Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oak Ridge, TN
Thinking of moving to Oak Ridge, TN? With a population of about 31,400, Oak Ridge features affordable living—median home values around $259,000 and rents near $1,050. Residents enjoy a short 22-minute average commute, a moderate property crime rate, and a respected local school system. The city boasts a pleasant climate with 58% sunny days and easy access to outdoor activities, making it a friendly, practical choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Oak Ridge, TN
Demographics - Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge has a population of approximately 31,400, with a median age of 43.4, reflecting a mature and diverse community. The city is predominantly White (82.1%), but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and balanced gender ratio appeal to those seeking a close-knit, yet varied environment.
Population:
31,402
Density:
1,170 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.4
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.1%
Black:
6.5%
Asian:
4.7%
Others:
6.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oak Ridge, TN?
Oak Ridge offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $259,000 and average rent around $1,050 per month. Utility and grocery costs are below the national average, and Tennessee’s low state income tax rates help keep expenses manageable. The overall cost of living index is 84.6, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$259,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,115
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,430
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
70.3
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
85.5
Health Care:
90.8
Miscellaneous:
93.7
Crime
Is Oak Ridge, TN a safe place to live?
Oak Ridge experiences a moderate crime rate, with 232 violent crimes and 2,420 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 431, while property crime risk is 1 in 41. These rates are comparable to many similar-sized U.S. cities, and local residents benefit from active community policing.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
232
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,420
Crime Index:
2,652
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 431
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Oak Ridge, TN year-round?
Residents of Oak Ridge enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging highs of 48°F and warm summers reaching up to 87°F. The city receives about 55 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 58% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal changes bring comfortable spring and fall temperatures, supporting a wide range of recreational activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Oak Ridge’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $65,350 and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Educational attainment is high, with over 94% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. Commute times average just under 22 minutes, and the area maintains a supportive community atmosphere with a modest poverty rate of 11.1%.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$65,350
Family Income:
$82,100
Per Capita Income:
$37,400
Income Male:
$51,800
Income Female:
$39,100
Poverty Rate:
11.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
21.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.2%
Bachelors or More:
35.7%
Education
How are the schools in Oak Ridge, TN?
Oak Ridge is home to well-regarded public schools like Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Middle School, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. The city also offers private education options and is served by Roane State Community College, with the University of Tennessee in Knoxville just 21 miles away. High educational attainment rates make Oak Ridge an appealing choice for families prioritizing quality schooling.

Public Schools
Name:
Oak Ridge High School
Street:
1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Phone:
865-425-9601
Students:
1,370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Robertsville Middle School
Street:
245 Robertsville Rd
Phone:
865-425-9201
Students:
715
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary's School
Street:
323 Vermont Ave
Phone:
865-483-9700
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Roane State Community College (Oak Ridge Campus)
City:
Oak Ridge
State:
TN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,600
Name:
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
City:
Knoxville
State:
TN
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
30,500
Healthcare
Oak Ridge provides solid healthcare access, anchored by Methodist Medical Center, a full-service hospital offering emergency services. The city has about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, ensuring reliable care for most residents. Healthcare costs remain reasonable, making the area a practical choice for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge
Address:
990 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone:
(865) 835-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oak Ridge, TN?
The local housing market in Oak Ridge is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $259,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,080. Homeownership is strong at nearly 69%, and the market has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 7.1% over the past year. Low foreclosure and rental vacancy rates suggest a steady demand for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$259,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Oak Ridge residents are served locally by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security at 1150 Ray Smith Rd. The DMV offers licensing, registration, and title services, providing convenient access for area drivers. Appointments and additional information can be found on the department’s official website.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
1150 Ray Smith Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone:
(865) 425-3585
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.