Red Oak is a city in Ellis County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. As of the 2020 census, Red Oak had a population of 14,222. The North Central Texas Council of Governments projects that number to grow to 63,329 by 2030, as it is on the verge of explosive suburban growth.

History

Some of the first settlers to this area were James E. Patton and his family in 1844. They settled in what is now known as Ovilla, Texas, located about 2 miles from Red Oak.

Geography

thumb|Water tower in Glenn Heights, on west side of I-35E

Red Oak is located along the northern edge of Ellis County. Adjacent cities include 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 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, Red Oak has a humid subtropical climate, Cfa on climate maps.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, 14,222 residents, 4,751 households, and 3,293 families resided in the city.

The median age was 35.5 years; 28.1% of residents were under 18 and 11.6% were 65 or older. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males, and for every 100 females 18 and over, there were 84.0 males 18 and over.

Of the 4,751 households in Red Oak, 43.9% had children under 18 living in them, 53.7% were married-couple households, 13.1% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 28.1% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 18.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 or older.

! Race !! Number !! Percent

|-

| White || 6,219 || 43.7%

|-

| Black or African American || 4,548 || 32.0%

|-

| American Indian and Alaska Native || 95 || 0.7%

|-

| Asian || 134 || 0.9%

|-

| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander || 8 || 0.1%

|-

| Some other race || 1,378 || 9.7%

|-

| Two or more races || 1,840 || 12.9%

|-

| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) || 3,519 || 24.7%

|}

Education

thumb|Image of Red Oak Intermediate School from 2010, taken in Red Oak, Texas

The majority of the city of Red Oak is served by the Red Oak Independent School District. That district's schools include Shields Elementary, Eastridge Elementary, Red Oak Elementary, Wooden Elementary, Russell P Schupmann Elementary, Red Oak Middle School, and Red Oak High School.

The city extends into the Waxahachie Independent School District<!--UNI 44730--> and the Ferris Independent School District<!--UNI 19170-->.

Texas State Technical College operates a branch campus in Red Oak.

Transportation

Major highways

  • 20px20px Interstate 35E/U.S. Route 77

Air

The city of Red Oak jointly owns the Ferris Red Oak Muni Heliport with the city of Ferris.

Notable people

  • Demi Burnett, contestant on season 23 of The Bachelor
  • Michelle Carter, gold medal winner in the women's shotput at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro
  • Pinky Higgins, Major League Baseball (MLB) player and manager, born in Red Oak
  • Buddy Groom, MLB pitcher for the Oakland A's, graduated Red Oak High School in 1983
  • Sarah Jaffe, singer/songwriter
  • Louise Ritter, gold medal winner in the women's high jump at the 1988 Summer Olympics
  • Nikki Stringfield, guitarist for American heavy metal band the Iron Maiden

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Geographic location

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References

  • Red Oak official website
  • Red Oak ISD
  • Red Oak ISD Education Foundation
  • Red Oak ISD Bands
  • Handbook of Texas Online – Red Oak, TX