OKLAHOMA CITY – A new statewide poll conducted by the National Landowners Federation Action Fund (NLFAF) reveals growing concern among Oklahoma voters about the future of rural communities, highlighting economic hardship, underfunded schools, and limited access to healthcare as urgent challenges.
As an organization committed to defending rural values and protecting private property rights, the NLFAF commissioned this survey to better understand the needs of rural Oklahomans and ensure their voices are reflected in crucial policy decisions.
According to the results, a majority of voters (57%) believe rural communities across the state are in decline, with rising costs and a lack of job opportunities cited as the leading causes. The impact is deeply personal—more than half of voters say they are “very concerned” about inflation’s effect on their family’s finances, and nearly one in three lack confidence that their financial situation will improve over the next year.
Voters also expressed strong concerns about the state of public services. When asked about the biggest challenges facing rural schools, respondents cited underfunding and the difficulty of retaining quality teachers. On the healthcare front, one in four Oklahomans reports that affordable care is inaccessible in their area.
Amid these concerns, the poll highlights an overwhelming consensus on the importance of protecting private property. A striking 94% of voters say property rights are a fundamental freedom, and 65% believe it is unfair for private companies to use eminent domain to take land from landowners.
“The message from Oklahoma voters is clear: rural communities are hurting, and they need real solutions,” said Dylan Frederick, Executive Director of the NLF Action Fund. “People are watching their schools and healthcare services deteriorate while struggling with economic uncertainty. We must enact policies that support landowners and revitalize these communities.”
The survey also uncovered strong support for energy independence and a diversified energy strategy. While traditional sources like oil and gas remain popular, 62% of voters favor an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy development. A majority also support reducing dependence on foreign energy (86%) and agree that domestic production is key to national security (91%).
“When rural communities suffer, it threatens the foundation of our entire state,” Frederick added. “By acting on what voters are telling us, we can fuel job growth, strengthen energy independence, and preserve the values that define Oklahoma’s rural way of life.”
To learn more about the poll and the NLFAF’s mission to support landowners, visit nlfactionfund.org/research/.