Median Income
$67,120
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,500
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
126/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.1%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.2%
183% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Olin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population849
Median Age33.0 yrs
Density832/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$67,120
Per Capita$24,802
Unemployment10.2%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$811M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,500
Rent$775
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$174,621
Housing Units317
Rent Burden18.5%
Crime
F
Violent126/100K
Property1,407/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking19.1%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation758 ft (231 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+0.4%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute35 min
Broadband75.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Olin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Olin receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Olin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Olin is $67,120, 11% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Olin is $98,500, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Olin is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,407 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
5.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Olin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°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 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Olin has a population of 849 with a density of 832 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 33.0 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (86%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.0yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Olin is $67,120, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,802 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $947, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 588 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,120 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,802 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $947 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,774 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.2% |
| 183% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 588 |
| County GDP | $811M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,113 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Olin is $98,500, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,621, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 90% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 317 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,113 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,500 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,621 |
| Median List Price | $79,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $79,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $28 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 317 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,113 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.18% |
In Olin, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.7% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,137. The dentist ratio is 1:1,840. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Olin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,137 |
| Dentists | 1:1,840 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,664 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,019/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Olin has a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,407 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Olin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Olin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 126.3/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,406.9/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Olin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 20°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 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 758 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 758 ft (231 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 832/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9975°N, 91.1412°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cedar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.1 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
665 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 459 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
99 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
24 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Olin has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Olin. 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 | $722 |
| Toddler | $622 |
| Preschool | $622 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $475 |
| Toddler | $467 |
| Preschool | $467 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Olin
What is the population of Olin?
Olin has a population of 849 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 832 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is Olin expensive to live in?
Olin 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 $67,120, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,500 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Olin safe?
Olin is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,407 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Olin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Olin?
Olin has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 20°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 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Olin?
The job market in Olin faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $947. There are 588 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Olin?
The median home value in Olin is $98,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,621. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,113.
How are the schools in Olin?
Schools in Olin score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.1% of adults in Olin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 0.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Olin?
The obesity rate in Olin is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,137.
What is transportation like in Olin?
The average commute in Olin is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Olin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Olin is 86% White. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
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