KansasPop. 145,057Mid-size cities
Is Olathe a Good Place to Live? Olathe, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Olathe ranks #98 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #11 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (5.6%, #13 of 256) and low unemployment (3.4%, #27 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Olathe by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Olathe's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Olathe?
Olathe's cost of living index is 92.5, 7% below the US level of 100 and #337 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,314/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $434,937, 74% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Olathe | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.5#337 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $434,937#704 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,810/mo#584 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $364,700#694 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,314/mo#545 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 13.8%#29 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Olathe housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Olathe is in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Olathe safe?
Olathe recorded 230 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 50% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #415 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #65 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Olathe Police Department. Property crime runs 849 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Olathe | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 230#415 of 1,085 | 457 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 849#154 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Olathe?
The median household in Olathe earns $114,009, 37% above the US figure of $83,163 and 51% above Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Olathe | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $114,009#193 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 5.6%#140 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Olathe?
The median resident of Olathe is 37.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 50.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #258 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Olathe | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 50.5%#258 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 74.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Olathe's schools and health?
Olathe's 51 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $14,150 spent per pupil. 32.8% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Olathe | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.7#249 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,150#683 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 32.8%#596 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 14.4%#187 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.1%#389 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 28,304 students are enrolled in Olathe's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Olathe?
The average commute in Olathe is 20.6 minutes (Kansas 20); 0.2% of workers take transit and 20.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Olathe scores 9.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #713 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.4°F and winters 32.8°F, with 37.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Olathe | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.6 min#389 of 1,312 | 20 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.3%#77 of 1,312 | 4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 68.6% | 76% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 20.9% | 10.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 9.8#713 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.7 | 21.2 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 43.8 | 25.3 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 55.1 | 35.1 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 64.9 | 44.8 | 3.9 |
| May | 73.9 | 55.3 | 5.4 |
| Jun | 83.2 | 64.9 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 87.5 | 68.9 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 86.7 | 67.3 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 78.1 | 58.6 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 66.5 | 46.9 | 3 |
| Nov | 53.1 | 34.8 | 2 |
| Dec | 42.2 | 25.4 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Olathe Johnson Co Executive Airport.
| Measure | Olathe | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 55.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 76.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 37.7 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Olathe Johnson Co Executive Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Olathe?
Johnson County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Johnson County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
| Measure | Olathe | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#234 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Johnson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Johnson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0013% | 83% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0087% | 82% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.015% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Olathe compare with similar-size cities?
Olathe is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #11 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 145,057.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #98 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 | 20.6 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #1248 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 | 21.9 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 min |
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | #840 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 | 21.9 min |
| Thornton, COPop. 144,187 | #473 | 58.5 | $103,088 | $1,895/mo | 251 | 30.4 min |
| Visalia, CAPop. 143,939 | #972 | 50.5 | $81,989 | $1,490/mo | 415 | 22.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Olathe compare with the rest of Kansas?
Olathe ranks #2 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 68.4 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 51% above the Kansas median. Violent crime is 50% below the statewide rate. Homes are 74% above the typical Kansas home.
| City | Rank in KS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #1 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #2 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 |
| Lenexa, KSPop. 58,384 | #3 | 68.3 | $103,239 | $1,454/mo | 180 |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #4 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #5 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 |
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #6 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 |
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #7 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 |
| Salina, KSPop. 46,307 | #8 | 58.2 | $61,783 | $959/mo | 449 |
| Dodge City, KSPop. 27,613 | #9 | 57.4 | $68,721 | $1,045/mo | 185 |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #10 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #11 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #12 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #13 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data |
| Emporia, KSPop. 24,131 | #14 | 53.7 | $52,704 | $815/mo | 266 |
| Junction City, KSPop. 22,331 | #15 | 53.2 | $61,181 | $1,024/mo | 609 |
| Leavenworth, KSPop. 37,195 | #16 | 53.0 | $72,987 | $1,229/mo | 455 |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #17 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #18 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #19 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #20 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 |
All 20 Kansas cities we track, by overall score. Kansas statewide: median income $75,514, violent crime 457.2 per 100,000.
How is Olathe's score calculated?
Olathe scores 68.4 out of 100, #98 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kansas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Olathe. Similar-size median 52.9.
73.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Olathe's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
86.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Olathe. Similar-size median 53.8.
65.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Olathe's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
66.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Olathe's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
70.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Olathe. Similar-size median 51.2.
79.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Olathe. Similar-size median 42.1.
52.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Olathe. Similar-size median 50.1.
58.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Olathe's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
46.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
68.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Olathe's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Olathe has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Olathe
Is Olathe, KS a good place to live?
Olathe ranks #98 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #11 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (5.6%, #13 of 256) and low unemployment (3.4%, #27 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Olathe?
Olathe's cost of living index is 92.5, 7% below the US level of 100 and #337 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,314/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $434,937, 74% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Olathe?
Olathe recorded 230 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 50% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #415 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #65 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Olathe Police Department. Property crime runs 849 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Olathe?
The median household in Olathe earns $114,009, 37% above the US figure of $83,163 and 51% above Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Olathe?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/mo (Census), #545 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,810/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 13.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Olathe?
The typical home value in Olathe is $434,937, up 4.8% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $364,700.
How are the public schools in Olathe?
Olathe's 51 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $14,150 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Olathe?
The average commute is 20.6 minutes, #389 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 2.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Olathe?
Olathe averages 55.1°F over the year, 76.4°F in summer and 32.8°F in winter, with 37.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Olathe walkable?
Olathe scores 9.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #713 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Olathe at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Johnson County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Olathe?
Johnson County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Olathe?
Olathe has 145,057 residents. The median resident of Olathe is 37.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 50.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #258 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Olathe compare with the rest of Kansas?
Olathe ranks #2 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 68.4 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 51% above the Kansas median. Violent crime is 50% below the statewide rate. Homes are 74% above the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Olathe?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Olathe's population of 145,057 are Savannah, GA (#891 overall), Rockford, IL (#1248 overall), Jackson, MS (#1189 overall), Syracuse, NY (#1012 overall), and Gainesville, FL (#1062 overall). Olathe is #98.