone and Brad Wilcox based their conclusions on data from the American Community Survey, highlighting the appeal of red and purple states that offer family-friendly policies, cultural distinctives, lower taxes, and strong job growth. The authors note that factors like school re-openings and school choice laws have also contributed to the appeal of these states for families.
In raw numbers, only four states saw a net increase of more families than Oklahoma, which gained 8,000 families from 2021 to 2022. The analysis also indicates that families are moving away from blue states with liberal family policies like New York, California, and Massachusetts, while red states are gaining families.
Overall, the report highlights the trend of families moving towards states like Oklahoma due to a combination of factors, including COVID-19 related changes, economic opportunities, and family-friendly policies. As families continue to relocate to states that offer a better quality of life, the population dynamics in the country are shifting, with Oklahoma emerging as a desirable destination for many families.
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