Olathe, KS
Population 143,720 · Kansas
About Olathe, KS
Olathe is a major city located in Kansas with a population of 143,720 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $112,232 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Olathe features a median home value of $340,600, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Olathe in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,314, 13% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 53,543 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (38,314 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (13,671 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Olathe shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Olathe have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.4% of Olathe residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 9.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 10.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Olathe Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Olathe, KS
Compared to national averages, Olathe has a median household income of $112,232 (49% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $340,600, which is 39% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,314 is 13% above the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Olathe's income is 75% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 199% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Olathe, KS?
Olathe offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $112,232, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and a well-educated community where 49.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Olathe has a population of 143,720 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Olathe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Olathe
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 154,776 | $59,183 | $147,100 | Compare |
| Topeka | 126,103 | $55,902 | $130,600 | Compare |
| Lawrence | 95,459 | $62,838 | $269,500 | Compare |
| Overland Park | 197,199 | $103,838 | $384,400 | Compare |
| Shawnee | 68,175 | $106,312 | $332,900 | Compare |
| Lenexa | 57,986 | $102,344 | $368,800 | Compare |
| Manhattan | 53,951 | $58,441 | $243,700 | Compare |
| Salina | 46,432 | $60,624 | $164,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Olathe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Olathe
What is the population of Olathe, KS?
The population of Olathe, KS is 143,720 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Olathe?
The median household income in Olathe, KS is $112,232 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Olathe?
The median home value in Olathe, KS is $340,600, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Olathe?
The median monthly rent in Olathe, KS is $1,314, which is 13% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Olathe?
The unemployment rate in Olathe, KS is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Olathe, KS a good place to live?
Olathe offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 143,720 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Olathe, KS?
49.4% of residents in Olathe aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Olathe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Olathe, KS: median home value is $340,600 (39% above national), median rent is $1,314/month, and median household income is $112,232. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Olathe?
The poverty rate in Olathe, KS is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Olathe, KS?
Olathe's population is 9.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 4.7% two or more races. 10.7% of residents are foreign-born.