Median Income
$48,500
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
127/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.1%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$770
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.5%
23% lower than US avg
How Olds Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population75
Median Age49.3 yrs
Density221/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans71.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,500
Per Capita$38,328
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty9.5%
County GDP$930M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$770
Ownership43.5%
Zillow$134,645
Housing Units80
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent127/100K
Property2,921/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking15.8%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation731 ft (223 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.1%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+18.3%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute25 min
Broadband46.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Olds a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Olds receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Olds has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Olds is $48,500, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 9.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Olds is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Olds is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,921 per 100,000, 49% above the national average.
Education
9.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Olds experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Olds has a population of 75 with a density of 221 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 49.3 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 5.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 71.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.3yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Olds is $48,500, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,328. The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 281 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,500 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,328 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,697 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.5% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 281 |
| County GDP | $930M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Olds is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $134,645. Monthly rent averages $770 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 43.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 80 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $2,750 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $134,645 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $770 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.5% |
| Housing Units | 80 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.00% |
In Olds, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749. The dentist ratio is 1:2,669. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Olds vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:10,749 |
| Dentists | 1:2,669 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,168 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Olds has a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,921 per 100,000, 49% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Olds receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Olds vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 127.0/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,920.8/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Olds experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. The area receives 25.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 731 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 731 ft (223 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 221/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1343°N, 91.5440°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Louisa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
595 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 275 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
38 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
37 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
38 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
38 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Olds has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Olds. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $698 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Olds
What is the population of Olds?
Olds has a population of 75 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 221 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Olds expensive to live in?
Olds is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $48,500, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Olds safe?
Olds is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,921 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Olds receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Olds?
Olds has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Olds?
The job market in Olds is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 281 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Olds?
The median home value in Olds is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $134,645. For renters, the median monthly rent is $770. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,750.
How are the schools in Olds?
Schools in Olds have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.1% of adults in Olds hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 18.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Olds?
The obesity rate in Olds is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749.
What is transportation like in Olds?
The average commute in Olds is 25 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Olds?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Olds is 94.7% White, 5.3% Black or African American. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 71.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.3% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
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