Olney, MD
Population 36,000 · Maryland
About Olney, MD
Olney is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 36,000 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $171,766 per year, which is 129% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Olney features a median home value of $632,400, which is 158% above the national median of $244,900. This places Olney in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,409, 107% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,076 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (10,488 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (1,355 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Olney shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Olney have an average one-way commute time of 32.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
64.7% of Olney 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 1.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 9.6% Asian residents, with 22.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Olney Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in Olney, MD
Compared to national averages, Olney has a median household income of $171,766 (129% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $632,400, which is 158% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,409 is 107% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Olney's income is 59% above the state average of $107,956, and home values are 57% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Olney, MD?
Olney offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $171,766, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 64.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $632,400. However, Olney’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Olney has a population of 36,000 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare Olney with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Olney
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randallstown | 35,975 | $88,544 | $306,000 | Compare |
| Owings Mills | 35,626 | $94,046 | $335,000 | Compare |
| Chillum | 35,163 | $78,513 | $383,900 | Compare |
| College Park | 34,397 | $74,867 | $429,000 | Compare |
| Pikesville | 34,253 | $97,218 | $404,100 | Compare |
| Montgomery Village | 34,161 | $96,487 | $367,100 | Compare |
| Clinton | 38,756 | $120,967 | $400,300 | Compare |
| Salisbury | 33,080 | $56,402 | $217,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maryland
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Olney With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Olney
What is the population of Olney, MD?
The population of Olney, MD is 36,000 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Maryland.
What is the median household income in Olney?
The median household income in Olney, MD is $171,766 per year, which is 129% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Olney?
The median home value in Olney, MD is $632,400, which is 158% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Olney?
The median monthly rent in Olney, MD is $2,409, which is 107% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Olney?
The unemployment rate in Olney, MD is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Olney, MD a good place to live?
Olney offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 36,000 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Olney, MD?
64.7% of residents in Olney 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 Olney?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Olney, MD: median home value is $632,400 (158% above national), median rent is $2,409/month, and median household income is $171,766. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Olney?
The poverty rate in Olney, MD is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Olney, MD?
Olney's population is 1.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 9.6% Asian, and 14.7% two or more races. 22.3% of residents are foreign-born.