What to know when moving to Red Oak, TX
TL;DR: Red Oak at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A growing community with 31% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and only 16.3% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $96,150, providing a solid financial backdrop.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.2% of commuters use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,446.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Red Oak features a mix of homeownership and renting, with just 16.3% of residents renting their homes. The median household income of $96,150 suggests a comfortable living standard, while 31% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, indicating a fairly educated community. Notably, public transit usage is extremely low at 0.2%, so car ownership is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you prefer urban transit options or a high rental percentage.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,446, while the median owner-occupied home value is $296,000, reflecting the area's affordability.
- Education level is strong with 31% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, contributing to community character.
- Poverty rate stands at 10.2%, indicating a mix of economic stability.
- With only 16.3% renters, the housing market leans towards ownership.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Texas, crime rates are showing a downward trend. The property crime rate is 1,797.7 per 100,000, which is 16.2% higher than the national average. Violent crime rate stands at 345.5 per 100,000, slightly above the national average of 325.3 per 100,000. Fortunately, both rates have decreased significantly since 2022.
- Violent crime: 345.5 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3, with a decrease of 21.8% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,797.7 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9, with a decrease of 23.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has dropped by 35.1% since 2022, currently at 4.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Red Oak has access to several nearby educational institutions, including options in Ellis and Dallas Counties. A total of 3 postsecondary institutions are available, with 2 of them providing College Scorecard data.
- Nelson University, located in Waxahachie, TX.
- Strayer University-Cedar Hill in Cedar Hill, TX.
- University of North Texas at Dallas in Dallas, TX.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Red Oak experiences an annual precipitation of 24.3 inches, with 37 rainy days each year. The region enjoys a relatively mild winter with no snow days recorded. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby parks for recreation.
- Cedar Ridge Preserve - 4.8 stars, 5,576 reviews.
- Getzendaner Park - 4.7 stars, 1,575 reviews.
- Armstrong Park - 4.7 stars, 1,480 reviews.
- Grimes Park - 4.4 stars, 807 reviews.
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.