Living in Olathe, KS
Olathe is the 183rd-largest city in the US, home to about 150,000 people in 2025. It has grown 6.2% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (92.5 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 150,025+6.2% since 2020
- Median home value
- $364,7003.2 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,314/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $114,009median, per year
- Price level
- 92.5US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 39° / 88°lows 20° / 69°
- Average commute
- 21 min21% work from home
- State income tax
- 5.58%top rate, graduated
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County: Johnson County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 1,033 ft
Metro area: Kansas City, MO-KS
Cost of living in Olathe
The median home in Olathe is worth $364,700 and the median household earns $114,009 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.2 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,314 a month, about 14% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area at 92.5, with housing at 86.6 and goods at 94.1 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $69,400 here. Kansas taxes wages at a top rate of 5.58%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Kansas is 8.71%.
What would my salary be worth in Olathe?
Olathe weather
Average highs run from 39°F in January to 88°F in July, and January nights average 20°F. It gets 41 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 14 inches of snow. Expect about 34 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 98 times a year. The most comfortable months are April and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Olathe
People and work
The median resident is 37.2 years old, and 50% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 75% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 21 minutes; 21% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 37.2323rd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 51%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 75%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,32964.4 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%1% walk, 0.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 2.7%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 5.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1994median year
Who moves to Olathe, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Wichita (Sedgwick County), Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Riley County, KS. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Wichita (Sedgwick County), Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Dallas (Dallas County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Johnson County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, winter weather, lightning, ice storm.
Home prices
+3.2% in a year
Up 42% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Kansas City, MO-KS area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
49% good days
10 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Kansas City, MO-KS area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Olathe
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Kauffman Stadium 21 miles
- University of Kansas 23 miles
- Johnson County Community College 5 miles
- University of Missouri-Kansas City 16 miles
- Park University 21 miles
- Rockhurst University 16 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Olathe
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City International Airport MCI | 28 mi | 5,915,078 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Olathe
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | 23 mi | 21,217 | $20,004 | 70% |
| Johnson County Community College | 5 mi | 11,332 | $12,359 | 34% |
| Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | 17 mi | 10,649 | $9,851 | 36% |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | 16 mi | 6,817 | $13,778 | 56% |
| Park University | 21 mi | 4,555 | $19,119 | 36% |
| Rockhurst University | 16 mi | 1,580 | $24,702 | 72% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Pros and cons of living in Olathe
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 3.2 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 7% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 21 minutes each way on average.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Olathe report card from locals
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Olathe through locals' eyes
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Cities near Olathe
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overland Park, KS | 6 mi | 203,677 | $413,600 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Kansas City, KS | 16 mi | 157,805 | $167,400 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Kansas City, MO | 19 mi | 521,220 | $242,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Lee's Summit, MO | 23 mi | 107,514 | $340,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Lawrence, KS | 23 mi | 96,367 | $292,700 | 90.2 | Compare |
| Independence, MO | 26 mi | 121,675 | $172,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Olathe ranks 1st of 24 in our best suburbs of Kansas City ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Olathe with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Olathe a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, a growing population, short commutes. Compare Olathe side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Olathe?
The Census Bureau estimates Olathe had 150,025 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 141,291 in April 2020 (+6.2%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Olathe?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $69,400 in the Olathe area. The median household here earns $114,009.
When is the best time to visit Olathe?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 88°F and January 39°F for daytime highs.
What county is Olathe in?
Olathe is in Johnson County, Kansas. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Olathe in?
Olathe is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Olathe?
About 1,033 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Kansas have a state income tax?
Yes. Kansas has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 5.58% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Olathe. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Olathe 3E, KS station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.