Median Income
$52,996
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,600
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
624/100K
64% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$768
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.7%
2% higher than US avg
How Red Oak Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,542
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density1,410/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,996
Per Capita$30,150
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty12.7%
County GDP$557M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,600
Rent$768
Ownership65.0%
Zillow$130,760
Housing Units2,698
Rent Burden32.6%
Crime
F
Violent624/100K
Property2,326/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault492/100K
Burglary738/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking20.0%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,079 ft (329 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute19 min
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Red Oak a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Red Oak receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Red Oak offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Red Oak is $52,996, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 12.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average 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 Red Oak is $91,600, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $768 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
With 624 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,326 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Red Oak experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 27.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Red Oak has a population of 5,542 with a density of 1,410 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
The median household income in Red Oak is $52,996, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,150 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $988, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 378 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,996 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,150 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $988 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,041 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 378 |
| County GDP | $557M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,715 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 10.1% |
The median home value in Red Oak is $91,600, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,760, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $768 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,698 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,715. 32.6% 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 | $91,600 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,760 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $768 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $809 |
| Rent Burden | 32.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,698 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,715 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.06% |
In Red Oak, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.0% report depression. 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,580. The dentist ratio is 1:2,041. 79.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Red Oak vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,580 |
| Dentists | 1:2,041 |
| Mental Health | 1:922 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,117/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Red Oak has a violent crime rate of 624 per 100,000 residents, 64% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 491.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 132.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,326 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,419, burglary at 738, vehicle theft at 170 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Red Oak receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Red Oak vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 624.2/100K |
| 64% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 132.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 491.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,326.5/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
| Burglary | 737.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,418.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 170.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Red Oak experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 37.2 inches. The area receives 27.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,079 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,079 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,410/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0141°N, 95.2244°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Montgomery County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0459 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
86 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
50 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
61 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
627 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 483 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
28 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
89 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
29 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Red Oak has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Red Oak. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($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–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
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 |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $665 |
| Toddler | $573 |
| Preschool | $573 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $449 |
| Toddler | $441 |
| Preschool | $441 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Oak
What is the population of Red Oak?
Red Oak has a population of 5,542 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,410 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Red Oak expensive to live in?
Red Oak is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,996, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,600 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $768 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 Red Oak safe?
Public safety is a concern in Red Oak, with a violent crime rate of 624 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,326 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Red Oak receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Red Oak?
Red Oak has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 27.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Red Oak?
The job market in Red Oak is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $988. There are 378 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 10.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Red Oak?
The median home value in Red Oak is $91,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,760. For renters, the median monthly rent is $768. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,715.
How are the schools in Red Oak?
Schools in Red Oak score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in Red Oak hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Red Oak?
The obesity rate in Red Oak is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 79.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,580.
What is transportation like in Red Oak?
The average commute in Red Oak is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Red Oak?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Red Oak is 90.3% White, 1% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
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