Shawnee Economic Overview

Shawnee, Oklahoma, is a vibrant city strategically located near the intersection of I-40 and I-35, offering excellent connectivity and growth opportunities.

Location and Transportation

• Proximity to Major Hubs: Shawnee is just 40 minutes from downtown Oklahoma City and OKC Will Rogers International Airport, and 22 minutes to Tinker Air Force Base.
• Highway Expansion: The expansion of the 6-lane I-40 from Oklahoma City to Highway 177 will be completed by 2028, enhancing accessibility.
• Rail Access: The city benefits from two Class I rail lines (BNSF and UP) interchanges, facilitating efficient freight transport and supporting local businesses.

Population and Workforce

• City Population: 31,720 residents.
• Pottawatomie County: 73,019 residents.
• Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA): 1,459,380 residents.
• Labor Force: Shawnee boasts a labor force of 808,345 within a 60-mile radius, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%. Notably, 22.4% of this workforce holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, indicating a well-educated talent pool.

Economic Landscape

• Median Household Income: $45,408.
• Average Home Value: $181,935, reflecting affordable living costs.
• Industry Sectors: Key industries include Education & Healthcare, Retail Trade, Manufacturing, Public Administration, Leisure & Food Services, Professional & Technical Services, Construction, and others, showcasing a diverse economic base.

Education and Training

• Higher Education: Shawnee is home to Oklahoma Baptist University, a four-year institution offering diverse academic programs.
• Gordon Cooper Technology Center: This institution boasts a 97% positive placement rate, underscoring its effectiveness in workforce development.

Major Employers

• SSM Health: Since 2012, SSM has grown by 437 employees.
• Georg Fischer Central Plastics: Expanded by 286 employees and is opening a second manufacturing plant, a $30 million investment set to create 300 jobs by 2028.
• Citizen Potawatomi Nation: Increased its workforce by 88 employees.
• Shawnee Public Schools: Grew by 85 employees, reflecting the city’s commitment to education.

Taxes

• Sales Tax: 9.995% (State of Oklahoma: 4.5%, City of Shawnee: 4.0%, Pottawatomie County: 1.495%).

  • Why Shawnee’s Sales Tax Matters
    In April 2025, Pottawatomie County voters approved a permanent sales tax dedicated to education, a clear signal that this community invests in its future. For families, that means stronger local schools. For everyone, it means a well-prepared workforce and a local economy built to thrive.

• Personal Income Tax: 4.75%.
• Corporate Tax Rate: 4.0%, with Oklahoma ranking 4th in Corporate Tax Rankings according to the Tax Foundation, making it an attractive destination for businesses.

Quality of Life

Shawnee offers a vibrant quality of life with over 600 acres of parkland across 36 city parks. A notable highlight is KidSpace Park, a $3.6 million state-of-the-art facility that re-opened in June 2023, featuring an ADA-accessible 0.4-mile trail.

• Parks and Recreation: Shawnee offers 36 city parks, spanning over 600 acres, giving residents plenty of spaces to enjoy outdoor activities.

With our strategic location, skilled workforce, diverse economy, and commitment to growth, Shawnee presents a compelling environment for both businesses and residents.

Shawnee Forward, our local chamber of commerce, has prepared a downloadable infographic with all this data.