Oklahoma held on to its five seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to the Census Bureau’s first release of data from the 2020 population count.
The state gained fewer than 200,000 residents over the past 10 years, a 5.5% population growth. That’s lower than the nation’s 7.4% population growth, the second-lowest rate in history.
Oklahoma wasn’t close to adding or losing a seat in Congress.
"It all depends on the population distribution for any given decennial census. So, if their population in relation — proportional relation — to the other states hasn’t changed, then they won’t gain or lose a seat," said Census Bureau technical expert Kristin Koslap.
Seven states lost seats.
"Six states will gain seats in the House of Representatives: Texas will gain two seats, and Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon will each gain one seat," said Census Bureau Acting Director Dr. Ron Jarmin.
Texas added 4 million new residents since 2010. New York missed out on an additional U.S. House seat for the next decade by 89 people.
Oklahoma has not gained a seat in the House since 1930. Redistricting data will be available to states by Sept. 30.