Olean, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,738
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,261/yr
7.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,078
2.4% year-over-year change

Olean population

How many people live in Olean

Olean is home to 13,738 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Olean locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
13,738
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
6,791
Female
50.6%
6,947
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,791 49.4% 0.8%
Female 6,947 50.6% -1.6%
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 Olean is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.8% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
27.8%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
19.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,733 19.9% -3.4%
15 to 24 1,402 10.2% -8.6%
25 to 44 3,821 27.8% 0.3%
45 to 64 3,159 23% 1.0%
Over 65 2,623 19.1% 4.9%
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 Olean, 96.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.3% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 2.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,280 96.7% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 388 2.8% 27.6%
Non-citizens 70 0.5% -48.5%
Racial breakdown
White
86.3%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 11,855 86.3%
Black or African American 416 3%
Asian 404 2.9%
Two or more races 959 7%
Other 104 0.8%

Households in Olean

A peek inside Olean households

Olean has 6,274 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.2% are families, while the remaining 50.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,274
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,184
Family households
3,090
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,184 50.8% 8.5%
Family households 3,090 49.2% -5.8%
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 Olean

The housing landscape of Olean

Olean's housing consists of 7,078 units, with 58.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,078
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,166 58.9%
1 unit, attached 51 0.7%
2 units 989 14%
3 or 4 units 837 11.8%
5 to 9 units 480 6.8%
10 to 19 units 159 2.2%
20 to 49 units 117 1.6%
50 or more units 232 3.3%
Mobile home 47 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Olean

In Olean, the median construction year is 1938. About 57.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,057 57.3% 5.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 642 9.1% -1.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 865 12.2% -1.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 542 7.7% 29.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 471 6.6% -7.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 263 3.7% -4.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 133 1.9% 4.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 49 0.7% -67.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 56 0.8% 55.6%
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.

Olean occupancy rates

Out of the 6,274 occupied housing units in Olean, 55.2% are owner-occupied, while 44.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,274
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,814
Owner occupied
3,460
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,814 44.8% -1.0%
Owner occupied 3,460 55.2% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
11.4%
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.

Olean housing costs

Housing costs in Olean come to a median of $766 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $794.

Median housing costs per month
$766/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 Olean
$794/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 Olean

Olean education at a glance

About 42.8% of the population in Olean went to high school, while 14.8% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 14.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 498 4.7% 9.0%
High school diploma 4,498 42.8% 2.7%
College diploma 1,555 14.8% 4.5%
Associate degree 944 9% -15.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,550 14.8% -6.3%
Graduate degree 1,463 13.9% 12.4%
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 Olean

How much people earn in Olean

The average annual household income in Olean was $64,346 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,261, reflecting a +7.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Olean
$64,346/year
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Olean
$51,261/year
7.8% year-over-year change

Olean income by age

In Olean, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $54,844. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,516 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,551, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,870 in earnings. Overall, 73.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,551 3.8%
25 - 44 $54,844 24.5%
45 - 64 $64,516 4.2%
Over 65 $42,870 13.5%
Above poverty level
9,693
Below poverty level
3,538
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,693 73.3% -4.8%
Below poverty level 3,538 26.7% 9.3%

Average renter income in Olean

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Olean, their median household income was $31,120 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,120
Rent-to-income ratio
30.6%
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 Olean

Workforce and job types in Olean

The job market in Olean is powered by 5,831 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 59% are employed by private companies, and 20.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,831
-5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
4,738
Blue collar
1,093
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,738 81.3% -5.5%
Blue collar 1,093 18.7% -5.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
59%
Governmental workers
20.8%
Not for profit companies
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 416 7.1% 18.2%
Private companies 3,438 59% -3.4%
Governmental workers 1,210 20.8% -1.8%
Not for profit companies 767 13.2% -25.2%
Unemployment rate
6.3%
-5.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Olean stands at 6.3%, 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 Olean

How people get around in Olean

Commuting methods vary: 83.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.8% 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 4,790 83.4% -4.8%
Taxicab 11 0.2% -62.1%
Bus or trolleybus 65 1.1% -31.6%
Bicycle 63 1.1% 3.3%
Walk 275 4.8% -11.6%
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 Olean by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14760 17,474 8,092 $54,929 $70,519

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FAQs about Olean demographics 

What is the total population of Olean?

Olean has a total population of 13,738 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Olean?

The gender ratio in Olean is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (6,791 residents)
  • 50.6% females (6,947 residents)

What is the median age in Olean?

The median age in Olean is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in Olean?

The age distribution in Olean is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (2,733 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (1,402 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.8% (3,821 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (3,159 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.1% (2,623 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Olean?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Olean is as follows:
  • White: 86.3% (11,855 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (416 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.9% (404 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (959 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (104 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.7% of the population in Olean.

How many housing units are there in Olean?

There are 7,078 housing units in Olean, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Olean has a total of 6,274 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Olean?

Olean has a median household income of $51,261, representing a +7.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.7% in Olean, with a workforce of 5,831 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.3% (4,738 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.7% (1,093 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (416 residents)
  • Private companies: 59% (3,438 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.8% (1,210 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.2% (767 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