Oak Ridge, NC
Population 7,660 · North Carolina
About Oak Ridge, NC
Oak Ridge is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 7,660 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $140,583 per year, which is 87% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.1 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 Ridge features a median home value of $523,500, which is 114% above the national median of $244,900. This places Oak Ridge in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,757 total housing units, 93% are owner-occupied (2,503 units) and 7% are renter-occupied (193 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oak Ridge shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Oak Ridge have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.6% of Oak Ridge residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.3% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 11.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Oak Ridge Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Oak Ridge, NC
Compared to national averages, Oak Ridge has a median household income of $140,583 (87% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $523,500, which is 114% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Oak Ridge's income is 118% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 129% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Oak Ridge, NC?
Oak Ridge offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $140,583, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 50.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $523,500. However, Oak Ridge’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oak Ridge has a population of 7,660 with a median age of 46.1 years. Compare Oak Ridge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Oak Ridge
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | 7,594 | $44,472 | $131,100 | Compare |
| Kill Devil Hills | 7,727 | $85,747 | $401,700 | Compare |
| Etowah | 7,765 | $73,000 | $313,500 | Compare |
| Half Moon | 7,780 | $61,848 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Brevard | 7,795 | $44,356 | $411,000 | Compare |
| Siler City | 7,905 | $51,751 | $154,900 | Compare |
| Forest City | 7,368 | $35,897 | $142,100 | Compare |
| Woodfin | 7,957 | $62,759 | $326,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Oak Ridge With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oak Ridge
What is the population of Oak Ridge, NC?
The population of Oak Ridge, NC is 7,660 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Oak Ridge?
The median household income in Oak Ridge, NC is $140,583 per year, which is 87% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oak Ridge?
The median home value in Oak Ridge, NC is $523,500, which is 114% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oak Ridge?
The median monthly rent in Oak Ridge, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oak Ridge?
The unemployment rate in Oak Ridge, NC is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Oak Ridge, NC a good place to live?
Oak Ridge offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,660 and a median age of 46.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Oak Ridge, NC?
50.6% of residents in Oak Ridge aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Oak Ridge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oak Ridge, NC: median home value is $523,500 (114% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $140,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Oak Ridge?
The poverty rate in Oak Ridge, NC is 2.7%, 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 Ridge, NC?
Oak Ridge's population is 4.3% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 11.7% of residents are foreign-born.