Oak City, NC
Population 472 · North Carolina
About Oak City, NC
Oak City is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 472 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,739 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oak City features a median home value of $87,400, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oak City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $950, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 250 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (82 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (109 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oak City shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Oak City have an average one-way commute time of 37 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
7.0% of Oak City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oak City, NC
Compared to national averages, Oak City has a median household income of $60,739 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $87,400, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $950 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Oak City's income is 6% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 62% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Oak City, NC?
Oak City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $87,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $950/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,739) that falls below the national average. However, Oak City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oak City has a population of 472 with a median age of 50 years. Compare Oak City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
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Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Oak City
What is the population of Oak City, NC?
The population of Oak City, NC is 472 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Oak City?
The median household income in Oak City, NC is $60,739 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oak City?
The median home value in Oak City, NC is $87,400, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Oak City?
The median monthly rent in Oak City, NC is $950, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oak City?
The unemployment rate in Oak City, NC is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Oak City, NC a good place to live?
Oak City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 472 and a median age of 50, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Oak City, NC?
7.0% of residents in Oak City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Oak City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oak City, NC: median home value is $87,400 (64% below national), median rent is $950/month, and median household income is $60,739. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oak City?
The poverty rate in Oak City, NC is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Oak City, NC?
Oak City's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 71.2% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.