Median Income
$60,739
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,400
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,250/100K
229% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.0%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$950
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.6%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Oak City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population472
Median Age50.0 yrs
Density472/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 27%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,739
Per Capita$23,436
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$808M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,400
Rent$950
Ownership42.9%
Zillow$80,762
Housing Units247
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent1,250/100K
Property3,056/100K
Health
Obesity43.6%
Uninsured14.2%
Smoking19.7%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain53.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation83 ft (25 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.0%
High School+85.8%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 45%
Commute37 min
Broadband84.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Oak City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oak City receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, long commute times. Oak City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oak City is $60,739, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oak City is $87,400, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,250 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,056 per 100,000, 56% above the national average.
Education
7.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Oak City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Oak City has a population of 472 with a density of 472 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 50.0 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (71.2%), with 27.3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.0yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Oak City is $60,739, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,436 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $742, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 494 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,739 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,436 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $742 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,342 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 494 |
| County GDP | $808M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 63 |
| Retail | 81 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,589 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
The median home value in Oak City is $87,400, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $80,762. Monthly rent averages $950 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 42.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 247 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $2,589 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,400 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $80,762 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $950 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 42.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 42.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 57.1% |
| Housing Units | 247 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,589 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.96% |
In Oak City, 43.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 42.3% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.4% report binge drinking. 31.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 14.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,417. The dentist ratio is 1:4,302. 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oak City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.6% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.3% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.9% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| Uninsured | 14.2% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,417 |
| Dentists | 1:4,302 |
| Mental Health | 1:825 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.6% |
| Dental Visits | 48.4% |
| Premature Death | 14,543/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 63 |
Oak City has a violent crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 residents, 229% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,056 per 100,000, 56% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oak City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oak City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,250.0/100K |
| 229% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,055.6/100K |
| 56% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oak City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 53.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 83 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.5°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 83 ft (25 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 472/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.9625°N, 77.3051°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Martin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Halifax/Northampton Regional (RZZ)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.2"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
22 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
254 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
174 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
186 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
184 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
139 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
104 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
185 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
188 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
33 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
231 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
54 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
263 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
103 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
152 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
110 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
217 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
223 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
118 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
422 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 47 fatalities, 730 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
82 km |
16 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
38 km |
2 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
35 km |
12 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
21 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1967 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLAN ROAD (110,696 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
ALLAN ROAD |
110,696 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
LATERAL WEST |
6,188 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
SOUTH 1 |
5,940 |
99 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
FEREBEE ROAD |
1,954 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
62 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,399 |
82 km |
| 1991 |
TRIANGLE |
1,387 |
72 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
100 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
1,091 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
42 km |
| 2015 |
NCPOR FY15 RX SOUTH PUNGO |
979 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
PUNGO SOUTH RX |
967 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
RX SOUTH PUNGO EAST |
962 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
945 |
74 km |
| 2015 |
NCPOR FY15 RX CENTRAL PUNGO |
783 |
74 km |
| 1992 |
BOUNDARY 1 |
698 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Oak City has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 43°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.1") and November the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Oak City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $787 |
| Toddler | $501 |
| Preschool | $557 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $618 |
| Toddler | $497 |
| Preschool | $521 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak City
What is the population of Oak City?
Oak City has a population of 472 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 472 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Oak City expensive to live in?
Oak City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,739, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,400 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oak City safe?
Public safety is a concern in Oak City, with a violent crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,056 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Oak City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oak City?
Oak City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Oak City?
The job market in Oak City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $742. There are 494 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oak City?
The median home value in Oak City is $87,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $80,762. For renters, the median monthly rent is $950. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 42.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,589.
How are the schools in Oak City?
Schools in Oak City have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.0% of adults in Oak City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oak City?
The obesity rate in Oak City is 43.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 31.9% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 14.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,417.
What is transportation like in Oak City?
The average commute in Oak City is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oak City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oak City is 27.3% White, 71.2% Black or African American. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
