Red Oak, Nash County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,405
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,214/yr
10.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,474
-4.2% year-over-year change

Red Oak population

How many people live in Red Oak

Red Oak is home to 3,405 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Red Oak locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
3,405
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
1,711
Female
49.8%
1,694
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,711 50.2% -1.3%
Female 1,694 49.8% 3.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Red Oak is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.9% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.1% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.9%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
19.1%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
30.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 474 13.9% 0.6%
15 to 24 287 8.4% 33.5%
25 to 44 650 19.1% 5.0%
45 to 64 948 27.8% -5.4%
Over 65 1,046 30.7% -1.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

There’s also a share of 6.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,405 100% 1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
80.1%
Black or African American
10.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.9%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,726 80.1%
Black or African American 366 10.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 98 2.9%
Two or more races 215 6.3%

Households in Red Oak

A peek inside Red Oak households

Red Oak has 1,424 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 78.5% are families, while the remaining 21.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,424
-4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
306
Family households
1,118
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 306 21.5% -11.1%
Family households 1,118 78.5% -2.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Red Oak

The housing landscape of Red Oak

Red Oak's housing consists of 1,474 units, with 97.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,474
-4.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,435 97.4%
50 or more units 18 1.2%
Mobile home 21 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
60
-38.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Red Oak

In Red Oak, the median construction year is 1990. About 6.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 97 6.6% -33.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 1% N/A
Built between 1950 and 1959 9 0.6% -87.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 181 12.3% 13.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 237 16.1% -6.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 205 13.9% 6.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 258 17.5% -2.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 226 15.3% 27.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 187 12.7% 6.2%
Built in 2020 or later 60 4.1% -38.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Red Oak occupancy rates

Out of the 1,424 occupied housing units in Red Oak, 96.1% are owner-occupied, while 3.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,424
-4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
55
Owner occupied
1,369
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 55 3.9% -77.5%
Owner occupied 1,369 96.1% 10.1%
Unoccupied housing units
3.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Red Oak housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,050/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.

Education in Red Oak

Red Oak education at a glance

About 32.4% of the population in Red Oak went to high school, while 12% pursued college studies. Another 17.2% earned an associate degree and 21.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 62 2.2% -19.5%
High school diploma 895 32.4% -4.1%
College diploma 333 12% -23.4%
Associate degree 475 17.2% -5.8%
Bachelor's degree 604 21.8% 13.1%
Graduate degree 395 14.3% 31.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Red Oak

How much people earn in Red Oak

The average annual household income in Red Oak was $157,439 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +36.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,214, reflecting a +10.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Red Oak
$157,439/year
36.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Red Oak
$90,214/year
10.7% year-over-year change

Red Oak income by age

In Red Oak, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $103,182. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $116,429 overall. Overall, 97.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $103,182 17.9%
45 - 64 $116,429 25.0%
Over 65 $87,719 9.4%
Above poverty level
3,331
Below poverty level
74
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,331 97.8% 1.6%
Below poverty level 74 2.2% -22.1%

Average renter income in Red Oak

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Red Oak, their median household income was $43,500 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$43,500
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Red Oak

Workforce and job types in Red Oak

The job market in Red Oak is powered by 1,470 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.9% run their own businesses, 55.8% are employed by private companies, and 27% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,470
2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,313
Blue collar
157
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,313 89.3% 5.5%
Blue collar 157 10.7% -17.4%
Employer type
Self employees
13.9%
Private companies
55.8%
Governmental workers
27%
Not for profit companies
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 204 13.9% 36.9%
Private companies 820 55.8% -3.8%
Governmental workers 397 27% 6.4%
Not for profit companies 49 3.3% -19.7%

Transportation in Red Oak

How people get around in Red Oak

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,259 85.6% -2.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Red Oak by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27804 30,713 13,247 $61,359 $82,734

Explore more communities

FAQs about Red Oak demographics 

What is the total population of Red Oak?

Red Oak has a total population of 3,405 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Red Oak?

The gender ratio in Red Oak is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (1,711 residents)
  • 49.8% females (1,694 residents)

What is the median age in Red Oak?

The median age in Red Oak is 49.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Red Oak?

The age distribution in Red Oak is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.9% (474 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (287 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.1% (650 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (948 residents)
  • Over 65: 30.7% (1,046 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Red Oak?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Red Oak is as follows:
  • White: 80.1% (2,726 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.8% (366 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.9% (98 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.3% (215 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Red Oak are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Red Oak.

How many housing units are there in Red Oak?

There are 1,474 housing units in Red Oak, reflecting a -4.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Red Oak and what is the average household size?

Red Oak has a total of 1,424 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Red Oak?

Red Oak has a median household income of $90,214, representing a +10.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Red Oak?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.3% (1,313 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.7% (157 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.9% (204 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.8% (820 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27% (397 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.3% (49 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025