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Thinking about investing in Tulsa real estate in 2025? You're on the right track.
Despite economic shifts, Tulsa's property market shows promising stability and growth potential.
In this blog post, we will explore why investing in Tulsa real estate is a wise decision for 2025.
We rely on solid, up-to-date data and statistics from trusted sources to guide our analysis.
By the end, we will share our own conclusions based on a comprehensive review of the information. Enjoy the read!
How this content was produced 🔎📝
This article offers thoughtful insights and analysis based on reliable sources, but it should not be considered financial advice. We work hard to research, compile, and analyze data to give you a well-informed perspective. However, as you can guess, our analysis involves subjective choices, such as source selection and methods, and it cannot fully capture the market's complexity. Please, always do your own research, consult professionals, and make decisions based on your own judgment. Any financial risks or losses are your responsibility. Additionally, you should know that we have no affiliation with the sources mentioned, ensuring our analysis is completely impartial.
1) Tulsa's "livability score" of 75 indicates a favorable quality of life
Signal strength: moderate
The livability score of 75 in Tulsa is considered good because it reflects a balance of factors that make the city appealing to residents.
One key characteristic is the affordable cost of living, which is significantly lower than the national average, making it attractive for both families and individuals. Additionally, Tulsa boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues that enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Another important factor is the strong sense of community found in Tulsa, where neighborhoods are known for their friendliness and supportiveness, contributing to a welcoming environment. These elements combined suggest that investing in property here could be a wise decision, as they indicate a stable and desirable place to live.
However, if the livability score were to drop below 60, it might signal potential issues that could affect the attractiveness of investing in real estate in Tulsa.
Source: AreaVibes
2) By 2025, Tulsa's real estate values are predicted to increase, driven by the "US-169 Widening" and "Vision Tulsa" projects
Signal strength: moderate
Investing in Tulsa's real estate market is becoming increasingly attractive due to several key infrastructure projects that are expected to boost property values.
The US-169 Widening Project is a significant development that aims to improve traffic flow and safety in the Tulsa metro area. By widening the highway between 66th and 86th Streets, this project is likely to make the surrounding areas more accessible and appealing to potential buyers, thereby increasing the value of nearby properties.
Additionally, the Vision Tulsa projects are a series of initiatives designed to enhance economic development and quality of life across the city. These projects include major improvements like the Arkansas River Corridor Infrastructure and the Cox Business Center and Arena District Master Plan. Such enhancements are expected to make Tulsa a more vibrant and desirable place to live, which can positively impact real estate values.
Furthermore, the Project Anthem Data Center Campus, although expected to be completed around 2027, is another development that could attract new businesses and residents to the area. This $800 million investment is likely to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, further boosting the attractiveness of Tulsa's real estate market.
Sources: Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Data Center Dynamics, City of Tulsa
We created this infographic to show how property prices in Tulsa compare to other big cities in Oklahoma. It shows the median price as well as the price per sqft, making it easy to see which places might offer the best value. We hope you find it helpful.
3) The Tulsa metro area is experiencing a population increase
Signal strength: moderate
The population growth in the Tulsa metro area is a key indicator of potential investment success in the real estate market.
As the population increases, the demand for housing typically rises. The Tulsa metro area has shown steady population growth over the years, with a 1.01% increase from 2023 to 2024, and similar growth rates in previous years. This trend suggests a growing need for residential properties, which can drive up property values and rental prices.
Future projections further support this outlook. By July 2034, the Tulsa market is expected to grow by 6.9%, reaching a population of 1,514,193. This anticipated growth indicates a continued demand for housing, making property investment in the area potentially lucrative.
Additionally, the Tulsa County has experienced a 13.83% growth in population since 2010, and is projected to continue growing. This consistent increase in population can lead to a strong real estate market, as more people moving into the area will need places to live, work, and shop.
Sources: Macrotrends, Synergos Technologies, Neilsberg, World Population Review, Oklahoma.gov
4) Airbnb or "short-term rental" in Tulsa offers a fairly appealing profitability rate of 5.0%
Signal strength: moderate
The cash-on-cash return on Airbnb in Tulsa is 5.0%, which is considered moderately attractive for investors looking at short-term rental markets.
This percentage indicates that the income generated from renting out a property on Airbnb can provide a reasonable return on the initial cash investment. In Tulsa, short-term tenants often include business travelers attending conferences and events, as well as tourists exploring the city's cultural attractions.
These visitors are drawn to Tulsa for its vibrant arts scene, historical sites, and popular events like the Tulsa State Fair. The steady influx of such visitors suggests that there is a consistent demand for short-term rentals, making it a potentially lucrative market for property investors.
If the cash-on-cash return were to drop below 3.0%, it might indicate a less favorable investment opportunity, as the returns would not justify the risks involved.
Source: Mashvisor
Our team designed this infographic to show how competitive the real estate market in Tulsa is vs. other major cities in Oklahoma. It shows the percentage of sales above the list price, a key indicator of market competition.
5) The "cash-on-cash return" of 6.0% for long-term rentals in Tulsa is fairly appealing
Signal strength: moderate
The cash-on-cash return of 6.0% in Tulsa indicates a moderate level of profitability for real estate investors.
This percentage suggests that the income generated from the property, relative to the cash invested, is reasonably attractive compared to other markets. In Tulsa, long-term tenants often include families and professionals who are drawn to the city's affordable cost of living and stable job market.
These tenants typically seek affordable housing options that offer good value for their money, making Tulsa a viable market for rental properties. Additionally, the presence of educational institutions and healthcare facilities attracts students and healthcare workers who prefer long-term rentals.
If the cash-on-cash return were to drop below 4.0%, it might indicate that the investment is less favorable compared to other opportunities.
Source: Mashvisor
6) Tulsa's median home price is significantly lower, at 53% less than the national average
Signal strength: minimal
The fact that Tulsa still has a median home price 53% below the national average suggests that there is significant room for property value appreciation. This makes it an attractive market for investors looking to capitalize on potential growth in property values over time.
In Tulsa, the most expensive properties are likely to be luxury homes in upscale neighborhoods such as Midtown or Maple Ridge. These areas are known for their historic charm and proximity to amenities, which drive up property values.
On the other hand, the cheapest properties are often small single-family homes in less developed areas like North Tulsa. These areas may offer lower entry costs for investors looking to start small or diversify their portfolios.
If the median home price in Tulsa were to rise to close to the national average, it might indicate that the market is becoming less favorable for new investments.
Source: Zillow
This infographic we have made will show you how market values have changed during the last decade in Tulsa vs other major places in Oklahoma. Here, the percentage increase or decrease in market value will help you see long-term trends.
7) A local in Tulsa could afford a house in about 3.6 years, which is reasonable
Signal strength: minimal
Investing in real estate in Tulsa seems promising because it would take around 3.6 years for a local to buy a house there. This is a relatively short time frame, indicating that the housing market is accessible and potentially profitable.
The median household income in Tulsa is approximately $56,821, which is a decent earning for many families. With a median home price of about $202,495, homes are affordable compared to other markets, making it easier for locals to purchase property.
This affordability suggests that there is a steady demand for housing, which is a positive sign for investors. When people can buy homes without excessive financial strain, the market remains stable and attractive for potential buyers and investors alike.
If the time to buy a house were to increase significantly, say to over 5 years, it might indicate that the market is becoming less accessible and potentially less attractive for investment.
Source: USCensus
So, is investing in Tulsa real estate a solid option in 2025? Absolutely!
Investing in Tulsa's real estate market in 2025 is a promising opportunity. The city's livability score of 75 highlights a favorable quality of life, with affordable living costs and a vibrant arts scene, making it an attractive place to live.
Key infrastructure projects like the US-169 Widening and Vision Tulsa initiatives are set to boost property values. These developments will enhance accessibility and economic growth, making Tulsa even more appealing to potential buyers and investors.
The steady population growth in the Tulsa metro area further supports the potential for real estate success. With a projected 6.9% increase by 2034, the demand for housing is expected to rise, driving up property values and rental prices.
Additionally, Tulsa's cash-on-cash return of 6.0% for long-term rentals and 5.0% for Airbnb properties indicates a healthy return on investment. The city's median home price is 53% below the national average, offering significant room for appreciation.
Overall, Tulsa's combination of affordability, growth potential, and infrastructure improvements makes it a compelling choice for real estate investment in 2025.
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