Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Olean, NY
Considering a move to Olean, NY? This welcoming city of 13,630 boasts an affordable median home price of just $99,800 and average rents around $740, making it a great value for renters and buyers alike. Commute times are short at about 16 minutes, and residents enjoy clean air, access to healthcare, and a close-knit community. While the cost of living is well below the national average, Olean offers solid public schools and quick access to higher education. With four beautiful seasons and a low-key lifestyle, Olean is ideal for those seeking small-city charm in western New York.
Demographics - Olean, NY
Olean, NY has a population of 13,630 with a median age of 40.2, reflecting a balanced, mature community. The city is predominantly White at 90%, with small but present Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and about 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate density and nearly even gender ratio contribute to a neighborly, small-city feel.
Population:
13,630
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.2%
Black:
4.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Olean, NY?
Olean offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value under $100,000 and average rents around $740, well below the national average. Residents benefit from low housing costs and moderate expenses for essentials like groceries and transportation, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking value. State income taxes range from 4% to 8.82%, and utilities are on par with national averages.
Median House Value:
$99,800
Gross Rent:
$740
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$495
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.3
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
45.0
Utilities:
105.0
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
100.2
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Olean, NY a safe place to live?
Olean experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 285 violent crimes and 1,350 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 351, while for property crime, it's 1 in 74. While safety is generally comparable to other small cities, residents should remain aware and take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
285
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,635
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 351
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Olean, NY year-round?
Olean enjoys four distinct seasons, with winter lows averaging 16°F and summer highs reaching 80°F. The city sees about 39 inches of rainfall each year and has sunny conditions nearly half the time, making for a varied but pleasant climate. Residents should be prepared for cold, snowy winters and mild, enjoyable summers.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Households in Olean have a median income of $43,120, with a poverty rate of 17.6% and an unemployment rate of 5.7%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 90% holding a high school diploma or higher, and average commute times are a quick 16 minutes. The city maintains a friendly atmosphere with a small percentage of non-English speakers and limited reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$43,120
Family Income:
$56,700
Per Capita Income:
$24,100
Income Male:
$34,800
Income Female:
$28,400
Poverty Rate:
17.6%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$740
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
16.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.9%
Bachelors or More:
20.3%
Education
How are the schools in Olean, NY?
Olean offers quality educational opportunities, featuring public schools with low student-teacher ratios and several private school choices. Higher education is easily accessible, with Jamestown Community College in town and St. Bonaventure University just 4 miles away. The strong local school system and proximity to colleges make Olean a family-friendly city with diverse learning options.

Public Schools
Name:
Olean High School
Street:
410 W Sullivan St
Phone:
716-375-8010
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3
Name:
East View Elementary School
Street:
690 E Spring St
Phone:
716-375-8921
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.7

Private Schools
Name:
Archbishop Walsh Academy
Street:
208 N 24th St
Phone:
716-372-8122
Students:
160

Colleges
Name:
St. Bonaventure University
City:
St. Bonaventure
State:
NY
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
Jamestown Community College (Cattaraugus County Campus)
City:
Olean
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Olean offers solid healthcare access, anchored by Olean General Hospital and supported by a physician ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Over 94% of residents have health insurance coverage, providing peace of mind for families and individuals. The city's healthcare index suggests services are both accessible and affordable for most.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Olean General Hospital
Address:
515 Main St, Olean, NY 14760
Phone:
(716) 373-2600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Olean, NY?
Olean’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $99,800 and a majority of properties owner-occupied. Renters can expect average two-bedroom rents around $740, and home appreciation has grown modestly at 3.2% over the past year. The city has a stable market with low foreclosure and new construction rates, making it a good place for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$99,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$740
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registrations and licensing through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 1 Leo Moss Dr in Olean. The local DMV office provides standard services and can be reached at 1-518-486-9786 or online at dmv.ny.gov. Access to state DMV resources is straightforward for newcomers and long-term residents alike.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1 Leo Moss Dr, Olean, NY 14760
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.