Oak Ridge, TN
Population 32,088 · Tennessee
About Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge is a mid-sized city located in Tennessee with a population of 32,088 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,000 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oak Ridge features a median home value of $233,500, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Oak Ridge in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,076, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,909 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (8,586 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (4,718 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oak Ridge shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oak Ridge have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.4% of Oak Ridge 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 3.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 6.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Oak Ridge Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Oak Ridge, TN
Compared to national averages, Oak Ridge has a median household income of $71,000 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $233,500, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,076 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Oak Ridge's income is 13% above the state average of $62,849, and home values are 9% above the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Oak Ridge, TN?
Oak Ridge offers affordable housing with a median home value of $233,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,076/month, and a well-educated community where 39.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,000) that falls below the national average. However, Oak Ridge’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oak Ridge has a population of 32,088 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Oak Ridge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Oak Ridge
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryville | 32,196 | $79,340 | $310,600 | Compare |
| Morristown | 30,983 | $44,811 | $155,700 | Compare |
| Cookeville | 35,544 | $48,501 | $263,800 | Compare |
| Bristol | 27,490 | $55,007 | $182,500 | Compare |
| La Vergne | 38,944 | $80,418 | $273,700 | Compare |
| Farragut | 24,309 | $142,402 | $513,100 | Compare |
| Shelbyville | 24,125 | $52,290 | $224,700 | Compare |
| Germantown | 40,812 | $144,799 | $441,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
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, TN?
The population of Oak Ridge, TN is 32,088 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Oak Ridge?
The median household income in Oak Ridge, TN is $71,000 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oak Ridge?
The median home value in Oak Ridge, TN is $233,500, which is 5% below 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, TN is $1,076, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oak Ridge?
The unemployment rate in Oak Ridge, TN is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oak Ridge, TN a good place to live?
Oak Ridge offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,088 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oak Ridge, TN?
39.4% 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, TN: median home value is $233,500 (5% below national), median rent is $1,076/month, and median household income is $71,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oak Ridge?
The poverty rate in Oak Ridge, TN is 12.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Oak Ridge, TN?
Oak Ridge's population is 3.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 6.1% two or more races. 6.5% of residents are foreign-born.