MississippiPop. 47,019Small cities
Is Olive Branch a Good Place to Live? Olive Branch, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Olive Branch ranks #385 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #74 of 208 small cities and #3 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.6%, #19 of 208) and high household income ($100,606, #43 of 208), and trails on high rents ($1,829/mo, #187 of 208).
Olive Branch by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Olive Branch'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 Olive Branch?
Olive Branch's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,829/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $332,043, 68% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Olive Branch | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 92.2#327 of 1,308 | 87 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $332,043#471 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,853/mo#613 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $290,000#502 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,829/mo#987 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 21.8%#657 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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.
Olive Branch 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. Olive Branch is in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Olive Branch safe?
Olive Branch recorded 175 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 328 and 23% below Mississippi's 227. That ranks #295 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #58 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Olive Branch Police Department. Property crime runs 1,036 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Olive Branch | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 175#295 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,036#235 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 Olive Branch?
The median household in Olive Branch earns $100,606, 21% above the US figure of $83,163 and 70% above Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Olive Branch | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $100,606#335 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 4.6%#83 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Olive Branch?
The median resident of Olive Branch is 38 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 31.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #736 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 82.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Olive Branch | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 38 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 31.4%#736 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 82.3% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Olive Branch's schools and health?
Olive Branch's 9 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $9,525 spent per pupil. 36% of adults are obese and 11.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Olive Branch | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $9,525#1159 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 36%#866 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.9%#775 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.7%#363 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.6%#465 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,763 students are enrolled in Olive Branch's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Olive Branch?
The average commute in Olive Branch is 24.5 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0% of workers take transit and 7.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Olive Branch scores 6.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.2°F and winters 42.7°F, with 59.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Olive Branch | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 24.5 min#734 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 81.7% | 81.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.4% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.6% | 6.2% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.4#1280 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 | 50.2 | 30.6 | 4.3 |
| Feb | 54.6 | 34 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 63.6 | 41.2 | 6.1 |
| Apr | 73 | 50.1 | 6 |
| May | 81.7 | 59.7 | 5.5 |
| Jun | 88.8 | 68.1 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 91.3 | 71.6 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 91.6 | 69.9 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 85.2 | 62.6 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 75.3 | 50.4 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 62.9 | 39.5 | 4.6 |
| Dec | 53 | 33.6 | 6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Olive Branch.
| Measure | Olive Branch | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 61.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 42.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 59.2 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Olive Branch.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Olive Branch?
DeSoto County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts DeSoto County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Olive Branch | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#658 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for DeSoto County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, DeSoto County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.049% | 92% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.02% | 87% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 40% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.06% | 21% 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 Olive Branch compare with similar-size cities?
Olive Branch is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #74 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 47,019.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #385 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 | 24.5 min |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #1211 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 | 18.2 min |
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #1064 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 | 16.9 min |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #260 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 | 22.6 min |
| Whitney, NVPop. 47,221 | #1225 | 43.9 | $67,155 | $1,574/mo | no data | 28.4 min |
| Binghamton, NYPop. 47,151 | #1038 | 49.3 | $45,578 | $870/mo | 559 | 19 min |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #155 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 | 27.8 min |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #1305 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 | 18.2 min |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #61 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 | 18.9 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 Olive Branch compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Olive Branch ranks #3 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 60.3 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 70% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 23% below the statewide rate. Homes are 68% above the typical Mississippi home.
| City | Rank in MS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #1 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #2 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #3 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #4 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #5 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #6 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #7 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #8 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #9 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #10 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #11 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #12 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #13 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #14 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #15 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #16 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #18 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #19 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #20 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year |
All 20 Mississippi cities we track, by overall score. Mississippi statewide: median income $59,127, violent crime 226.9 per 100,000.
How is Olive Branch's score calculated?
Olive Branch scores 60.3 out of 100, #385 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Mississippi'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 Olive Branch. Similar-size median 52.9.
68.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Olive Branch's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
88.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Olive Branch. Similar-size median 52.2.
53.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Olive Branch's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
56.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Olive Branch's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
68.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Olive Branch. Similar-size median 46.7.
75.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Olive Branch. Similar-size median 44.2.
43.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Olive Branch. Similar-size median 47.3.
39.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Olive Branch's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
28.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
52.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Olive Branch's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch
Is Olive Branch, MS a good place to live?
Olive Branch ranks #385 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #74 of 208 small cities and #3 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.6%, #19 of 208) and high household income ($100,606, #43 of 208), and trails on high rents ($1,829/mo, #187 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Olive Branch?
Olive Branch's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,829/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $332,043, 68% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Olive Branch?
Olive Branch recorded 175 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 328 and 23% below Mississippi's 227. That ranks #295 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #58 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Olive Branch Police Department. Property crime runs 1,036 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Olive Branch?
The median household in Olive Branch earns $100,606, 21% above the US figure of $83,163 and 70% above Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Olive Branch?
Median rent in Olive Branch is $1,829/mo (Census), #987 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,853/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Olive Branch?
The typical home value in Olive Branch is $332,043, up 1% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $290,000.
How are the public schools in Olive Branch?
Olive Branch's 9 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $9,525 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Olive Branch?
The average commute is 24.5 minutes, #734 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 5.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Olive Branch?
Olive Branch averages 61.8°F over the year, 80.2°F in summer and 42.7°F in winter, with 59.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Olive Branch walkable?
Olive Branch scores 6.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1280 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 Olive Branch at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts DeSoto County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Olive Branch?
DeSoto County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Olive Branch?
Olive Branch has 47,019 residents. The median resident of Olive Branch is 38 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 31.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #736 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 82.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Olive Branch compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Olive Branch ranks #3 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 60.3 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 70% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 23% below the statewide rate. Homes are 68% above the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Olive Branch?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Olive Branch's population of 47,019 are Roswell, NM (#1211 overall), Charleston, WV (#1064 overall), East Providence, RI (#260 overall), Whitney, NV (#1225 overall), and Binghamton, NY (#1038 overall). Olive Branch is #385.