Study shows who’s falling behind in AI race
New report examines AI adoption, jobs, infrastructure by state
A new December 2025 report analyzed how U.S. states compare in artificial intelligence adoption, infrastructure, workforce demand, and legislation, identifying which states show slower AI uptake and limited supporting resources.
Oklahoma is among the 10 identified states with challenges in keeping up with the data center demand booming around the nation.
The study was conducted by Linkee and combined multiple datasets measuring AI usage by businesses, growth trends, job postings, patents, data center presence, and AI-related laws. Each state received a Risk Score, reflecting relative exposure to lagging AI development compared to national trends.
States with the lowest AI adoption rates
According to the study, South Dakota recorded the lowest AI adoption rate in the nation, with just 1.5% of businesses currently using artificial intelligence. The report also found adoption in the state has declined by 1.8% over the past two years.
Other states with relatively low adoption rates include West Virginia (2.5%), New Hampshire (3.0%), North Dakota (3.1%), and Rhode Island (3.5%).
AI workforce and job availability varies widely
The research also examined AI job intensity, defined as the share of job postings requiring AI-related skills.
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North Dakota recorded the lowest AI job intensity at 0.13%
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Wyoming followed closely at 0.10%
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Mississippi posted 0.11%
Average monthly AI job postings ranged from as few as three positions per month in Wyoming to 77 per month in Alabama.
Oklahoma’s AI position reflects moderate adoption and infrastructure
Oklahoma ranked eighth in the study’s Risk Score index but showed steady AI adoption growth and significant supporting infrastructure compared with several states ranked higher.
Key Oklahoma data points include:
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AI adoption: 5.10%
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AI adoption growth (2023–2025): 2.10%
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AI jobs intensity: 0.18%
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AI-to-IT jobs intensity: 4.95%
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Average monthly AI job postings: 33
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AI patents: 207
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Number of data centers: 38
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Risk Score: 80
The report shows Oklahoma has more data centers and patents than several states listed ahead of it, reflecting existing technical capacity even as AI workforce demand continues to develop.
Top 10 states identified in the study
| State | AI Adoption % | Adoption Growth (2023–25) | AI Job Intensity | AI-to-IT Intensity | Avg. Monthly AI Jobs | AI Patents | Data Centers | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 1.50% | -1.80% | 0.14% | 4.40% | 8 | 32 | 5 | 99 |
| New Hampshire | 3.00% | -1.00% | 0.20% | 4.68% | 19 | 546 | 10 | 92 |
| West Virginia | 2.50% | 0.60% | 0.17% | 4.49% | 14 | 108 | 7 | 91 |
| North Dakota | 3.10% | 3.10% | 0.13% | 3.28% | 8 | 25 | 22 | 86 |
| Rhode Island | 3.50% | -1.00% | 0.47% | 8.46% | 30 | 158 | 7 | 84 |
| Mississippi | 4.50% | 2.80% | 0.11% | 4.46% | 16 | 195 | 10 | 82 |
| Wyoming | 5.70% | 2.10% | 0.10% | 2.68% | 3 | 23 | 15 | 81 |
| Oklahoma | 5.10% | 2.10% | 0.18% | 4.95% | 33 | 207 | 38 | 80 |
| Kentucky | 5.30% | 2.10% | 0.15% | 4.96% | 40 | 250 | 37 | 79 |
| Alabama | 4.70% | 2.00% | 0.30% | 5.24% | 77 | 245 | 26 | 78 |