Finally, we are catching up with some of the big boys: We can now boast higher income and yet our housing is still affordable - perfect combination for a nice lifestyle. Now if the interest rates stable a bit instead of spike, we'll be in great shape. :cheerlead

"Growth in metro area personal income is expected to rebound from a 2.7 percent average gain in 2002 and 2003 to 4.4 percent in 2004 and 5.2 percent in 2005. Similarly, per capita personal income is expected to rebound, with growth accelerating from 1.8 percent in 2003 to 3.4 percent in 2004. In comparison, the nation is expecting 4.3 percent growth in per capita personal income in 2004, expanding the income gap as measured by the relative per capita income. The metro area made significant gains in closing this gap prior to the 2001 recession and continued to do so during the first two years of the recovery, but the expected sharp increase in national income in 2004 will temporarily reverse this trend.

The 2005 forecast for per capita personal income anticipates further gains for the metro area relative to the nation, raising relative per capita income from 89 percent in 2004 to 90 percent in 2005. Gains in income are expected to support consumer spending, as projections of taxable retail sales in the metro area reflect this with expected growth in 2004 and 2005 of 4.0 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively. "

I should have put a different title on this thread to begin with because I think it's a great thing for us. Hoping everyone will see it.

I would like the younger people to be a little more optimistic about OKC and its future.

Kansas as a state has a per capita income of 94% of the national average, as a state, compare that to OKC's 89% for a urban area, you should wish you were more like Kansas. I think Oklahoma as a state is more like 83%? of the national average. Imagine if Tulsa wasn't in Oklahoma. Tulsa, even with all the economic problems over the last few years is still about 96% of the national average for per capita income. This is OKC's issue, you want a Macy's? Why? Those stores will come all on their own if you have the wealth to support it. This is OKCs problem, and the state as a whole. But it's hardly ever talked about. But the state, and a lot of people on this forum, seem more worried about gay marriage and protecting us from the "gay" agenda.