Median Income
$69,778
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,700
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.6%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$781
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Oakley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,049
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density1,056/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,778
Per Capita$40,201
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$224M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,700
Rent$781
Ownership60.3%
Zillow$164,304
Housing Units1,013
Rent Burden28.6%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property1,245/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault144/100K
Burglary96/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking16.2%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain20.7 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation3,051 ft (930 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.6%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 90% / D 9%
Commute17 min
Broadband86.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Oakley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oakley receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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. Oakley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oakley is $69,778, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oakley is $118,700, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $781 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Oakley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,245 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Oakley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.7 inches, including 25.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Oakley has a population of 2,049 with a density of 1,056 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%), with 5.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
The median household income in Oakley is $69,778, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,201. The average weekly wage is $930, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 122 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,778 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,201 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $930 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,704 |
| Gini Index | 0.494 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $224M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,025 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Oakley is $118,700, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,304, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $781 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,013 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $4,025. 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,700 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,304 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $781 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,013 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,025 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.39% |
In Oakley, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 17.3% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,239. The dentist ratio is 1:2,425. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oakley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,239 |
| Dentists | 1:2,425 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,932/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Oakley has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 143.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,245 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,053, burglary at 96, vehicle theft at 96 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oakley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oakley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.6/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 143.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,244.6/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| Burglary | 95.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,053.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 95.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oakley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 326 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 20.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 3,051 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,051 ft (930 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,056/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1235°N, 100.8450°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sheridan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK) 76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.7"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.9 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
58 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
123 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
89 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
118 km |
| Jan 7, 1999 |
5 km WNW of Liebenthal, Kansas |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Aug 11, 2019 |
4 km E of Catharine, Kansas |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
119 km |
| May 31, 2025 |
3 km SSE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.9 |
91 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
638 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 130 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1968 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1958 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2017 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GOVE EAST (1,849 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
BRADSHAW |
1,255 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
87 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
51 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Oakley has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Oakley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakley
What is the population of Oakley?
Oakley has a population of 2,049 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,056 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 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 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Oakley expensive to live in?
Oakley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $69,778, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,700 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $781 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oakley safe?
Oakley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,245 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Oakley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oakley?
Oakley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.7 inches, with 25.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Oakley?
The job market in Oakley is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $930. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oakley?
The median home value in Oakley is $118,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,304. For renters, the median monthly rent is $781. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,025.
How are the schools in Oakley?
Schools in Oakley score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.6% of adults in Oakley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oakley?
The obesity rate in Oakley is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,239.
What is transportation like in Oakley?
The average commute in Oakley is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oakley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oakley is 88.9% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.