Median Income
$140,583
87% higher than US avg
Home Value
$523,500
86% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
50.6%
50% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.7%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How Oak Ridge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,660
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density457/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$140,583
Per Capita$67,804
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$46,945M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$523,500
Ownership92.8%
Zillow$599,623
Housing Units2,724
Rent Burden19.8%
Health
Obesity30.7%
Uninsured3.2%
Smoking9.0%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain44.0 in/yr
Elevation928 ft (283 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+50.6%
High School+98.4%
Graduate+17.8%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 60%
Commute23 min
Broadband94.8%
EV Stations8
Libraries11
Is Oak Ridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oak Ridge receives an overall livability score of 4.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Oak Ridge stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oak Ridge is $140,583, which is significantly higher than the national average / 87% above $75,149. This places Oak Ridge among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oak Ridge is $523,500, making it a premium housing market at 86% above the U.S. median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Oak Ridge is a highly educated community / 50.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Oak Ridge enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches, including 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Oak Ridge has a population of 7,660 with a density of 457 people per square mile, spread across 15.5 square miles. The median age is 46.1 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (77.3%), with 5% Hispanic, 3.6% Black, 11.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.4% of residents, while 13% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
7,660
Total Population
2023 Census
46.1yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Oak Ridge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.4%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.0%
3% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Oak Ridge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Oak Ridge is $140,583, which is 87% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $67,804 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,184, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 17,452 business establishments, including 1,318 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 28.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Oak Ridge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $140,583 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $67,804 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,184 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,192 |
| Gini Index | 0.485 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 17,452 |
| County GDP | $46,945M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,318 |
| Healthcare | 1,448 |
| Retail | 1,879 |
| Manufacturing | 544 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,308 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 28.5% |
The median home value in Oak Ridge is $523,500, 86% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $599,623, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $630,990 with homes selling in an average of 146 days. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,724 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1998. The average annual property tax is $5,308 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $523,500 |
| 86% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $599,623 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $630,990 |
| Median List Price | $829,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $630,990 |
| Median List Price | $829,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $208 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Days on Market | 146 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 10.3% |
| Inventory | 29 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,724 |
| Median Year Built | 1998 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,308 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.01% |
In Oak Ridge, 30.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 9.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 15.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 3.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,238. The dentist ratio is 1:1,640. 89.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oak Ridge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.7% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.0% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.4% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 9.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 3.2% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,238 |
| Dentists | 1:1,640 |
| Mental Health | 1:283 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 72.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,448 |
Oak Ridge enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches. The area receives 7.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. 68% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 928 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.6°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 928 ft (283 m) |
| Area | 15.5 sq mi (40.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 457/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1741°N, 79.9922°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Guilford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Piedmont Triad International (GSO) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.0"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.59"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 68.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0473 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
121 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
22 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Jun 10, 2018 |
2 km NE of Hays, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
100 km |
| Mar 28, 2001 |
2 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Jul 8, 2023 |
Virginia-North Carolina border region |
M2.6 |
91 km |
| Feb 4, 2021 |
1 km SSW of Sparta, North Carolina |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Jun 17, 2023 |
2 km N of Pembroke, Virginia |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Mar 28, 2011 |
2 km S of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.5 |
118 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
29 km |
| Jun 12, 2014 |
4 km NE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
10 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
287 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
282 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
289 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
213 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
286 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
287 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
159 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
253 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
287 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
242 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 203 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
25 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1985 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
53 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BULL MOUNTAIN (3,300 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
BULL MOUNTAIN |
3,300 |
62 km |
| 2020 |
UWH NARROWS DAM RX |
1,222 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
GRINDSTONE |
1,106 |
47 km |
| 2011 |
LUMBER PLANT |
779 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
MERRITT CK |
750 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
ROBEDO SOUTH RX |
727 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
665 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
PINE ROAD |
582 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
579 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
565 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Oak Ridge has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 40°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Oak Ridge. 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 | $981 |
| Toddler | $760 |
| Preschool | $571 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $746 |
| Toddler | $633 |
| Preschool | $635 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Ridge
What is the population of Oak Ridge?
Oak Ridge has a population of 7,660 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 457 people per square mile, spread across 15.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Oak Ridge expensive to live in?
Oak Ridge 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 $140,583, 87% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $523,500 (86% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Oak Ridge?
Oak Ridge enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 44.0 inches, with 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Oak Ridge?
Oak Ridge has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,184. There are 17,452 business establishments in the area, including 1,318 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 28.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oak Ridge?
The median home value in Oak Ridge is $523,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $599,623. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $630,990, with homes typically selling within 146 days. The homeownership rate is 92.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,308.
How are the schools in Oak Ridge?
Schools in Oak Ridge score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 50.6% of adults in Oak Ridge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.4% have completed high school. 17.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oak Ridge?
The obesity rate in Oak Ridge is 30.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.0% of adults are smokers. 15.4% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 3.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,238.
What is transportation like in Oak Ridge?
The average commute in Oak Ridge is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63% of workers drive alone to work, and 28.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oak Ridge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Ridge is 77.3% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian. 86.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 13% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.