Bixby is Growing Fast

The recently released 2010 Census counts contain some very interesting information, confirming the city of Bixby's reputation as a very high growth community with a very positive demographic, says Trish Richey, the City of Bixby's Economic Development Director. "These facts, along with our high quality of schools, status as a very safe community with a stable, progressive government, a strong chamber of commerce, and very attractive quality of life, continue to make Bixby a top choice for people and businesses looking to relocate to the Tulsa metro area, "  Richey said.

Citing data produced through last year's decennial census process, combined with result of other research and analysis, Richey has assembled an impressive listing of facts and figures which help her and other City officials communicate to people who may not be familiar with our community why they should consider relocating their home or business to Bixby: 

1.    Bixby was one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Oklahoma this past decade, and second fastest growing in the Tulsa metro region, having grown by 57%

2.    At just under 21,000 people, now the 20th largest city in the state, having moved up from 32^nd

3.    Bixby has a very positive demographic, and features a very attractive quality of life.  Its excellent school system is one of its a major attractions, along with its quality neighborhoods, friendly small town feel, with many community amenities, and significant commercial development potential, including along the Arkansas River

4.    Our percentage of citizens holding B.S. degrees or higher is very high, (at 38%, more than 2/3rds higher than statewide average).  Earlier this year, Bixby was pleased to become home to Southern Nazarene University’s new Northeast Oklahoma branch campus.

5.    Has the highest median home values in the Tulsa Metro Region (at $168,500, is 70% higher than the state as a whole)

6.    Has the highest Per Capita Income in the Tulsa Metro Region,  (at $34,004, is 51% higher than state as a whole)

7.    And the growth continues! Last year, while most cities saw declines in # of building permits, Bixby’s grew by 22%, the highest growth rate of any city in the Tulsa metro region

8.    Featuring a stable, progressive city government, Bixby  has  a very low crime rate – a recent report confirmed that Bixby was again the safest city in Oklahoma for communities its size

9.    Bixby has a dynamic Chamber of Commerce which has experienced a very high growth rate. Recently recognized as one of the top 10 chambers its size in the nation.

10.  Bixby’s new 100 acre Bentley youth sports park, just recognized for top design in the state by the Oklahoma Recreation Sports Society, connects to an extensive trails system

11.  The new 4,500 seat Spirit Bank Event Center regularly hosts world-class entertainment and numerous events which attract visitors from throughout the region.

12.  In 2009 CNN Money.com selected Bixby as one of its Best Places to Live in America, designating it one of America’s best small towns.

Bixby Mayor Ray Bowen,  who himself can often be heard citing Bixby as “the best place in Oklahoma in which to live, play, and do business”,  was recently recognized by the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce as the 2010 Citizen of the Year  for his leadership and non-stop efforts to promote the City he clearly loves. “Bixby is a wonderful community, with a rich heritage and strong future. Behind the great economic statistics, you’ll find simply the best character of people you’ll find anywhere, who make newcomers quickly feel at home here,” he said.

Bowen explained that Bixby's high growth rate makes passage the City's upcoming April 5^th $10 million General Obligation (G.O.) Bond issue particularly important for the community. "The four propositions which comprise our upcoming G.O. bond election are designed to address critical traffic safety, quality of life and public safety needs of our growing community. Like successful businesses, communities seeking to continue to progress need to continually reinvest in themselves," Bowen said. "Fortunately, due to retiring of other bonds and growth-induced increase in our bond capacity, we are able to make these additional infrastructure improvements without raising taxes," he added.