Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oak Bluffs, MA
Considering a move to Oak Bluffs, MA? This charming Martha’s Vineyard town has a population of around 4,700, offering a relaxed island lifestyle with beautiful beaches and a close-knit community. Median home values are high at $960,000, and rents average $1,950, reflecting the area’s desirability. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short average commutes of 22.5 minutes, strong public schools, and mild coastal weather with 56% sunny days. With great healthcare access and high educational attainment, Oak Bluffs is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, scenic place to call home.
Demographics - Oak Bluffs, MA
Demographics - Oak Bluffs, MA
Oak Bluffs is home to about 4,700 residents, with a median age of just over 50, creating a laid-back, mature community. The town is predominantly White (78.5%), with a notable Black population (13.9%), and over 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a balance of neighborly connection and personal space.
Population:
4,700
Density:
600 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.5%
Black:
13.9%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oak Bluffs, MA?
Living in Oak Bluffs comes with a higher cost of living, with a median home value near $960,000 and average rents of around $1,950. Groceries, utilities, and general expenses are also above national averages, reflecting the premium of island life and its scenic coastal location. State taxes range from 5% to 9%, so budgeting is important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$960,000
Gross Rent:
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$175
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$980
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
154.0
Grocery:
129.1
Housing:
210.4
Utilities:
123.4
Transportation:
118.2
Health Care:
117.0
Miscellaneous:
107.9
Crime
Is Oak Bluffs, MA a safe place to live?
Oak Bluffs enjoys a relatively low crime rate, with a chance of violent crime at just 1 in 690 and property crime at 1 in 98. The town's peaceful atmosphere and small population contribute to a safe, welcoming environment. Residents can feel secure enjoying the community’s amenities and outdoor spaces.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
145
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,165
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 690
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Oak Bluffs, MA year-round?
Oak Bluffs offers mild, coastal New England weather with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and winters rarely dipping below 25°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year. These pleasant conditions make outdoor recreation and beach visits a year-round possibility.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community boasts a median household income of $85,900 and a per capita income of $46,100, with a poverty rate under 8%. Educational attainment is high, with nearly 95% having completed high school and over 40% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, highlighting the town’s relaxed pace and manageable size.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$85,900
Family Income:
$102,300
Per Capita Income:
$46,100
Income Male:
$50,200
Income Female:
$41,300
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$1,950
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.9%
Bachelors or More:
41.8%
Education
How are the schools in Oak Bluffs, MA?
Oak Bluffs features strong educational resources, including the well-regarded Oak Bluffs School with a low student-teacher ratio of 10.9. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible through a local Cape Cod Community College satellite, with the main campus just 36 miles away. The community’s investment in education is evident in its high graduation and degree attainment rates.

Public Schools
Name:
Oak Bluffs School
Street:
50 Tradewinds Road
Phone:
508-693-0951
Students:
435
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.9

Colleges
Name:
Cape Cod Community College (Satellite)
City:
Oak Bluffs
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
Small program
Name:
Cape Cod Community College (Main Campus)
City:
West Barnstable
State:
MA
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, a full-service facility with emergency care. The community enjoys a high rate of health insurance coverage at 97%, and there are 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare services are reliable and accessible for both routine and urgent needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Martha's Vineyard Hospital
Address:
1 Hospital Road, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Phone:
(508) 693-0410
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.0%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oak Bluffs, MA?
The Oak Bluffs housing market is competitive, with median home prices at $960,000 and a steady appreciation rate of 7.3% over the past year. About two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,950. The low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect a stable and desirable market.
Median Home Price:
$960,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing needs are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located nearby in Vineyard Haven. Residents can easily access DMV services, including registration and licensing, either in person or online. The DMV’s proximity and online tools make handling transportation paperwork convenient for locals.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
11 Bank Street, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.