Why Oklahoma's Fastest Growing City Should Be On Your Radar

With a modest but climbing population of nearly 30,000 people, Jenks, Oklahoma, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Sooner State. The influx of new residents has been an ongoing trend since the 2000s when the city’s population jumped from 9,557 in 2000 to 16,926 in 2010. In the following ten years, the population continued to soar, eventually reaching 25,944 in 2020, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. That’s a roughly 123% population increase since the year 2000.

Multiple publications, including Southern Living Magazine and Oklahoma Magazine, rave about Jenks’ tourist attractions and natural appeal. But what else is responsible for this population boom? From Jenks’ proximity to major city hubs like Tulsa to the highly anticipated Jenks Riverwalk development, this article will dive into all the reasons Oklahoma’s fastest-growing city should be on your radar.

Access to Education

The public school system in Jenks is highly regarded as one of the biggest and best school districts in the state. The district comprises 10 school sites, approximately 12,700 students, and 1,700 employees. Jenks High School, in particular, is beloved for its Trojans Football team, which has won 18 State Championships and receives thousands of live streams online for each game. The Jenks Public Schools were founded in 1908, and according to their website, the district has been committed to ongoing growth since day one. A paragraph on the site claims, “The standards here are lofty. The expectations are high.” In recent years, the public school system has focused heavily on developing “a comprehensive educational technology plan” to make education even more accessible and to give students a leg up in an increasingly technological world.

In total, Jenks Public Schools include four elementary schools (East, West, Northwest, and Southeast for pre-K through 4th grade), two intermediate schools for grades 5 and 6, a middle school for grades 7 and 8, a dedicated Freshman Academy for 9th grade, Jenks High School for grades 10 through 12, and an Alternative Center serving students in grades 9 through 12. This well-rounded setup ensures students receive tailored support as they progress through their academic journey.

Low Crime Rates

Low crime rates are another reason more and more people are flocking to Jenks, Oklahoma. According to data on the FBI website, Jenks had just 27 violent crimes in 2019, and 49 burglaries, making it an overall safe place to call home. This is especially true when compared to larger cities like Edmond, which saw 235 burglaries in the same period. The Jenks Chamber of Commerce website also mentions the city’s impressively low crime rates, claiming that there is an “unparalleled quality of life” for the residents of Jenks. Furthermore, the Jenks Police Department has a positive reputation in the city. They provide various services to ensure safety, such as regular designated patrols, traffic collision investigations, and enforcement of parking regulations. There is also a Support Division with Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and part-time Dispatchers.

An official City of Jenks website post states, “The [Police] Department has an excellent reputation within the community and throughout the entire region, with a crime rate among the lowest in Oklahoma.” The post goes on to credit a “customer service attitude” and “community policing” as the main reasons for this positive police-resident relationship.

The Jenks Riverwalk

In any rapidly growing community, you’re likely to find a new development that has both old and new residents looking forward to the future. In Jenks, one of those developments is the Jenks Riverwalk. Owned and operated by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Jenks Riverwalk is dubbed the area’s “first major lifestyle center and inaugural riverfront development.” Visitors and locals will find many shops, restaurants, and entertainment here. In addition to the entertainment value, this development also offers new business and job opportunities and provides a large boom to the local tourism industry.

At the time of writing, the Jenks Riverwalk is open to the public but is still undergoing development. Several businesses are set to open on the Riverwalk in the spring of 2025. Current attractions on the Riverwalk include:

• The She Shed Salon & Boutique
• Burn Co Barbecue
• Marble Slab Creamery & Great American Cookies
• Pinot’s Palette
• River Spirit Casino Resort

The Jenks Riverwalk also offers gorgeous views of the Arkansas River and hosts regular live events, including concerts, markets, paint nights, and more.

Economic Opportunities & Affordable Housing

Economic opportunities are a significant factor when searching for the best places to live. In Jenks, the average household income hovers slightly above $100,000, and job opportunities are robust as new businesses continue to set up shop in the city. Local staples such as the Jenks Public Schools and the Oklahoma Aquarium are also touted as great places to work on sites such as GlassDoor and Indeed. According to a report on Data USA, Jenks experienced a 2.3% employment growth, going from 12.6k employees to 12.9k employees.

Besides being great for work, Jenks is also affordable for home buyers according to national standards. The median home value as of March 2025 is $334,660, slightly below the United States average of $357,100. Moreover, with hundreds of open sale listings as of February 2025, there is no shortage of options for people who want to settle down in this part of Oklahoma.

Small Town Charm

Despite the somewhat rapid growth over the past few years, the city of Jenks manages to keep its small-town charm intact. The Jenks Chamber of Commerce website attributes this charm to well-maintained parks, affordable housing, friendly neighbors, and easy commutes to work. The city also hosts a handful of annual events that inspire community members to gather and celebrate their homes. Some of the most popular and highly attended festivals include the Herb and Plant Festival, the Jenks America Food Truck Festival, Boomfest, and Sharklahoma. The Herb and Plant Festival stands out with one of the largest collections of herbs in the region, lined with garden decorations for a scenic experience.

There is also a strong arts scene in town that further helps residents come together for a common interest. The annual Art on Main festival is a shining example of the city’s thriving art community. For the next festival, an estimated 12,000 attendees will come out to enjoy “oils, acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics, stunning photography and wood carvings.” The festival also features live music, wine tasting, and food.

Location, Location, Location!

Another huge draw for the city is its ideal location. Situated along the Arkansas River just South of Tulsa, Jenks residents can enjoy small-town attributes without sacrificing big-city amenities. The city is also conveniently close to some of Oklahoma’s best state parks. Keystone State Park is roughly 28 miles away, while Sequoyah State Park is about 48 miles away. That said, residents don’t need to travel outside of city limits to find worthwhile attractions. Jenks is dubbed the “Antique Capital of Oklahoma” and has a downtown core dotted with various well-respected antique shops and boutiques. American Heritage Antiques is one of the top options, with a large array of vintage items and a friendly owner, James Pearce.

In Conclusion

There’s a lot to love about Jenks, Oklahoma. From the success of the beloved high school football team to the appeal of the Riverwalk development, the city does have something for everyone. Whether looking for a new place to live or simply a new place to visit, the appeal of this ever-expanding city is undeniable. For potential residents, factors such as quality education, high average household incomes, new developments, low crime rates, great location, and small-town charm are just a few of the area’s highlights. Access to the nearby city of Tulsa and local state parks only adds to Jenks's overall appeal. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons for the city's recent growth is the strong sense of community. Those still unsure about moving to the area need only attend one of the many annual festivals to see how Jenks residents show up for one another.