Median Income
$57,997
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,900
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
398/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$769
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Olney Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,864
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density1,279/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,997
Per Capita$30,458
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty7.0%
County GDP$834M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,900
Rent$769
Ownership65.6%
Zillow$136,320
Housing Units4,184
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent398/100K
Property2,330/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault284/100K
Burglary534/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking16.9%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain48.8 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation487 ft (148 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+92.7%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.26
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute19 min
Broadband85.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Olney a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Olney receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Olney offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Olney is $57,997, 23% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Olney is $96,900, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,330 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Olney experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.8 inches, including 10.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Olney has a population of 8,864 with a density of 1,279 people per square mile, spread across 6.9 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Olney is $57,997, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,458 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 392 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,997 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,458 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,653 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 392 |
| County GDP | $834M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,850 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Olney is $96,900, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,320, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $769 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,184 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $4,850 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,900 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,320 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $769 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.4% |
| Housing Units | 4,184 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,850 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.01% |
In Olney, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,755. The dentist ratio is 1:3,859. 64.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Olney vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,755 |
| Dentists | 1:3,859 |
| Mental Health | 1:191 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,994/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Olney has a violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 284.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 113.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,330 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,761, burglary at 534, vehicle theft at 34 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Olney receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Olney vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 397.7/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 113.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 284.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,329.6/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
| Burglary | 534.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,761.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 34.1/100K |
| Arson | 11.4/100K |
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 |
Olney experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 48.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 487 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 487 ft (148 m) |
| Area | 6.9 sq mi (17.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,279/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7281°N, 88.0842°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Richland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.8"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
63 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
35 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
35 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
86 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
36 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
93 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
37 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
38 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
36 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
34 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
103 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
95 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
37 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
38 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
36 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
73 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
88 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
461 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 494 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
60 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
19 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
92 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Olney has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 29°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Olney. 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 Olney
What is the population of Olney?
Olney has a population of 8,864 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,279 people per square mile, spread across 6.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Olney expensive to live in?
Olney has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $57,997, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,900 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Olney safe?
The violent crime rate in Olney is 398 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,330 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Olney receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Olney?
Olney has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.8 inches, with 10.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Olney?
Olney has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 392 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Olney?
The median home value in Olney is $96,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,320. For renters, the median monthly rent is $769. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,850.
How are the schools in Olney?
Schools in Olney score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Olney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Olney?
The obesity rate in Olney is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 64.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,755.
What is transportation like in Olney?
The average commute in Olney is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Olney?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Olney is 92.5% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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