Violent Crime
215/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.4%
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
59.5%
380% higher than US avg
How Oak Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population281
Median Age67.3 yrs
Density234/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$24,336
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty59.5%
County GDP$3,740M
Housing
Ownership80.6%
Zillow$257,623
Housing Units134
Rent Burden23.6%
Crime
F
Violent215/100K
Property3,110/100K
Health
Obesity33.7%
Uninsured17.6%
Smoking16.4%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain59.7 in/yr
Sunny Days314/yr
Elevation6 ft (2 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.4%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Oak Island a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oak Island receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Oak Island faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 59.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Oak Island is below the national average at 215 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,110 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
4.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Oak Island enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 314 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 59.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Oak Island has a population of 281 with a density of 234 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 67.3 years, 73% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.1% female and 45.9% male. The city is predominantly White (79.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.3% of residents, while 20.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 24.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
67.3yrs
Median Age
73% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Oak Island vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.3%
1% above US avg
Spanish
20.7%
54% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Oak Island vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $24,336 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,480. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 59.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 930 business establishments, including 86 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Oak Island vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $24,336 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,480 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $98,146 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 59.5% |
| 380% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 930 |
| County GDP | $3,740M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 86 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,975 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,623. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 134 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $5,975 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.4% |
| Housing Units | 134 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,975 |
| 71% above US avg |
In Oak Island, 33.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 17.0% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 17.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,981. The dentist ratio is 1:10,258. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oak Island vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 43.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 17.6% |
| 105% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,981 |
| Dentists | 1:10,258 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,449 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 43.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,173/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Oak Island has a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,110 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Oak Island receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oak Island vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 214.5/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,110.3/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oak Island enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 314 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 59.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 6 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.7°F |
| 27% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 314 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 234/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.6629°N, 94.6881°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Chambers County County |
| Nearest Airport | Scholes International At Galveston (GLS)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
59.7"
57% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
6.18"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
21 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
268 km |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
133 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
137 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
135 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
131 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
275 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
21 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 1 |
278 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
33 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
171 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 2 |
233 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
60 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
29 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
46 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
168 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
192 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
709 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 845 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1961 |
EF4 |
39 km |
8 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2002 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jan 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 1986 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1977 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Mar 8, 1976 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Oct 11, 1970 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1969 |
EF3 |
13 km |
3 |
| Mar 23, 1969 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 1967 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1966 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 08 UNIT 1 RX (16,981 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
08 UNIT 1 RX |
16,981 |
42 km |
| 1993 |
PF UNIT 5 |
15,059 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
MCR UNIT 2 RX |
14,471 |
49 km |
| 2000 |
E WHITES 2 |
13,996 |
46 km |
| 2012 |
WF HOLIDAY 1-2 |
13,251 |
47 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,431 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
RX UNIT 12 1117 2005 |
10,728 |
47 km |
| 1997 |
WILD COW BAY |
10,069 |
61 km |
| 2020 |
TXMCR-FY20-RX-W |
10,033 |
58 km |
| 2023 |
H AND H COMPLEX |
9,476 |
61 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
9,344 |
48 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 WILDFIRE |
9,076 |
60 km |
| 1986 |
STAR LAKE |
8,876 |
48 km |
| 2015 |
WF UNIT 1 1/2 |
8,840 |
47 km |
| 1997 |
GRIT ROAD |
8,599 |
57 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
8,539 |
38 km |
| 1996 |
UNIT 7 |
8,298 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
UNIT1ARSON |
8,287 |
43 km |
| 2011 |
SABINE WEST 2011 UNIT 5 |
8,184 |
94 km |
| 1997 |
MCF WEST |
7,786 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
62°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Oak Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 52°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (6.2") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Oak Island. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $801 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $723 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $710 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $662 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Island
What is the population of Oak Island?
Oak Island has a population of 281 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 234 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 67.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.1% female and 45.9% male.
Is Oak Island expensive to live in?
Oak Island has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100).
Is Oak Island safe?
Oak Island is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,110 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Oak Island receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oak Island?
Oak Island enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 314 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 59.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Oak Island?
The job market in Oak Island is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,480. There are 930 business establishments in the area, including 86 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Oak Island?
Schools in Oak Island score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.4% of adults in Oak Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oak Island?
The obesity rate in Oak Island is 33.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 17.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,981.
What are the demographics of Oak Island?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Island is 79.4% White. 79.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 20.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 24.2% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
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