Median Income
$45,038
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,800
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
568/100K
49% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.8%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$766
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.8%
52% higher than US avg
How Oakdale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,614
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density1,274/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 62%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,038
Per Capita$22,486
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty18.8%
County GDP$1,080M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,800
Rent$766
Ownership71.0%
Zillow$101,198
Housing Units2,717
Rent Burden36.7%
Crime
F
Violent568/100K
Property2,428/100K
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking18.7%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain62.1 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation117 ft (36 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.8%
High School+74.9%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute20 min
Broadband66.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Oakdale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oakdale receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Oakdale has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oakdale is $45,038, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oakdale is $106,800, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $766 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 568 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,428 per 100,000, 24% above the national average.
Education
9.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Oakdale enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 62.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Oakdale has a population of 6,614 with a density of 1,274 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 32.2% female and 67.8% male. The city is predominantly White (61.8%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 31.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.5% of residents, while 16.5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 24.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.5%
6% above US avg
Spanish
16.5%
23% above US avg
The median household income in Oakdale is $45,038, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,486 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 442 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,038 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,486 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,906 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.8% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 442 |
| County GDP | $1,080M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,873 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.4% |
The median home value in Oakdale is $106,800, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $101,198. Monthly rent averages $766 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,717 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $1,873 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 36.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,800 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $101,198 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $766 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,717 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,873 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.75% |
In Oakdale, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 41.2% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.4% report binge drinking. 33.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,672. The dentist ratio is 1:3,189. 66.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oakdale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.2% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.2% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,672 |
| Dentists | 1:3,189 |
| Mental Health | 1:921 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 52.4% |
| Premature Death | 13,701/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Oakdale has a violent crime rate of 568 per 100,000 residents, 49% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,428 per 100,000, 24% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oakdale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oakdale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 567.6/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,428.3/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oakdale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 313 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 62.1 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 117 feet.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.9°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 117 ft (36 m) |
| Area | 5.2 sq mi (13.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,274/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.8164°N, 92.6559°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Allen Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Alexandria International (AEX) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
62.1"
63% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.0 / 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 Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very 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 |
213 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
179 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
267 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
142 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
260 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
249 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
107 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
293 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
143 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 2 |
97 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
98 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
289 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
215 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
188 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 2 |
273 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
158 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
91 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
703 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 48 fatalities, 634 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 3, 1953 |
EF4 |
47 km |
9 |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1981 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Feb 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 1, 1967 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1961 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TIGER ISLAND (30,959 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
TIGER ISLAND |
30,959 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
LACASSINE POOL |
16,640 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
15,017 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
8 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 113 |
7,104 |
26 km |
| 2021 |
C-368 366 365 364 75 |
5,919 |
39 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,381 |
37 km |
| 2021 |
C-43/44 |
5,340 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
5,104 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,044 |
53 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
46 km |
| 2022 |
THE 60S |
4,538 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
C-371/369/34 |
4,481 |
40 km |
| 2024 |
RX CALV C-262-265 |
4,445 |
39 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,440 |
84 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,310 |
44 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,279 |
51 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
4,147 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
C-238 |
3,709 |
47 km |
| 2010 |
WRANGLER |
3,693 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
5.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (11°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Driest |
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| November |
58°F (15°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
Oakdale has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 50°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 63.0 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.5") and April the driest (4.5").
Average costs for common services in Oakdale. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $551 |
| Toddler | $551 |
| Preschool | $547 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakdale
What is the population of Oakdale?
Oakdale has a population of 6,614 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 1,274 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 32.2% female and 67.8% male.
Is Oakdale expensive to live in?
Oakdale is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,038, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,800 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $766 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oakdale safe?
The violent crime rate in Oakdale is 568 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,428 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Oakdale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oakdale?
Oakdale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 62.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Oakdale?
The unemployment rate in Oakdale is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 442 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 10.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oakdale?
The median home value in Oakdale is $106,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $101,198. For renters, the median monthly rent is $766. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,873.
How are the schools in Oakdale?
Schools in Oakdale score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.8% of adults in Oakdale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.9% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oakdale?
The obesity rate in Oakdale is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 33.2% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,672.
What is transportation like in Oakdale?
The average commute in Oakdale is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oakdale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oakdale is 61.8% White, 31.2% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 83.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 24.9% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.