Interests
Roles
The Crossroads of America
Greater Oklahoma City is in the geographic center of North America equidistant from the east and west coasts and major trade partners of Canada and Mexico. The ten county region is at the crossroads of the U.S., sitting at the heart of three major national highways on the NAFTA corridor.
There's a reason Greater Oklahoma City is such a great place for business: Location. The ten county region is positioned within a day's drive of the rapidly-growing south-central region (OK, TX, AR, LA) projected to grow more than 44% during the next 25 years.
Explore the counties and cities of Greater Oklahoma City including major employers and higher education. The ten county region boasts an average commute time of 20 minutes and a skilled workforce over half a million strong.
Data Center
Fortune Best 100 Companies to Work For
Oklahoma City makes it easy to find success, along with a great workforce. No wonder that for the third year in a row, three Oklahoma City-headquartered companies are named to Fortune's "Top 100 Companies to Work For" list.
(January 21, 2010)
McClain County
Quality of Living
McClain County is located in central Oklahoma, just minutes south of Norman and Oklahoma City. It is the 9th fastest growing county in the state and is located within the Oklahoma City MSA.
Encompassing 580 square miles, McClain County is bordered on the north by Cleveland and Pottawatomie counties. The L-shaped county's entire northern line is formed by the Canadian River.
The largest city is Newcastle (pop. 7250) and the community of Purcell (pop. 6129) serves as the county seat. Other communities include: Byars, Cole, Dibble, Goldsby, Rosedale, Washington and Wayne. The county population is 32,365.
Business Advantages
Interstate 35 traverses McClain County and offers easy access and a convenient transportation corridor to the junction of I-40 and I-44, just to the north. McClain County offers a diverse mix of industry, including agribusiness, the equine industry, manufacturing and distribution and retail trade/tourism. Educational opportunities abound at the nearby University of Oklahoma campus and over a dozen colleges and universities that are within a 45 minute drive.
Mid-America Technology Center in Wayne provides the nation’s premier business and industry training program.
The county has many towns that provide a business friendly atmosphere designed to encourage economic development.
Unique History
Established at statehood in 1907, McClain County, was originally part of Curtis County in the proposed state of Sequoyah. The county was named for Charles M. McClain, a member of the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention and an early resident of Purcell.
In the 1870s large ranching operations north of the Washita River belonged either to those of Indian blood or those related to Indians by marriage. Black slaves formerly owned by Choctaw and Chickasaw families were also eligible to own land. Cotton gins in many small towns prepared raw cotton for the cotton press in Purcell, the county seat. Broom corn growing was also productive in the 1920s and 1930s.
McClain County is a member of the Greater Oklahoma City Partnership. For current comparative information about this county please click on the menu items to the left.