Exploring the Size and Population of Tulsa, Oklahoma Compared to Other Cities and States

Understanding the size and population of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is crucial for both local residents and visitors alike. This article will delve into the detailed size and population comparison of Tulsa with other U.S. cities and states, helping you to contextualize its significance in the broader U.S. landscape.

Population and Area

As of the most recent data, the population of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is approximately 400,000 people, making it the second-largest city in the state. It has surpassed its metropolitan area counterparts, which collectively have a population of 1,023,988, ranking 54th among all metro areas in the United States.

Size Comparison with Other U.S. Cities

Tulsa's size, in terms of area, is 197.5 square miles (511.5 square kilometers). This makes it relatively larger than many cities in the U.S., hence, placing it 30th in the largest city by area. Notably, this size is comparable to smaller states or territories.

While Tulsa is significant in size and population within Oklahoma and the U.S., it is relatively modest compared to larger cities. For context:

Chicago and New York City, with populations of over 2.7 million and over 8.4 million, respectively, are significantly larger than Tulsa.

The city of Minneapolis, with a population of about 414,000, is slightly larger than Tulsa.

New Orleans, with a population of around 408,000, is almost on par with Tulsa.

Comparison to Other States and Major Cities

When looking at the larger scale, Tulsa's area is a tiny fraction of the state of Oklahoma, which has an area of about 69,899 square miles (181,037 square kilometers). By comparison, Tulsa's area is less than 1% of the state's total land area.

Similarly, in terms of area, Tulsa does not come close to the size of larger states like Texas or California. For instance, the largest U.S. city by area is Sitka, Alaska, with an area of 3,870.3 square miles (7,434.04 square kilometers), which is significantly larger than the combined area of Delaware and Rhode Island.

Largest Cities in the U.S. by Population and Area

In terms of population, the largest city in the U.S. is New York City, with a population of 8,467,513, nearly 21 times that of Tulsa. By area, the largest city in the U.S. is Sitka, Alaska, which at 7,434.04 square kilometers, is much larger than Delaware (1,948.54 square kilometers) and Rhode Island (1,033.81 square kilometers) combined.

Conclusion

Tulsa, Oklahoma, stands out with its moderate population and area, placing it within the top 50 largest cities in the U.S. While it is significant in its own right, especially within the state of Oklahoma, it is relatively modest when compared to larger cities and states. Understanding its size and population helps provide a fuller picture of its place in the U.S. urban landscape.