Elk City, OK – Local businesses have generated more sales-tax money than ever.

According to the most recent one-month tax numbers for the state, Elk City businesses generated $1,579,175.38 in sales-tax revenue.

It's an all-time high and the first time that more than $1.5 million was collected in Elk City in one month.

Mayor Micah Kilhoffer credits Elk City's location for some of the economic success.

"A lot of it has to do with our geographical location," Kilhoffer said. "We draw people from the Texas Panhandle and the north and south [of us], but we've embraced that and it contributes back into our city.”

Elk City's population is about 11,500, but its revenue generation is like a city twice its size.

"We really perform more like a 25,000-population city," Kilhoffer said.

Though agriculture and the energy industry still drive the local economy, Elk City has diversified with small businesses that employ six, or eight, or 10 people.

The economic center near Interstate 40 on the east side of town is a major contributor.

The city has invested—and continues to invest—in the vibrant downtown shopping district.

And Elk City has invested in its parks and is reaping the benefits of sports tourism that brings thousands of people to town every year for attractions at Ackley Park, the Arrowhead Center, the 5 Plex Baseball Fields, and the 5 Plex Softball fields.

For lots of reasons, Elk City draws lots of people from the surrounding area, which generates lots of success for the city and its residents.

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