Red Oak is a city in Ellis County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The population was 10,769 at the 2010 census, up from 4,301 at the 2000 census. The North Central Texas Council of Governments projects that number to grow to 63,329 by the year 2030, as it is on the verge of explosive suburban growth. Red Oak was one of the exterior locations for filming True Stories, directed by David Byrne of Talking Heads and released in 1986.
History
One of the first settlers to this area was James E. Patton and his family in 1844. They settled in what is now known as Ovilla, Texas, located about two miles from Red Oak. Before Red Oak was given its name in 1849, it was known as Possum Trot due to the animal that lived there. The Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad began near the Red Oak area in 1884 and was completed in 1890. This railroad allowed people to travel to Dallas and Waco. In 1949, Red Oak became an incorporated town of Ellis, County.
Geography
Red Oak is located along the northern edge of Ellis County at . Adjacent cities are Glenn Heights to the northwest, Lancaster to the north, Ferris to the east, Pecan Hill to the southeast, Waxahachie to the south, and Oak Leaf to the west. It is south of downtown Dallas via Interstate 35E, which has two exits in Red Oak.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Red Oak has a total area of , all of it land.
Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Red Oak has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.
Demographics
2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 14,222 people, 4,098 households, and 3,293 families residing in the city.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,301 people, 1,570 households, and 1,238 families residing in the city. The population density was 550.0 people per square mile (212.4/km2). There were 1,625 housing units at an average density of 207.8 per square mile (80.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 85.98% White, 5.42% African American, 0.53% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 4.65% from other races, and 2.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.69% of the population.
There were 1,570 households, out of which 43.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.1% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.10.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.6% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 31.4% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 7.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $48,583, and the median income for a family was $61,250. Males had a median income of $38,227 versus $26,276 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,049. About 6.3% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.
Education
The city of Red Oak is served by the Red Oak Independent School District: Shields Elementary, Eastridge Elementary, Red Oak Elementary, Wooden Elementary, Russell P Schupmann Elementary, Red Oak Junior High, and Red Oak High School.
In addition Life School, a public charter school, operates the K–12 Red Oak campus.
Texas State Technical College operates a branch campus in Red Oak.
Transportation
Major highways
Interstate 35E/U.S. Route 77
Air
The city of Red Oak jointly owns the Ferris Red Oak Muni Heliport together with the city of Ferris.
Notable people
Michelle Carter, gold medal winner in the women's shot put at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro
Pinky Higgins, Major League Baseball player and manager, born in Red Oak
Sarah Jaffe, singer/songwriter
Louise Ritter, gold medal winner in the women's high jump at the 1988 Summer Olympics, graduated from Red Oak High School
Nikki Stringfield, guitarist for American heavy metal band The Iron Maidens
Geographic location
