The online survey by Zogby International, a national polling and market research firm, shows more than two out of three Americans have at least a fair view of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma securing its own professional team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, was a plus, Zogby said.

"Having the NBA never hurts," he said. "The numbers went up among men."

Success by Oklahoma's college football teams this season also probably helped with Americans having a better opinion or image of the state, he said.