A new report by Scioto Analysis reveals that raising Oklahoma’s minimum wage to $15 per hour could significantly reduce housing insecurity for tens of thousands of residents, cutting costs for both households and public services.
The report, Minimum Wages and Housing Security in Oklahoma, highlights the connection between income levels and housing stability. With over 430,000 Oklahoma households currently spending more than 30% of their income on housing, the state is facing a growing crisis of affordability.
“Our analysis shows that raising the minimum wage is not just good for low-wage workers — it will likely improve housing security for thousands of Oklahoma families,” said Rob Moore, Principal at Scioto Analysis.
Key findings from the analysis include:
40,000 fewer households would be cost burdened — meaning they’d no longer need to spend over 30% of income on rent — under a high-impact scenario.
32,000 households would be lifted out of severe housing cost burden, where rent exceeds 50% of income.
Up to 550 fewer Oklahomans would experience homelessness each year, including a reduction of 150 in chronic homelessness.
Emergency service use would decline, with an estimated 630 fewer annual emergency room visits and up to 330 fewer shelter beds needed statewide, translating to over $500,000 in potential healthcare savings.
Housing cost burden would drop most for those struggling the most, including households headed by women and Black Oklahomans, as well as young adults aged 17 to 24.
“These aren’t just numbers. They represent people — single parents, young workers, and elderly renters — who will be able to afford safe, stable housing,” Moore added.
The analysis simulated 1,000 economic scenarios using data from the American Community Survey and labor market projections from the Congressional Budget Office. The majority of models showed that increased wages lead to substantial housing improvements across the state.
The study arrives as Oklahoma debates how to respond to a doubling of the state’s homeless population since 2021 and an escalating shortage of affordable housing. With construction costs up 42% since 2018 and vacancy rates falling statewide, families are increasingly forced to choose between rent and basic needs like food or healthcare.