Iowa
Red Oak is a small city in Iowa with a population of 5,542. Residents earn $52,996 per year, which is 29% below the national average.
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, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Red Oak offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
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.
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.
Violent crime in Red Oak is below the national average at 325 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,820 per 100,000, 44% above the national average.
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 5.7/10.
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. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 27.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 97.2% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 2.8% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $52,996 |
| 29% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $30,150 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $988 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,041 |
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 12.7% |
| 2% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 378 |
| County GDP | $557M |
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,715 |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.06% |
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Work from Home | 10.1% |
| Census Median | $91,600 |
| 68% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,760 |
| Census Median Rent | $768 |
| 34% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $809 |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,715 |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.06% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,117/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
| Total Violent | 325.4/100K |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Murder | 18.1/100K |
| 187% above US avg | |
| Rape | 54.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 253.1/100K |
| Total Property | 2,820.5/100K |
| 44% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 904.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,808.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 108.5/100K |
| Arson | 36.2/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 37.2 inches |
| 2% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 27.4 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,079 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,410/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0141°N, 95.2244°W |
| County FIPS | 19137 |
Winner: Republican by 39.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 15.4% |
| 54% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 90.5% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,410/sq mi |
| Total Area | 3.9 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 4 |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Retail Stores | 42 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Commute | 19.0 min |
| Work from Home | 10.1% |