Located south of Tulsa, Bixby is known for its competitive school system offering great academic and athletic opportunities. Known as one of the fastest-growing cities in Ok, Bixby has retained a friendly, small-town feel, with beautiful neighborhoods, numerous churches and many community amenities. The area parks, along with its extensive trail system significantly add to the community’s quality of life. The 115-acre, Bentley Park Sports Complex was recently recognized for the “Top Design in the State” by The Oklahoma Recreational Sports Society. Bixby is also proud of its Washington Irving and Charley Young Parks. Lake Bixhoma is located just five miles southeast of Bixby on Leonard Mountain and is considered a nature lover’s dream. Bixby Area Features: White Hawk Golf Course, Lake Bixhoma, Bixby Walking & Bike Trails, Bentley Park Sports Complex.
Bixby was impacted and enriched by the discovery of nearby natural gas deposits in 1905-1906 and oil fields in 1913, but farming remained the backbone of the community well into the 20th Century. Early farmers focused on production of cotton, wheat and alfalfa in the rich river bottom. During the 1930s, truck farming of vegetables slowly replaced those crops. In 1941, Bixby became an important regional center for shipping produce by railroads. It was at that time that Bixby was christened with its nickname "The Garden Spot of Oklahoma," a designation still carried on the town seal and public vehicles. Cantaloupes, potatoes, radishes, squash, turnips, spinach and sweet corn were shipped from Bixby all over the U.S. In time, the majority of the truck farms were converted to the production of sod, typically Bermuda grass, or developed for residential and other purposes. Only a small percentage of Bixby residents now work in agriculture, but the town continues to celebrate its earthy roots with the yearly "Green Corn Festival" in June.
As of the 2010 census, there were 20,884 people, 7,658 households, and 5,295 families residing in the city. The population density was 889.3 people per square mile (344/km2). There were 8,187 housing units at an average density of 319.8 per square mile (94.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 84.2% White, 1.6% African American, 5.9% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.9% from other races, and 4.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.9% of the population. There were 7,658 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.12.
