Oak Ridge, Orange County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,744
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$155,385/yr
10.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,690
-2.4% year-over-year change

Oak Ridge population

How many people live in Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge is home to 7,744 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.7% of Oak Ridge locals are male, and 48.3% are female.

Total population
7,744
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.7%
4,003
Female
48.3%
3,741
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,003 51.7% 0.1%
Female 3,741 48.3% 2.2%
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 Oak Ridge is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.2% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.7% of the population, while another 36% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.2%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
18.7%
45 to 64
36%
Over 65
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,642 21.2% 3.3%
15 to 24 899 11.6% 36.8%
25 to 44 1,447 18.7% -0.6%
45 to 64 2,785 36% -2.1%
Over 65 971 12.5% -12.7%
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

In Oak Ridge, 85.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.5% of locals are Caucasian, 2.2% are African American and 10.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.4%
Non-citizens
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,647 85.8% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 808 10.4% 9.9%
Non-citizens 289 3.7% 7.8%
Racial breakdown
White
77.5%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
10.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
3.2%
Other
6%
Value Percent
White 6,005 77.5%
Black or African American 170 2.2%
Asian 835 10.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 19 0.2%
Two or more races 251 3.2%
Other 464 6%

Households in Oak Ridge

A peek inside Oak Ridge households

Oak Ridge has 2,630 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 83.4% are families, while the remaining 16.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,630
-2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
436
Family households
2,194
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 436 16.6% 21.8%
Family households 2,194 83.4% -6.2%
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 Oak Ridge

The housing landscape of Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge's housing consists of 2,690 units, with 98% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,690
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,637 98%
1 unit, attached 29 1.1%
Mobile home 24 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
81
15.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Oak Ridge

In Oak Ridge, the median construction year is 1997. About 0.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 26.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 22 0.8% -54.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 9 0.3% N/A
Built between 1950 and 1959 85 3.2% -4.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 115 4.3% -25.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 316 11.8% 5.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 350 13% 18.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 672 25% -4.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 717 26.6% -2.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 323 12% -10.3%
Built in 2020 or later 81 3% 15.7%
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.

Oak Ridge occupancy rates

Out of the 2,630 occupied housing units in Oak Ridge, 92.2% are owner-occupied, while 7.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,630
-2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
205
Owner occupied
2,425
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 205 7.8% 6.2%
Owner occupied 2,425 92.2% -3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
2.2%
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.

Oak Ridge housing costs

Housing costs in Oak Ridge come to a median of $2,102 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,009.

Median housing costs per month
$2,102/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.
Median gross rent in Oak Ridge
$3,009/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge education at a glance

About 18% of the population in Oak Ridge went to high school, while 18.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 30.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 32 0.6% -52.2%
High school diploma 1,006 18% -7.6%
College diploma 1,048 18.7% -23.2%
Associate degree 467 8.3% 14.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,719 30.7% 8.7%
Graduate degree 1,332 23.8% 12.5%
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 Oak Ridge

How much people earn in Oak Ridge

The average annual household income in Oak Ridge was $207,156 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $155,385, reflecting a +10.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Oak Ridge
$207,156/year
9.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Oak Ridge
$155,385/year
10.5% year-over-year change

Oak Ridge income by age

In Oak Ridge, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $240,741. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $169,444 overall. Overall, 96.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $240,741 3.3%
45 - 64 $169,444 16.9%
Over 65 $59,250 -32.3%
Above poverty level
7,440
Below poverty level
280
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,440 96.4% -0.2%
Below poverty level 280 3.6% 35.9%

Employment in Oak Ridge

Workforce and job types in Oak Ridge

The job market in Oak Ridge is powered by 3,753 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.8% run their own businesses, 64.3% are employed by private companies, and 8.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,753
3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
3,201
Blue collar
552
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,201 85.3% 4.0%
Blue collar 552 14.7% -1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
17.8%
Private companies
64.3%
Governmental workers
8.9%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 666 17.8% -4.3%
Private companies 2,412 64.3% -1.7%
Governmental workers 333 8.9% 78.1%
Not for profit companies 342 9.1% 14.0%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
-19.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Oak Ridge stands at 2.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Oak Ridge

How people get around in Oak Ridge

In Oak Ridge, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 65.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,437 65.6% 0.9%
Walk 72 1.9% 166.7%
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 Oak Ridge by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27278 27,925 11,533 $105,887 $135,885

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FAQs about Oak Ridge demographics 

What is the total population of Oak Ridge?

Oak Ridge has a total population of 7,744 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Oak Ridge?

The gender ratio in Oak Ridge is as follows:
  • 51.7% males (4,003 residents)
  • 48.3% females (3,741 residents)

What is the median age in Oak Ridge?

The median age in Oak Ridge is 44.2.

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

The age distribution in Oak Ridge is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.2% (1,642 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (899 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.7% (1,447 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 36% (2,785 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.5% (971 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Ridge?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Ridge is as follows:
  • White: 77.5% (6,005 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (170 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 10.8% (835 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (19 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.2% (251 residents)
  • Other: 6% (464 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.8% of the population in Oak Ridge.

How many housing units are there in Oak Ridge?

There are 2,690 housing units in Oak Ridge, reflecting a -2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Oak Ridge has a total of 2,630 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Oak Ridge?

Oak Ridge has a median household income of $155,385, representing a +10.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Oak Ridge?

The employment rate is 97.5% in Oak Ridge, with a workforce of 3,753 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.3% (3,201 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.7% (552 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.8% (666 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.3% (2,412 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.9% (333 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (342 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