Median Income
$27,250
64% lower than US avg
Home Value
$58,700
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
3,527/100K
828% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.8%
86% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
38.8%
213% higher than US avg
How Olive Branch Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population441
Median Age56.4 yrs
Density47/mi²
Male / Female37% / 64%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$27,250
Per Capita$23,592
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty38.8%
County GDP$273M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$58,700
Ownership80.9%
Zillow$95,264
Housing Units297
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent3,527/100K
Property6,512/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking20.0%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain51.0 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation404 ft (123 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.8%
High School+88.6%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score3.62
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute36 min
Broadband33.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Olive Branch a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Olive Branch receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Olive Branch has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Olive Branch is $27,250, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 38.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Olive Branch is $58,700, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 3,527 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,512 per 100,000, 232% above the national average.
Education
4.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Olive Branch enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Olive Branch has a population of 441 with a density of 47 people per square mile, spread across 9.7 square miles. The median age is 56.4 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63.5% female and 36.5% male. The city is predominantly White (97.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.4yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Olive Branch vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Olive Branch vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Olive Branch is $27,250, which is 64% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,592 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 38.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 96 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Olive Branch vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,250 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,592 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,352 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 38.8% |
| 213% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 96 |
| County GDP | $273M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,700 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Olive Branch is $58,700, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $95,264, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 297 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $1,700 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $58,700 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $95,264 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.1% |
| Housing Units | 297 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,700 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.90% |
In Olive Branch, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.7% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,030. The dentist ratio is 1:1,215. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Olive Branch vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,030 |
| Dentists | 1:1,215 |
| Mental Health | 1:168 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 56.4% |
| Premature Death | 16,048/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Olive Branch has a violent crime rate of 3,527 per 100,000 residents, 828% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,512 per 100,000, 232% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Olive Branch receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Olive Branch vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 3,527.1/100K |
| 828% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,511.6/100K |
| 232% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Olive Branch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 299 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 51.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 404 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.1°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 404 ft (123 m) |
| Area | 9.7 sq mi (25.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 47/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1837°N, 89.3495°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Alexander County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cairo Regional (CIR)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.0"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
360 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
24 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
80 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
25 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
46 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
147 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
115 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
35 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
110 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
149 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
44 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
42 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
110 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
39 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
59 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
32 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
39 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
574 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 120 fatalities, 1,517 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
80 km |
57 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
84 km |
8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
30 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
71 km |
10 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
59 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
43 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,286 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
60 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
25 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
25 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
77 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
4 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
59 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
15 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
15 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
88 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
70 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
47°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Olive Branch has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Olive Branch. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Branch
What is the population of Olive Branch?
Olive Branch has a population of 441 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 47 people per square mile, spread across 9.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63.5% female and 36.5% male.
Is Olive Branch expensive to live in?
Olive Branch has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $27,250, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $58,700 (79% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Olive Branch safe?
Public safety is a concern in Olive Branch, with a violent crime rate of 3,527 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,512 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Olive Branch receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Olive Branch?
Olive Branch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Olive Branch?
The job market in Olive Branch is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 96 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Olive Branch?
The median home value in Olive Branch is $58,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $95,264. The homeownership rate is 80.9%. The average annual property tax is $1,700.
How are the schools in Olive Branch?
Schools in Olive Branch have an average test score of 3.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.8% of adults in Olive Branch hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Olive Branch?
The obesity rate in Olive Branch is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,030.
What is transportation like in Olive Branch?
The average commute in Olive Branch is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Olive Branch?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Olive Branch is 97.3% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability. 82.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
