Olathe, KSBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Olathe is the epitome of Midwestern charm, with friendly neighborhoods, top-notch schools, a thriving job market and no shortage of things to do. The city’s proximity to Kansas City perfectly balances suburban tranquility and urban conveniences.
Olathe, KS, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Steeped in rich, western history, Olathe, KS, has always been a city with a pioneering spirit. Once a major stop on the Santa Fe Trail in the 19th century, Olathe made its mark as a place to create. (Cowboy boots were quite literally invented here.) Today, it’s one of the best places to live in the U.S., where entrepreneurs flock thanks to programs like GrowOlathe — an initiative that helps young businesses get technical assistance to help them flourish. As one of the hottest spots in the Midwest, the city promotes “economic gardening,” giving local businesses the technical assistance needed to grow.
Beyond just business, Olathe has bragging rights to a highly educated workforce (about 50.2% of Olathe citizens have a college degree), a stellar public school system and a hospital that continually gets accolades. In fact, Olathe Medical Center was named one of the top 100 hospitals in 2021.
But it isn’t all work and no play in Olathe. The city is named for the Shawnee word for “beautiful,” and its gorgeous rolling hills and stunning scenic scapes help Olathe live up to its moniker. In addition, Olathe has a low crime rate and many amenities and attractions to keep residents entertained.
Olathe is also the fourth-largest city in Kansas, and since 2000, the population in Olathe has nearly doubled. Still, the residents here have fostered a tight-knit community and created an open and welcoming place to live.
Olathe, KS Quality of Life LivScore
Olathe, KS Top Categories
Economy
Education
Transportation
Olathe ranks highest for economy, education and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Olathe, KS
Olathe has hot summers and cold, snowy winters (with lows typically reaching the lower 20s). Basically, if you want all the weather, come to Olathe. The average highs and lows are 87°F and 67°F (summer) and 41°F and 23°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Olathe is around 15 inches, and, on average, there are 10 to 12 days of snowfall per year.
The average annual rainfall in Olathe is 38 inches, and May is the month with the highest average rainfall.
Olathe averages 214 sunny days a year.
There’s fun for all ages of outdoor lovers at Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center. Meander around the prairie and the forest on the 3 miles of trails, and afterward, head to the nature center to check out some snakes and amphibians or even take a yoga sesh.
Olathe Weather
214 days
Average Annual Sun
38 inches
Average Annual Rain
15 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Olathe, KS
Take a step back in time at Mahaffie Stage Coach Stop & Historic Farm Site, which allows visitors to explore what life was like back in the heyday of the Santa Fe Trail in the 1860s.
The Junque Drawer Studio consists of two homes and 22 rooms (yes, you read that right) of vintage treasures.
You can’t get a more romantic view in Olathe (or more delicious sips) than at Stone Pillar Vineyard, which grows Old World French vines and French-American hybrids.
Pour Coffee House is a coffee shop/zero-emissions coffee roaster in Olathe with some seriously delicious brews.
The Local and State Economy in Olathe, KS
Advanced manufacturing, information technology and logistics and distribution are among the largest industries in Olathe. Garmin International and Farmer’s Insurance are major employers.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Olathe is 11.48%.
Yes, Kansas has a state income tax.
Olathe Medical Center is the largest hospital in the city, offering a wide range of medical services and rated a high performer in three adult procedures and conditions.
There are several colleges and universities in Olathe, including Kansas State-Olathe, MidAmerica Nazarene University and Johnson County Community College’s Health Education Center.
Quick Facts About Olathe, KS
- Median Household Income
- $99,121
- Median Home Value
- $313,146
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,355
- Total Population
- 142,664
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,039
- Average Commute
- 19.22 minutes
Olathe’s highly educated workforce, stellar public schools and top-notch hospital landed it a spot among the best places to live in the U.S. Read more about Olathe and other great places to live in the Midwest. Another great way to learn about a city is to visit before you move there.
