Town in Young County

Living in Olney, TX

A

78th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 89 of 100

Olney earns a grade of A on our index, 78th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and cost of living, and trails on home ownership and education levels. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.

  • Good for families
  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for retirees
  • Good for remote workers
  • Good for people on a budget
  • Errands close by
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Home ownership scores low (19 of 100)
  • Tornado risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Olney isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthOlney
Where Olney is in Texas.
Population
3,000+0.1% since 2020
Median rent
$43969% lower than Texas
Median home value
$95,10066% lower than Texas
Household income
$36,250Median
Average commute
13 minOne way
Violent crime
132Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Olney

Olney is a town in Young County. 3,000 people lived here in 2025, up 0.1% from 2020. It is spread out, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1965).

Local spots people know include Griffin Park, Tommy Perkins Memorial Park and Olney Community Library and Arts Center.

The median age is 35.3, 28% of households have children, 63% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $36,250 a year (54% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Olney

  • Strong public schools. 100% of the 3 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 132 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 66% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $439, 69% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 13 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Olney

  • Higher poverty. 26% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, heat waves and hail as very high here.

Who Olney suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 66% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 87% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 54% lower than the Texas median, with 14 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 95% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 16% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 66% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 94% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 88% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $439 is 69% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 88% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $439 is 69% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 88% for people on a budget.

Olney report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Olney with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade A+

    Median rent $439, homes cost 2.6x income.

    95 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade D

    Median household income $36,250, 2.4% unemployed.

    22 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade A-

    3 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    82 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade B-

    132 violent crimes per 100k, 428 property crimes per 100k.

    59 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade A

    1 grocery store, 14 restaurants, 3 parks mapped in town.

    89 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade A+

    Average commute 13 min, 3.4% work from home.

    97 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D

    14% have a bachelor’s degree.

    21 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D+

    16% of adults uninsured.

    25 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D

    63% of homes owner-occupied.

    19 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade C-

    88% of homes have broadband.

    38 of 100 vs US towns

Where Olney stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $43969% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 26%26 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Average commute: 13 min52% lower than Texas (27 min)

Worse than Texas

  • Median household income: $36,25054% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 14%20 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • People below the poverty line: 26%13 points higher than Texas (14%)

Cost of living in Olney

Olney renters pay a median of $439 a month, 69% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $18,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 26% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $805 for a one-bedroom, $1,053 for a two-bedroom and $1,458 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $95,100, 66% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $521 before tax, or $654 with property tax. That is $215 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Olney pays $1,607 a year, 62% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in OlneyStudio$8001 bedroom$8052 bedrooms$1,0533 bedrooms$1,4584 bedrooms$1,517
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Young County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent69% lower than Texas$439$1,403$1,413
Median home value66% lower than Texas$95,100$283,800$332,700
Home value to income27% lower than Texas2.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent26 points lower than Texas26%52%51%
Median property tax per year62% lower than Texas$1,607$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in themAbout the same as Texas63%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas196519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$654
Mortgage payment
$521
Property tax
$134
Median rent, for comparison
$439

Based on a $95,100 home in Olney, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Olney safe?

In 2025, Olney Police Department reported 4 violent crimes and 13 property crimes. That works out to 132 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 66% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 428 property crimes per 100,000, 79% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 71% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Olney by yearTexas13220212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
132
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
428
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Olney by yearTexas42820212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Olney Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Olney

Olney has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Olney ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Olney High School and Olney Junior High. The average rating score across all campuses is 87 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
82
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
87
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • AOlney High SchoolHigh, Olney ISD91 of 100
  • AOlney Junior HighMiddle, Olney ISD91 of 100
  • BOlney ElementaryElementary, Olney ISD80 of 100

Daily life in Olney

Everyday places mapped inside Olney, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Griffin Park, Tommy Perkins Memorial Park, Olney Community Library and Arts Center.

The average one-way commute is 13 minutes, 52% shorter than the Texas average. 3% of workers work from home. 8.5% walk, bike or take transit to work.

The median household income is $36,250, income per person is $29,325, unemployment is 2.4% and 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
1
Pharmacies
2
Restaurants
14
Cafes
2
Bars
0
Parks
3
Gyms
1
Hospitals and urgent care
2
Childcare
1
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income54% lower than Texas$36,250$78,476$80,734
Income per person28% lower than Texas$29,325$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate3 points lower than Texas2.4%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line13 points higher than Texas26%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher20 points lower than Texas14%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher2 points higher than Texas88%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance4 points lower than Texas16%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet3 points lower than Texas88%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute52% lower than Texas13 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home11 points lower than Texas3.4%14%15%
Workers who work from home3.4%
Workers who take transit1.4%
Workers who walk5.9%
Workers who bike1.2%

Who lives in Olney

Under 1826%
18 to 3423%
35 to 6435%
65 and over16%

Median age 35.3 years. 28% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White69%
Hispanic or Latino23%
Black0.4%
Asian3.9%
Other or more than one race3.9%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Olney

Olney has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 30°F. There are about 108 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 29 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Olney30°50°70°90°55J60F69M77A84M92J97J97A89S78O66N57DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Olney, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

  • River floodingHigh
  • HurricanesModerate
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesVery high
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsHigh
  • Strong windVery high

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

Places near Olney

Nearby, Archer City gets an A, Graham gets a B and Holliday gets an A-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. AArcher CityTown, 1,233 people18 mi
  2. BGrahamTown, 8,792 people21 mi
  3. A-HollidayTown, 1,661 people32 mi
  4. A-SeymourTown, 2,623 people34 mi
  5. A+Lakeside CityTown, 1,234 people35 mi
  6. D-JacksboroTown, 4,334 people35 mi

Living in Olney: common questions

Is Olney, TX a good place to live?

Olney earns a grade of A on our index, 78th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and cost of living, and trails on home ownership and education levels. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.

How much does it cost to live in Olney?

Renters in Olney pay a median of $439 a month, 69% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $95,100, 66% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.6x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $654, including property tax.

Is Olney safe?

In 2025, Olney Police Department reported 132 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 66% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 428 per 100,000, 79% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Olney?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Olney. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 82 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Olney flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Olney as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Olney?

Summers in Olney peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 30°F. Expect around 108 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 29 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Olney?

The average one-way commute is 13 min, 52% lower than the Texas average. About 3.4% of workers work from home.

Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.