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Overall Rating: 85/100 · 40,000 veterans (6% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Oklahoma veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
Full exemption on military retirement pay since 2022
0.9% average effective rate
Full exemption
100% permanent service-connected (or TDIU at 100%): full exemption of homestead fair-cash value, no cap. Nothing below 100%.
Source ↗100% disabled veterans receive sales tax exemption up to $25,000 annually
$142,840
VA Medical Center
921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 456-1000
Cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, primary care, mental health, audiology, optometry, dialysis
University
Post-9/11 GI Bill eligible veterans, unlimited students
4-year value: $446,816
Median Home
$280,000
1BR Rent
$850/mo
COL Index
82
Unemployment
3.2%
Major employers: Tinker AFB (25,000+), State of Oklahoma (30,000+), INTEGRIS Health, OU Health, Paycom, Devon Energy, Love's
Pros: Strongest job market, VA Medical Center in city, Tinker AFB 20 min, state government jobs with veteran preference, full property tax exemption for 100% disabled ($2,520/yr savings), urban amenities
Cons: Crime varies by neighborhood, schools highly variable by district, tornado risk, hot humid summers, traffic congestion
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Buying a home
$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Honorably discharged Oklahoma veterans receive a 5-point credit and disabled veterans a 10-point credit on state hiring; wartime veterans rated 30% or more service-connected disabled are 'Absolute Preference Veterans' who go to the top of the hiring list and are exempt from entrance exams.
Official source ↗Oklahoma resident veterans rated 60% or more service-connected disabled receive free hunting and fishing licenses (and are exempt from the Wildlife Land Stamp); a lifetime combination license is $25 for 60%+ disabled veterans or $200 for those rated below 60%.
Official source ↗All honorably discharged Oklahoma resident veterans receive free admission to state-owned or state-operated parks and museums with a valid Oklahoma ID and proof of honorable discharge.
Official source ↗Veterans may add a veteran emblem to an Oklahoma driver's license or ID with proof of status; 100% disabled veterans (and eligible surviving spouses) can obtain a special designation and receive a driver license, CDL, or state ID at no cost.
Official source ↗Veterans with at least a 50% service-connected disability may obtain a DAV license plate using Form 751-J with VA vehicle-registration eligibility documentation.
Official source ↗The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs operates veterans centers in Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, Sulphur, and Sallisaw. Eligible veterans generally served 90+ days with an other-than-dishonorable discharge and require nursing care; spouses and surviving spouses may also be admitted, and veterans rated 70%+ disabled receive full cost of care.
Official source ↗The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for the 100% disabled veteran homestead exemption may continue the full property tax exemption on the fair cash value of the homestead while remaining in the residence; also eligible for an annual sales tax exemption up to $1,000. File Form 998.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.