Jenks, Oklahoma: A Thriving Suburb of Tulsa
Jenks is one of the fastest-growing cities in Oklahoma, located in Tulsa County between the Arkansas River and U.S. Route 75. This vibrant suburb of Tulsa has seen remarkable growth, with its population increasing from 16,924 in 2010 to 25,949 by 2020.
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Heartbeat of Jenks
The Ten District forms the vibrant core of Jenks, strategically situated just ten miles from downtown Tulsa, Bixby, Sapulpa, and Broken Arrow. This crucial area defines the city's spirit and economic activity.
Location and Significance
Extending precisely ten blocks west from the Arkansas River to the historic Midland Valley railroad tracks, The Ten District's location is intentional. It symbolizes a transition, marking both the end of one cycle and the beginning of another, embodying Jenks' perfect balance.
Rich History Dating Back to 1904
Jenks began in 1904 as a community established by the Midland Valley Railroad between Tulsa and Muskogee, alongside the Arkansas River. The town was named after William Henry Jenks, the owner and director of the Midland Valley Railroad, and was officially platted on July 15, 1905.
A major petroleum discovery in 1905 bolstered the local economy. The "Glenn Pool" oil well and subsequent oil claims brought many business people to the area, and by 1906, numerous oil depots (tank farms) were constructed in Jenks.
Overcoming Floods and Building Bridges
1
1920s-1930s
Severe floods plagued Jenks. During one flood in the late 1920s, water completely covered every building except the roof of the three-story high school.
2
1948
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a levee around Jenks, increasing safety and security, which allowed the community to grow.
3
1986
Another threat of severe flooding occurred when rainstorms forced the release of water from Keystone Dam, causing a mandatory evacuation order.
Jenks has been served by several bridges over the past century, starting with a single-lane bridge in 1910, followed by a two-lane replacement in 1948, and a four-lane bridge in 1996.
Economic Development Through the Decades
Early 1900s
Oil production and tank farms drove initial economic growth after the Glenn Pool discovery in 1905.
1920s
As oil production waned, agriculture became a major contributor, bolstered by Bulgarian immigrants who established vegetable farms.
1970s-1980s
Infrastructure improvements included Tulsa water system expansion, a PSO power plant, and Kimberly-Clark manufacturing facility.
Geography and Location
Jenks is located at 36°0′37″N 95°58′47″W in northeastern Oklahoma. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.73 square miles (45.9 km²), of which 17.13 square miles (44.4 km²) is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6 km²) is water.
The city is situated between the Arkansas River and U.S. Route 75, with Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport (opened in 1958) serving as an official reliever for Tulsa International Airport just outside the city limits.
Population Growth and Demographics
Jenks has experienced dramatic population growth, particularly since 2000. The city saw a 76.7% increase between 2000-2010 and another 53.3% increase between 2010-2020, making it one of Oklahoma's fastest-growing cities.
Racial and Economic Demographics
2010 Census Racial Makeup
  • 82.8% White
  • 5.5% Native American
  • 4.8% Hispanic or Latino
  • 2.8% African American
  • 2.3% Asian
  • 4.8% Two or more races
2000 Economic Indicators
  • Median household income: $54,637
  • Median family income: $61,050
  • Male median income: $42,148
  • Female median income: $28,419
  • Per capita income: $22,804
  • Only 4.6% below poverty line
Economic Hub and Business Center
Jenks has developed into an important economic center in the Tulsa metropolitan area. The city is home to headquarters of numerous businesses including Kimberly Clark Corporation, Green Country Energy, Public Service Company, Tulsa Winch, Continental Wire Cloth, and Tedford Insurance.
First Oklahoma Bank established its headquarters in Jenks with an eight-story building that began construction in December 2012. The Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport, one of the busiest in the state, serves commercial and private air travel throughout the Tulsa area and has helped stimulate economic growth.
Education Excellence and Cultural Attractions
Award-Winning Schools
In 2005, Jenks Public Schools received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's highest Presidential honor for quality and organizational performance excellence. The Jenks School District is one of the largest in Oklahoma and encompasses significant portions of southwest Tulsa.
Oklahoma Aquarium
The Oklahoma Aquarium, located in Jenks, is a major cultural attraction for the region, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond.
Notable People from Jenks
Entertainment
  • Ryan Tedder, lead singer of OneRepublic
  • Brian Presley, actor
  • Trey Callaway, screenwriter and producer
  • Simon Curtis, actor and musician
  • Brian Nhira, singer, contestant on The Voice
Sports
  • Rocky Calmus, NFL linebacker, Butkus Award winner
  • Sean Mahan, NFL center for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Josh Johnson, MLB pitcher
  • Danielle Laney, Olympic bronze medalist in Taekwondo
  • Tyler Ott, NFL long snapper
Public Service
  • Jim Bridenstine, former U.S. Representative, NASA administrator
  • Brad Carson, former member of U.S. House of Representatives
  • R. Perry Beaver, principal chief of Muscogee (Creek) Nation
  • Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006