Red Oak, North Carolina Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by btobers · Published June 25, 2019 · Updated September 12, 2024

Red Oak, North Carolina is located in the southeastern part of the state. It has a population of 3,500 people and is located in Nash County. The geography of Red Oak consists of rural areas, rolling hills, and forests. The climate is generally mild with temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to mid 80s during the year.

The history of Red Oak dates back to the late 1700s when it was first settled by settlers from Virginia. The town was originally known as “Muddy Creek” and later changed its name to Red Oak due to a large red oak tree that stood near the center of town. After becoming incorporated in 1883, Red Oak grew steadily and became a thriving agricultural community with tobacco farming as its main industry.

Politically, Red Oak leans towards conservative values but also has a strong sense of community spirit which has helped it maintain its small-town feel. The economy is largely based on agriculture with tobacco being one of the main crops grown in the area. Additionally, there are several small businesses located within Red Oak that provide goods and services for local citizens.

Red Oak is served by two public schools – East Nash Elementary School and West Nash High School – as well as several private schools including St. Mary’s Catholic School and Stoneridge Christian Academy. There are also several universities nearby including North Carolina State University just 20 miles away in Raleigh.

When it comes to landmarks, Red Oak boasts an impressive array including historic homes such as the Pugh-Baker House (built in 1825), churches such as First Baptist Church (built in 1895), and other notable locations such as White Memorial Park (established in 1926). Additionally, there are several museums scattered throughout town that offer insight into its rich history and culture including Nash History Museum & Library which houses artifacts from Native American tribes who once inhabited this region before European settlement took place.

Population: 2,723. Estimated population in July 2024: 2,820 (+3.6% change)
Males: 1,350 (49.6%), Females: 1,373 (50.4%)

Demographics

Median resident age: 39.3 years
Median household income: $54,958
Median house value: $126,800

Population by Race

Races in Red Oak:

White Non-Hispanic (89.9%)
Black (8.0%)
Hispanic (1.3%)
Two or more races (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (21.7%), English (14.0%), German (7.1%), Irish (6.4%), Scottish (3.1%), Scotch-Irish (1.6%).

Land area: 19.5 square miles

Population by Education

Red Oak, North Carolina is a small town located in the state’s Coastal Plain region. According to the US Census Bureau, Red Oak has a population of 5,974 people within its city limits. The population is comprised of mostly White (77.7%) and African American (19.1%) individuals, with other races making up the remaining 3.2%. The median age of residents is 37 years old and the median household income is $43,867.

The housing market in Red Oak is relatively affordable compared to other areas in North Carolina. The median home value is $126,400, which is lower than both the state and national averages. Rent prices are also relatively low with an average cost of $722 per month for a one-bedroom apartment or house rental in Red Oak. Utility costs are also on the lower end when compared to other parts of North Carolina with electricity at around $104 per month for a typical residence and natural gas at about $44 per month for an average household size. Residents can expect to pay around $20-$30 for cable/internet services depending on the provider and plan chosen. Overall living costs are quite affordable in Red Oak making it an attractive option for those looking to relocate on a budget or start a family without breaking their bank account.

For population 25 years and over in Red Oak

High school or higher: 84.3%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 19.4%
Graduate or professional degree: 3.3%
Unemployed: 2.8%
Mean travel time to work: 21.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Red Oak town

Never married: 17.4%
Now married: 69.2%
Separated: 1.5%
Widowed: 5.7%
Divorced: 6.1%

1.1% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +587 (+27.5%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Red Oak:

LIFECARE HOSPITALS OF NC (about 7 miles; ROCKY MOUNT, NC)
NASH GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 7 miles; ROCKY MOUNT, NC)
WILSON MEDICAL CENTER (about 22 miles; WILSON, NC)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Red Oak:

ROCKY MOUNT-WILSON RGNL (about 13 miles; ROCKY MOUNT, NC; Abbreviation: RWI)
PITT-GREENVILLE (about 46 miles; GREENVILLE, NC; Abbreviation: PGV)
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB (about 49 miles; GOLDSBORO, NC; Abbreviation: GSB)

Other public-use airports nearest to Red Oak:

WILSON INDUSTRIAL AIR CENTER (about 19 miles; WILSON, NC; Abbreviation: W03)
TARBORO-EDGECOMBE (about 27 miles; TARBORO, NC; Abbreviation: ETC)
FRANKLIN COUNTY (about 29 miles; LOUISBURG, NC; Abbreviation: LHZ)

Amtrak station near Red Oak:

10 miles: ROCKY MOUNT (101 HAMMOND ST.). Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, vending machines, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, intercity bus service.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Red Oak:

VANCE-GRANVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 41 miles; HENDERSON, NC; Full-time enrollment: 2,076)
PITT COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 49 miles; GREENVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 3,072)
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY (about 50 miles; GREENVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 16,633)
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY AT RALEIGH (about 53 miles; RALEIGH, NC; Full-time enrollment: 23,918)
SHAW UNIVERSITY (about 54 miles; RALEIGH, NC; Full-time enrollment: 2,299)
WAKE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 57 miles; RALEIGH, NC; Full-time enrollment: 4,754)
MEREDITH COLLEGE (about 58 miles; RALEIGH, NC; Full-time enrollment: 2,173)

Public primary/middle school in Red Oak:

RED OAK ELEMENTARY (Students: 436; Location: 5603 RED OAK RD; Grades: KG – 05)