Median Income
$81,464
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$236,200
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
939/100K
147% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.1%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$818
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.3%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Red Oak Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,372
Median Age51.2 yrs
Density173/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans17.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,464
Per Capita$52,655
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,936M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$236,200
Rent$818
Ownership83.6%
Zillow$330,188
Housing Units1,401
Rent Burden16.6%
Crime
F
Violent939/100K
Property4,835/100K
Health
Obesity31.3%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking12.0%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain47.7 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation183 ft (56 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.1%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+11.7%
School Score4.18
Community
2024 VoteR 41% / D 59%
Commute26 min
Broadband85.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Red Oak a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Red Oak receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime 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 $81,464, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Red Oak is $236,200, 16% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $818 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 939 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 4,835 per 100,000, 147% above the national average.
Education
30.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Red Oak enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.7 inches, including 5.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Red Oak has a population of 3,372 with a density of 173 people per square mile, spread across 19.5 square miles. The median age is 51.2 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (85.4%), with 3.4% Hispanic, 8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 17.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.2yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Red Oak is $81,464, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $52,655 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $905, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,094 business establishments, including 99 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,464 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $52,655 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $905 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,123 |
| Gini Index | 0.492 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,094 |
| County GDP | $1,936M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 99 |
| Healthcare | 132 |
| Retail | 211 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,220 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Red Oak is $236,200, 16% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $330,188, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $818 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,401 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $3,220. 16.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $236,200 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $330,188 |
| Median List Price | $399,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $399,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $171 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 10.5% |
| Inventory | 19 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $818 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,401 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,220 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.36% |
In Red Oak, 31.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 19.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,099. The dentist ratio is 1:3,190. 51.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Red Oak vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.3% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.3% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,099 |
| Dentists | 1:3,190 |
| Mental Health | 1:570 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 15,815/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 132 |
Red Oak has a violent crime rate of 939 per 100,000 residents, 147% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,835 per 100,000, 147% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 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 | 939.1/100K |
| 147% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,834.7/100K |
| 147% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Red Oak enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 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 47.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 183 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.8°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 183 ft (56 m) |
| Area | 19.5 sq mi (50.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 173/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0613°N, 77.9038°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Halifax County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rocky Mount/Wilson Regional (RWI)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.7"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 21.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Sep 3, 2001 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
246 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
218 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
199 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
158 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
219 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
237 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
73 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
267 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
107 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
140 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
120 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
121 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
271 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
278 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
171 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
226 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
232 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
375 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 46 fatalities, 794 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
79 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
82 km |
16 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
12 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
64 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LYNCH ROAD (1,824 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
18 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
43 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Red Oak has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 41°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and October the driest (3.0").
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) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $755 |
| Toddler | $560 |
| Preschool | $479 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $618 |
| Toddler | $546 |
| Preschool | $512 |
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 3,372 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 173 people per square mile, spread across 19.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Red Oak expensive to live in?
Red Oak is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $81,464, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $236,200 (16% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $818 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, 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 939 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 4,835 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.7 inches, with 5.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Red Oak?
The job market in Red Oak is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $905. There are 1,094 business establishments in the area, including 99 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Red Oak?
The median home value in Red Oak is $236,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $330,188. For renters, the median monthly rent is $818. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,220.
How are the schools in Red Oak?
Schools in Red Oak have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 30.1% of adults in Red Oak hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 11.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Red Oak?
The obesity rate in Red Oak is 31.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 19.3% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 51.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,099.
What is transportation like in Red Oak?
The average commute in Red Oak is 26 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Red Oak?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Red Oak is 85.4% White, 8% Black or African American, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 17.2% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
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