Red Oak, Texas

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 32.52561°N, -96.80619°W. 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 18 mi 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 38.8 km2, 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 system, Red Oak has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.



Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 14,222 people, 4,098 households, and 3,293 families residing in the city.

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 Middle School, 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.

Major highways

 * I-35E (TX).svgUS 77.svg 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 Maiden
 * Demi Burnett, contestant on season 23 of The Bachelor