Median Income
$52,031
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,700
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
86/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$975
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.1%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.5%
23% lower than US avg
How Olney Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population550
Median Age33.3 yrs
Density2,292/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans12.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,031
Per Capita$27,755
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty9.5%
County GDP$176M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,700
Rent$975
Ownership79.7%
Zillow$162,377
Housing Units163
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent86/100K
Property515/100K
Health
Obesity32.1%
Uninsured18.1%
Smoking21.5%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain11.2 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,382 ft (1,336 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+0.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 25%
Commute37 min
Broadband80.5%
EV Stations8
Libraries2
Is Olney Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Olney Springs 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 a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Olney Springs has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Olney Springs is $52,031, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 9.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Olney Springs is $98,700, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $975 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Olney Springs is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 515 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Olney Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.2 inches, including 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Olney Springs has a population of 550 with a density of 2,292 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 33.3 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.2% female and 59.8% male. The city is predominantly White (84.5%), with 10.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 12.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.3yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Olney Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Olney Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Olney Springs is $52,031, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,755 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,069, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (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 76 business establishments, including 343 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Olney Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,031 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,755 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,069 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,934 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.5% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 76 |
| County GDP | $176M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 343 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 11 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Olney Springs is $98,700, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,377, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $975 (16% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 163 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,700 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,377 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $975 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.3% |
| Housing Units | 163 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Olney Springs, 32.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 21.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 27.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 18.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:5,614. 2.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Olney Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.1% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.5% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 18.1% |
| 110% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:5,614 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.2% |
| Dental Visits | 46.9% |
| Premature Death | 16,105/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 2.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Olney Springs has a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 515 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. Overall, Olney Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Olney Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 85.8/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 515.0/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Olney Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 330 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 11.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 4,382 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,382 ft (1,336 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,292/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1663°N, 103.9445°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Crowley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Colorado Regional (LAA)
69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.2"
70% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.01"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
157 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Oct 15, 2024.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
6 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M5.3 |
140 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
137 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
128 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
148 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
130 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
106 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
130 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
150 km |
| Dec 25, 1994 |
9 km NE of Larkspur, Colorado |
M4.0 |
146 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
7 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M4.0 |
140 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
131 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
7 km WSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| May 11, 2011 |
4 km SE of Valdez, Colorado |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Aug 1, 1996 |
17 km NE of Hoehne, Colorado |
M3.8 |
90 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
4 km WNW of Hoehne, Colorado |
M3.8 |
107 km |
| May 9, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
3 km SSE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.7 |
131 km |
| Feb 22, 2015 |
5 km E of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Jan 22, 2014 |
9 km NNW of Cokedale, Colorado |
M3.6 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
234 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 28 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 1953 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2004 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2001 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2001 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1984 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1982 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1978 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1977 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1977 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1975 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1975 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1965 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1965 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1962 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1956 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 1953 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1951 |
EF2 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1951 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRIDGER (46,612 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BRIDGER |
46,612 |
69 km |
| 2011 |
BEAR SPRINGS CALLIE MARIE |
36,863 |
67 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
25,771 |
46 km |
| 2016 |
IMPACT AREA |
19,918 |
86 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
18,218 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
SHELL COMPLEX |
14,158 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
FT. LYONS |
12,310 |
77 km |
| 2020 |
CHERRY CANYON |
11,823 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
MASON |
11,630 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
CANYON |
10,233 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
CALLIE MARIE |
9,393 |
70 km |
| 2008 |
TA-25 |
8,253 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 135 |
7,766 |
86 km |
| 2018 |
HWY 94 |
7,480 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
MILNE/SQUIRREL |
6,568 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
SALT |
6,078 |
64 km |
| 2016 |
BEULAH HILL |
5,769 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,555 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
ORDWAY CROWLEY CO |
5,339 |
18 km |
| 2011 |
KARVAL |
5,322 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Olney Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.0") and January the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Olney Springs. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$258 ($155–$412) |
| Specialist Visit |
$361 ($206–$567) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$206 ($103–$361) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,268 ($825–$5,155) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($77–$206) |
| Dental Filling |
$258 ($155–$412) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$619 ($412–$1,031) |
| Battery Replacement |
$206 ($103–$361) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$144) |
| HVAC Repair |
$412 ($155–$825) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,217 ($4,124–$12,372) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,031 ($412–$2,062) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,279 ($5,671–$15,465) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,547 ($516–$3,609) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,465 ($5,155–$30,930) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,155 ($2,062–$10,310) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,547 ($825–$3,093) |
| Will Preparation |
$516 ($206–$1,031) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,578 ($1,031–$5,155) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($77–$258) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.23 ($3.09–$5.67) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.61 ($2.58–$5.16) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.92 ($2.58–$5.67) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.64 ($3.09–$6.70) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.67 ($4.12–$7.73) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$144 ($82–$258) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$206 ($77–$516) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,062 ($1,237–$3,609) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.25–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$258) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,237 ($619–$2,578) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,031 ($516–$2,062) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$412 ($206–$722) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,031 ($412–$2,578) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,888 ($5,155–$30,930) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$206) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$206 ($103–$412) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $790 |
| Toddler | $626 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $658 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $657 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Olney Springs
What is the population of Olney Springs?
Olney Springs has a population of 550 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 2,292 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.2% female and 59.8% male.
Is Olney Springs expensive to live in?
Olney Springs has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,031, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,700 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $975 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Olney Springs safe?
Olney Springs is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 515 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Olney Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Olney Springs?
Olney Springs has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.2 inches, with 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Olney Springs?
The job market in Olney Springs is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,069. There are 76 business establishments in the area, including 343 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Olney Springs?
The median home value in Olney Springs is $98,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,377. For renters, the median monthly rent is $975. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.7%.
How are the schools in Olney Springs?
Schools in Olney Springs score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.7% of adults in Olney Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 0.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Olney Springs?
The obesity rate in Olney Springs is 32.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.5% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 27.7% of residents report depression. 18.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 2.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Olney Springs?
The average commute in Olney Springs is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Olney Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Olney Springs is 84.5% White, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 12.0% of the population are military veterans. 26.2% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
