Assets in Oklahoma

Unfortunately, when it comes to building assets, Oklahoma does not do so well. In 2005, Oklahoma received a grade of "D" on asset building from CFED's 2005 Assets and Opportunity Scorecard. Compared with other U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Oklahoma ranked 45th in 2002 median household net worth ($39,400) and 36th in the percentage of households without positive net worth (17%).  This is not surprising, since The Oklahoma Self-Sufficiency Standard indicates that for many Oklahomans the wages they command fall below the level required for economic self-sufficiency.   Oklahoma ranks 47th among the 50 states on A.G. Edwards & Sons Nest Egg Index that indicates relative strength of personal financial and retirement savings. 

A key factor related to Oklahomans' low-wages and ability to build assets is the dearth of adults with a college education. On average, a person with a bachelor's degree will have 80% more lifetime earnings than a person with only a high school diploma. Compared to other states, Oklahoma ranks 43rd in the percentage of adults who have completed at least four years of college.  Nationally, about 27% of the adult population holds a 4-year college degree, but the percentage in Oklahoma is only 21%.  The Educational Needs Index shows that most of Oklahoma counties have critical educational needs due to the levels of educational attainment and demographic trends.