Red Oak, IA
Population 5,542 · Iowa
About Red Oak, IA
Red Oak is a small community in Iowa with a population of 5,542 residents. The median household income is $52,996 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Red Oak is 39.7 years.
Housing in Red Oak has a median home value of $91,600 and median monthly rent of $768. Of the 2,712 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,627 owner-occupied and 875 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Red Oak is 3.9% and the poverty rate is 16.5%. 15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19 minutes.
Cost of Living in Red Oak, IA
Compared to national averages, Red Oak has a median household income of $52,996 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $91,600, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $768 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Red Oak's income is 22% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 31% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Red Oak, IA?
Red Oak offers affordable housing with a median home value of $91,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $768/month, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,996) that falls below the national average. However, Red Oak’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Red Oak has a population of 5,542 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Red Oak with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Red Oak
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWitt | 5,535 | $84,474 | $223,100 | Compare |
| Anamosa | 5,553 | $56,167 | $164,900 | Compare |
| Osceola | 5,495 | $62,363 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Spirit Lake | 5,469 | $73,627 | $218,400 | Compare |
| Algona | 5,414 | $52,542 | $156,200 | Compare |
| Sheldon | 5,386 | $68,448 | $173,600 | Compare |
| Winterset | 5,384 | $69,268 | $181,500 | Compare |
| Centerville | 5,377 | $41,472 | $99,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Red Oak
What is the population of Red Oak, IA?
The population of Red Oak, IA is 5,542 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Red Oak?
The median household income in Red Oak, IA is $52,996 per year.
What is the median home value in Red Oak?
The median home value in Red Oak, IA is $91,600.
What is the average rent in Red Oak?
The median monthly rent in Red Oak, IA is $768.
What is the unemployment rate in Red Oak?
The unemployment rate in Red Oak, IA is 3.9%.