Oklahoma has a prison problem. As of 2022, we held the sobering distinction of having the fifth-highest incarceration rate in the United States. Roughly 1 in every 178 Oklahomans lives behind bars, and our prisons are frequently pushed to their physical capacity.
For years, policymakers have searched for a way to reduce these numbers without compromising safety. According to the Scioto Analysis report on Public Safety and the Minimum Wage, the answer might not be found in the courtroom, but in the paycheck.
By raising the minimum wage to $15, Oklahoma can finally begin to break the cycle of recidivism and save millions in the process.
The “Opportunity Off-Ramp”
The hardest time for any individual to stay on the right side of the law is the moment they are released from prison. They face a “double whammy”: a criminal record that makes hiring difficult and a low-wage job market that barely covers the cost of living.
When the minimum wage is low, the “illegal market” looks tempting as a way to survive. But when the minimum wage is $15, the “opportunity cost” of going back to prison becomes much higher. A living wage provides a legitimate off-ramp and a reason to stay in the workforce and a way to build a future that doesn’t possibly involve a cell.
Slashing the Recidivism Rate
Oklahoma actually performs better than the national average when it comes to recidivism (the rate at which former inmates return to prison). Our current rate is about 18%, compared to a national median of 31%.
However, the Scioto Analysis report suggests we can do even better. It predicts that a $15 minimum wage would lower Oklahoma’s three-year recidivism rate by an additional six percentage points. This means hundreds of Oklahomans every year would successfully transition from “inmate” to “employee,” contributing to the economy instead of draining state resources.
Fewer Prisoners, More Savings
The math of incarceration is expensive. In Oklahoma, the daily cost of a “marginal” prisoneris roughly $16.90 per day. While that sounds low, it adds up quickly when you consider the length of a stay.
The report estimates that a $15 wage would reduce the state’s incarcerated population by approximately 370 people per year and save the state nearly $5.7 million annually in corrections spending. These aren’t just one-time savings; these are recurring benefits that allow the state to reinvest millions of dollars into education, infrastructure, or drug treatment programs.
Human Capital vs. Criminal Capital
When someone is incarcerated, they lose “legal human capital,” which refers to their skills, their work history, and their connections to the community. At the same time, they gain “criminal human capital.”
Raising the minimum wage helps flip this script. It encourages people to stay in the legal workforce longer, building the skills and stability that make them more valuable employees over time. It transforms the “revolving door” of the justice system into a “ladder of opportunity.”
The Bottom Line
Oklahoma cannot build its way out of its incarceration crisis. More prison beds are a temporary fix for a systemic problem.
The Scioto Analysis report shows us that a $15 minimum wage is a fiscal and social win. It reduces the prison population, slashes recidivism, and saves taxpayers millions. By investing in the value of work, we are investing in the possibility of redemption—and making Oklahoma a safer, more prosperous place for everyone.
To read the entire report click here.
