Olney, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
35,797
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$171,458/yr
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,060
-0.1% year-over-year change

Olney population

How many people live in Olney

Olney is home to 35,797 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Olney locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
35,797
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
17,826
Female
50.2%
17,971
Value Percent YoY change
Male 17,826 49.8% -0.6%
Female 17,971 50.2% -0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Olney is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.9% of the population, while another 28.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
21.9%
45 to 64
28.1%
Over 65
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,033 19.6% -2.4%
15 to 24 4,920 13.7% 4.8%
25 to 44 7,854 21.9% -0.4%
45 to 64 10,075 28.1% -2.4%
Over 65 5,915 16.5% 0.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Olney, 75.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 18.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56.9% of locals are Caucasian, 14.5% are African American and 11.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
18.2%
Non-citizens
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 27,074 75.6% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,521 18.2% -6.7%
Non-citizens 2,202 6.2% -0.6%
Racial breakdown
White
56.9%
Black or African American
14.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
11.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.6%
Other
4.1%
Value Percent
White 20,380 56.9%
Black or African American 5,183 14.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 85 0.2%
Asian 4,153 11.6%
Two or more races 4,530 12.6%
Other 1,466 4.1%

Households in Olney

A peek inside Olney households

Olney has 11,829 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 82.1% are families, while the remaining 17.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,829
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,122
Family households
9,707
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,122 17.9% 5.4%
Family households 9,707 82.1% -1.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Olney

The housing landscape of Olney

Olney's housing consists of 12,060 units, with 67% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 27.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
12,060
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,083 67%
1 unit, attached 3,336 27.7%
2 units 61 0.5%
3 or 4 units 48 0.4%
5 to 9 units 110 0.9%
10 to 19 units 137 1.1%
20 to 49 units 106 0.9%
50 or more units 179 1.5%
Homes built since 2020
127
33.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Olney

In Olney, the median construction year is 1986. About 1.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 131 1.1% -2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 91 0.8% -28.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 158 1.3% -40.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 629 5.2% 9.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,905 24.1% -1.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,722 30.9% 7.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,629 21.8% -4.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 897 7.4% 4.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 771 6.4% -9.6%
Built in 2020 or later 127 1% 33.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Olney occupancy rates

Out of the 11,829 occupied housing units in Olney, 89.2% are owner-occupied, while 10.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,829
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,275
Owner occupied
10,554
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,275 10.8% -5.9%
Owner occupied 10,554 89.2% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
1.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Olney housing costs

Housing costs in Olney come to a median of $2,510 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,404.

Median housing costs per month
$2,510/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Olney
$2,404/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Olney

Olney education at a glance

About 16.6% of the population in Olney went to high school, while 14.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 33% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 403 1.5% -0.2%
High school diploma 4,394 16.6% -1.6%
College diploma 3,883 14.7% 1.6%
Associate degree 1,501 5.7% 0.9%
Bachelor's degree 8,718 33% -2.3%
Graduate degree 7,530 28.5% 0.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Olney

How much people earn in Olney

The average annual household income in Olney was $199,923 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $171,458, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Olney
$199,923/year
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Olney
$171,458/year
-0.2% year-over-year change

Olney income by age

In Olney, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $182,120. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $207,245 overall. Overall, 95.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $182,120 2.3%
45 - 64 $207,245 1.7%
Over 65 $123,289 -3.3%
Above poverty level
33,838
Below poverty level
1,545
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 33,838 95.6% -0.6%
Below poverty level 1,545 4.4% -1.6%

Average renter income in Olney

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Olney, their median household income was $101,934 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$101,934
Rent-to-income ratio
28.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Olney

Workforce and job types in Olney

The job market in Olney is powered by 18,605 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.4% run their own businesses, 52% are employed by private companies, and 26.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
18,605
-1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
17,391
Blue collar
1,214
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 17,391 93.5% -1.1%
Blue collar 1,214 6.5% -11.3%
Employer type
Self employees
11.4%
Private companies
52%
Governmental workers
26.4%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,114 11.4% 6.1%
Private companies 9,675 52% -3.6%
Governmental workers 4,918 26.4% -3.6%
Not for profit companies 1,898 10.2% 4.5%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
-11.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Olney stands at 3.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Olney

How people get around in Olney

Commuting methods vary: 63.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,562 63.1% -9.1%
Taxicab 5 0% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 37 0.2% 19.4%
Subway or elevated 299 1.6% N/A
Railroad 6 0% -73.9%
Bicycle 9 0% -35.7%
Walk 341 1.9% -12.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Olney by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20832 25,553 8,411 $168,524 $198,717

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FAQs about Olney demographics 

What is the total population of Olney?

Olney has a total population of 35,797 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Olney?

The gender ratio in Olney is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (17,826 residents)
  • 50.2% females (17,971 residents)

What is the median age in Olney?

The median age in Olney is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Olney?

The age distribution in Olney is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (7,033 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (4,920 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.9% (7,854 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.1% (10,075 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.5% (5,915 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Olney?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Olney is as follows:
  • White: 56.9% (20,380 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.5% (5,183 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (85 residents)
  • Asian: 11.6% (4,153 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.6% (4,530 residents)
  • Other: 4.1% (1,466 residents)

What percentage of the population in Olney are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.6% of the population in Olney.

How many housing units are there in Olney?

There are 12,060 housing units in Olney, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Olney and what is the average household size?

Olney has a total of 11,829 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Olney?

Olney has a median household income of $171,458, representing a -0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Olney?

The employment rate is 96.4% in Olney, with a workforce of 18,605 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.5% (17,391 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.5% (1,214 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.4% (2,114 residents)
  • Private companies: 52% (9,675 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.4% (4,918 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (1,898 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025