Red Oak, NC
Population 3,372 · North Carolina
About Red Oak, NC
Red Oak is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,372 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,464 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.2 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 Red Oak features a median home value of $236,200, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Red Oak in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $818, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,538 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (1,243 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (244 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Red Oak shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Red Oak have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.1% of Red Oak residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Red Oak, NC
Compared to national averages, Red Oak has a median household income of $81,464 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $236,200, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $818 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Red Oak's income is 26% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 3% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Red Oak, NC?
Red Oak offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,464, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $236,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $818/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a low poverty rate of 2.8%, better than the national average.
Red Oak has a population of 3,372 with a median age of 51.2 years. Compare Red Oak with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Red Oak
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Park | 3,365 | $76,366 | $296,400 | Compare |
| Enochville | 3,392 | $65,328 | $225,200 | Compare |
| Windsor | 3,417 | $38,631 | $111,400 | Compare |
| Rural Hall | 3,421 | $50,665 | $183,800 | Compare |
| Wallace | 3,438 | $49,358 | $192,800 | Compare |
| Spencer | 3,305 | $64,031 | $149,800 | Compare |
| Elizabethtown | 3,294 | $32,577 | $153,400 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 3,264 | $30,462 | $83,900 | 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 Red Oak With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Oak
What is the population of Red Oak, NC?
The population of Red Oak, NC is 3,372 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 Red Oak?
The median household income in Red Oak, NC is $81,464 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Red Oak?
The median home value in Red Oak, NC is $236,200, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Red Oak?
The median monthly rent in Red Oak, NC is $818, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Red Oak?
The unemployment rate in Red Oak, NC is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Red Oak, NC a good place to live?
Red Oak offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,372 and a median age of 51.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Red Oak, NC?
30.1% of residents in Red Oak 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 Red Oak?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Red Oak, NC: median home value is $236,200 (4% below national), median rent is $818/month, and median household income is $81,464. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Red Oak?
The poverty rate in Red Oak, NC is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Red Oak, NC?
Red Oak's population is 0.0% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 8.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.