Oakes, ND
Population 2,046 · North Dakota
About Oakes, ND
Oakes is a small town located in North Dakota with a population of 2,046 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,750 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oakes features a median home value of $160,100, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Oakes in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $740, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 881 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (662 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (180 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oakes 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 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Oakes have an average one-way commute time of 18.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.6% of Oakes 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 5.3% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Oakes Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Oakes, ND
Compared to national averages, Oakes has a median household income of $64,750 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $160,100, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $740 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Oakes's income is 11% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 15% above the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Oakes, ND?
Oakes offers affordable housing with a median home value of $160,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $740/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,750) that falls below the national average. However, Oakes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oakes has a population of 2,046 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Oakes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Oakes
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayville | 2,050 | $64,044 | $196,200 | Compare |
| Bottineau | 2,063 | $70,882 | $165,300 | Compare |
| Grand Forks AFB | 2,072 | $72,279 | $0 | Compare |
| Stanley | 2,089 | $105,893 | $241,300 | Compare |
| Carrington | 2,171 | $65,469 | $141,800 | Compare |
| Langdon | 1,835 | $63,664 | $130,400 | Compare |
| Lisbon | 2,262 | $61,953 | $185,700 | Compare |
| Belcourt | 1,739 | $64,526 | $94,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Oakes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oakes
What is the population of Oakes, ND?
The population of Oakes, ND is 2,046 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Oakes?
The median household income in Oakes, ND is $64,750 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oakes?
The median home value in Oakes, ND is $160,100, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oakes?
The median monthly rent in Oakes, ND is $740, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oakes?
The unemployment rate in Oakes, ND is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Oakes, ND a good place to live?
Oakes offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,046 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oakes, ND?
23.6% of residents in Oakes 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 Oakes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oakes, ND: median home value is $160,100 (35% below national), median rent is $740/month, and median household income is $64,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oakes?
The poverty rate in Oakes, ND is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Oakes, ND?
Oakes's population is 5.3% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.