Collinsville, OK

Tradition and Innovation Unite in Oklahoma’s Fastest-Growing City

With enough historic charm to suit any taste and an eye to future growth ahead, this city has it all

Collinsville, Oklahoma, may count just over 10,500 residents, yet its ambition and momentum extend far beyond its size. As a thriving suburb of Tulsa, the city has surged forward with a 28 percent population increase since 2020, all while safeguarding its historic charm and cultural roots. As Chuck Ralls, City Manager of Collinsville, explains, “We are a growing community. We’ve seen exponential growth in the last few years; in fact, we’re the fastest-growing city in Oklahoma, with a 4.8% growth rate year after year. With that, we are trying to preserve our historical heritage and our culture while embracing that growth.”

Signature events that celebrate community spirit

Both heritage and diversity shape Collinsville’s character. Located in the heart of the Cherokee Nation, the city weaves together tribal culture, country roots, and the influence of Tulsa’s urban proximity. That mix is celebrated through signature events that attract visitors from across the state.

“We host the Tri-County Fair, which just celebrated its 80th anniversary,” says Ralls. “It is the second-longest-running county fair in Oklahoma, and it covers Tulsa, Rogers, and Washington counties.” Other draws include Hogs ‘N’ Hot Rods, a massive car and motorcycle show, and A Brush with Jazz, a festival that combines visual arts with live music. Rodeos add to the calendar, reinforcing the city’s western spirit and philanthropic heart.

Sherry Campbell, Community Outreach Director, underlines how the city ensures residents feel ownership of these celebrations. “We try to do one major event per quarter, and then something for the community every month,” she says. The cadence of activities keeps families engaged and downtown businesses bustling.

Historic preservation is a defining feature of Collinsville’s identity, highlighted by an eight-block district with buildings dating back to the 1800s that anchors downtown. The original railroad depot has been transformed into a museum, and the city is restoring a rare caboose, one of only about 20 of its kind worldwide. “We have a preservation committee that ensures the district doesn’t stray too far from its original look and feel,” says Ralls.

Housing designed to build equity and opportunity

Collinsville’s growth is reflected as much in its livability as in its population gains. Campbell points to grassroots beautification as a hallmark. “We have a program where the community adopts flower beds downtown to pay for their maintenance. It’s been very successful and keeps the downtown inviting,” she explains.

Housing is another priority. Ralls notes that five residential subdivisions are underway, with a sixth in planning, including a 430-home affordable housing community designed to help renters become first-time owners. “We want people to build equity and wealth instead of just paying rent,” he says.

Public engagement is central. A recent collaboration with Tulsa County on the GO Plan invited residents to shape a regional trail network. At the same time, the forthcoming Broadway widening will introduce new sidewalks and streetscaping to make Main Street more approachable. “We’re looking at accessibility, safety, and creating a welcoming environment,” says Ralls.

A 12-year capital vision

Collinsville is investing heavily in the basics, technology, water, sewer, and electrical systems to ensure growth is both sustainable and resilient. On the south and east sides, water loop expansions are underway to boost capacity, increasing reliability for residents while also making room for new residential and commercial development. At the same time, a significant sewer line extension is reaching into the industrial park and laying the groundwork for future school expansions, reflecting how the city plans infrastructure holistically to serve both economic growth and community needs.

Reliable power is another foundation of this strategy. A $20 million electrical substation will add 17 megawatts of capacity, ensuring businesses and neighborhoods have the power they need as demand increases. In parallel, a $28 million wastewater treatment plant now in design will modernize essential services, improve environmental resilience, and better protect the waterways that define the region. Taken together, Collinsville is managing about $56 million in infrastructure projects, an extraordinary figure for a city its size and a sign of the foresight guiding its leaders.

Ralls emphasizes that this vision stretches further than most. “Most cities create five-year capital improvement plans. We’re putting together a 12-year plan,” he says. That longer horizon allows Collinsville to stage projects, synchronize upgrades, and prepare for growth in advance instead of reacting to crises. The city is even exploring municipal broadband as a utility. This move could provide residents with affordable, high-speed internet while also giving small businesses and remote workers a competitive edge. “If the city can provide reliable, low-cost internet, it will benefit both citizens and businesses,” Ralls adds.

Film as a catalyst for economic development

Workforce development is personal for Ralls. “I want to create opportunities so the next generation can stay home, stay local, and be part of Collinsville long term.”

The most ambitious undertaking is the Collinsville Film Studio, set to be the largest in Oklahoma and the only municipally owned film studio in the United States. “It will have two sound stages, production space, offices, and advanced technology,” says Ralls. “We want to bring productions from California, Georgia, even Canada, and recruit local talent.” Through school partnerships, students will gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment.

Beyond the studio, Collinsville is activating two tax-increment financing districts and targeted sales tax rebates to attract high-quality developers. Partnerships with the Cherokee Nation and the State of Oklahoma provide additional film incentives, positioning the city as a competitive hub. “We want to be developer-friendly and business-friendly,” says Ralls.

Local flavor and cultural hot spots

Culture in Collinsville is as delicious as it is diverse. Ralls jokes about two competing Mexican restaurants across the street from each other: “I like one, my wife likes the other, so it’s always a challenge to decide where we’re going to eat.” Antique markets, coffee at T3 Roasters, and the Farm Hippie indoor farmers market add flavor to the city’s offerings.

Collinsville has already served as a backdrop for film. The recent production, The Last Rodeo, shot extensively in town, with the Silver Dollar restaurant serving as a primary set. Campbell notes that diners now come specifically to eat where scenes were filmed, hinting at the tourism potential of a flourishing film sector.

Innovation through collaboration and education

Through strategic partnerships, Collinsville collaborates with Gradient of Tulsa to introduce a collaborative tech hub model and with Tulsa Innovation Labs to spark new industries in the region. Strong ties to schools ensure growth is coordinated, with three campuses currently under construction.

The city also leans into its patriotic identity, proudly holding the Purple Heart City designation and supporting programs like Wreaths Across America. Community care is evident through initiatives like the Keep the Change utility roundup program, a free health clinic, and Forge, a nonprofit serving free meals from a food truck. For seniors, Campbell organizes regular gatherings to ensure older adults age in place with social connections.

Environmental stewardship is part of the ethos as well. Ralls, who serves on boards such as Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, emphasizes leaving a healthier city for children and grandchildren.

Navigating growth while facing challenges

Even with momentum, Collinsville faces challenges. Campbell points to negativity as a persistent issue. “We have a very positive community, but like every municipality, some people try to drag others down,” she says. Social media can amplify discouraging voices in ways that affect newcomers’ impressions.

Mental health is another concern. “Oklahoma is at the bottom of the list in meeting mental health needs,” says Ralls. “It’s not just drug-related—it’s abuse, trauma, and loneliness.” Rather than retreat, Collinsville leans into engagement, inviting critics into the process and often turning skeptics into collaborators.

Finances also require care. Residential growth is outpacing retail and commercial revenue, and the city must invest ahead of returns to keep up with demand. “We have to make investments to support growth, but revenue lags,” says Ralls.

Quality of life at the core of growth

Every other week through warmer months, Collinsville hosts free Movies in the Plaza, complete with popcorn and a family-friendly atmosphere. The gatherings echo the communal spirit of the old drive-in while benefiting downtown businesses. “We’re just providing a safe place for families to come,” says Ralls. “They need a place where their kids are protected and valued.”

Collinsville’s story is one of intentional growth. The city is investing in both complex infrastructure, such as water, sewer, power, and broadband, as well as soft infrastructure, including culture, collaboration, and education, that make a place truly livable. “At the core, it’s about creating quality of life and opportunities that keep people here,” says Ralls. “If you’re not growing, you’re dying. We want to grow, but we want to grow with purpose.”

At A Glance

Who: Collinsville, Oklahoma

What: The fastest-growing city in Oklahoma, combining small-town charm with a strong sense of community and convenient access to the Tulsa metro area.

Where: Northeast Oklahoma, just north of Tulsa

Website: https://www.cityofcollinsville.com/