Median Income
$64,750
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$160,100
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
177/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.6%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$740
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How Oakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,046
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density1,312/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,750
Per Capita$40,605
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$519M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$160,100
Rent$740
Ownership78.6%
Zillow$165,201
Housing Units871
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent177/100K
Property472/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault118/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking15.1%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,316 ft (401 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.6%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score6.64
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute19 min
Broadband86.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Oakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oakes receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Oakes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oakes is $64,750, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oakes is $160,100, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $740 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Oakes is below the national average at 177 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 472 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
23.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Oakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Oakes has a population of 2,046 with a density of 1,312 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 3.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.7% of residents, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.7%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.3%
46% below US avg
The median household income in Oakes is $64,750, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,605. The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 274 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,750 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,605 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,385 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 274 |
| County GDP | $519M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Oakes is $160,100, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,201. Monthly rent averages $740 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 871 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $4,500 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,100 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,201 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $740 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.4% |
| Housing Units | 871 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.81% |
In Oakes, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,224. The dentist ratio is 1:1,641. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,224 |
| Dentists | 1:1,641 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,450 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,934/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Oakes has a violent crime rate of 177 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 118.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 59.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 472 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 413, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 59 per 100,000 residents. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Oakes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 177.1/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 59.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 118.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 472.3/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 413.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 59.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 21 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,316 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,316 ft (401 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,312/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1397°N, 98.0871°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
148 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
408 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
77 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
69 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
70 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
29 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
92 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
82 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Oakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 9°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Oakes. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134–$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178–$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712–$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134–$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356–$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134–$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560–$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356–$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895–$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445–$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450–$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780–$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712–$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178–$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890–$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67–$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23–$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23–$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67–$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56–$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71–$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068–$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534–$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445–$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178–$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356–$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450–$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $879 |
| Toddler | $803 |
| Preschool | $744 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $646 |
| Toddler | $610 |
| Preschool | $614 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakes
What is the population of Oakes?
Oakes has a population of 2,046 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,312 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Oakes expensive to live in?
Oakes is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $64,750, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $160,100 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $740 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oakes safe?
Oakes is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 177 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 472 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Oakes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oakes?
Oakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Oakes?
The job market in Oakes is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 274 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oakes?
The median home value in Oakes is $160,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,201. For renters, the median monthly rent is $740. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,500.
How are the schools in Oakes?
Schools in Oakes score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.6% of adults in Oakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oakes?
The obesity rate in Oakes is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,224.
What is transportation like in Oakes?
The average commute in Oakes is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oakes is 92.5% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 92.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
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