Norman is a city located in central Oklahoma, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City. Norman is home to the University of Oklahoma, one of the state’s largest universities. Read on to learn more about Norman’s population, economy, major employers, landmarks, and sports teams.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Norman, the city had a population of 122,843 residents as of the 2020 census. Norman is the third-largest city in Oklahoma after Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The city has grown rapidly in recent decades. Norman’s population in 1980 was just 79,081 people. Growth has been driven by expansion of the University of Oklahoma and the attraction of companies to the area due to Norman’s skilled workforce.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Norman relies heavily on the education, healthcare, energy, and technology sectors. The university is a major employer, along with Norman Regional Health System, Hitachi Astemo Americas, Inc., Skyline Products, Inc., Ditch Witch, Johnson Controls, Inc., Valmont Industries, Inc., and others.
For more information on Norman’s economy, visit the Norman Economic Development Coalition website.
Landmarks
Some of the most notable landmarks and points of interest in Norman include:
- The University of Oklahoma campus
- Lions Park – a public park with a lake, walking trails, and paddle boat rentals
- Lake Thunderbird – a reservoir that offers fishing, boating, and camping
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History – a natural history museum located on the OU campus
- Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art – an art museum also located on the OU campus
Sports
As home to the University of Oklahoma, Norman is closely associated with Sooners athletics. The football team has won many championships and Heisman trophy winners throughout its history. The Sooners play at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
In addition to college sports, Norman hosts the Norman FC soccer team. Norman FC competes in USL League Two and plays its home games at Taft Stadium.
Tourism
Norman draws visitors throughout the year who come to attend University of Oklahoma events, visit the museums on campus, shop at boutiques in the Campus Corner District, and take in performing arts shows at local venues. The city’s convention and visitors bureau website lists additional attractions and events happening in Norman.
City Government
Norman has a council-manager form of government. The city council consists of eight members elected from wards. The council appoints a city manager to oversee day-to-day municipal operations. You can learn more about Norman’s government on the City of Norman website.
Connecting with the Community
The best way to keep up with happenings in Norman is to follow the city’s Facebook page. The Norman Transcript newspaper also provides in-depth coverage of news in the community.