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Olathe, KS

Frequently asked questions

Olathe, KS

Olathe is the county seat of Johnson County, Kansas, United States. It is the fourth-most populous city in both the Kansas City metropolitan area and the state of Kansas, with a 2020 population of 141,290.

Olathe is bordered by the cities of Lenexa to the north, Overland Park to the east, De Soto to the northwest, and Gardner to the southwest. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 60.42 square miles (156.49 km²) of which 59.66 square miles (154.52 km²) are land and 0.76 square miles (1.97 km²) is covered by water. Olathe has two public lakes: Lake Olathe with 172 acres (0.70 km²) of water surface and Cedar Lake with 45 acres (0.18 km²). Olathe's Black Bob Park is named after Hathawekela Shawnee Chief Black Bob.

Olathe was founded by John T. Barton in the spring of 1857. He rode to the center of Johnson County and staked two-quarter sections of land as the town site. He later described his ride to friends: "...the prairie was covered with verbena and other wildflowers. I kept thinking the land was beautiful and that I should name the town Beautiful." Purportedly, Barton asked a Shawnee interpreter how to say "Beautiful" in his native language. The interpreter responded, "Olathe."

Olathe was incorporated in 1857, and while not the first city in Johnson County, its rapid growth led to it being named the county seat in October 1859. Rising tensions across the nation over the issue of slavery led to numerous clashes between abolitionist settlers and the neighboring slave state of Missouri. These clashes further escalated and became a part of the greater conflict known as Bleeding Kansas. With the admission of Kansas into the Union as a free state in 1861, violence began to dissipate. Peace continued to elude Olathe for many years to come, however. In 1861, Union officials and local military forces created a military post in the city. It housed one company of troops along with the local militia.

On September 6, 1862, William Quantrill led a surprise raid of guerrilla Confederates against the city, which resulted in a half dozen deaths and the destruction of most of the city. Quantrill captured the outpost and tried forcing the men to swear an oath to the Confederacy. The oath was deemed invalid in November 1862, since the guerrillas were not considered legitimate enemy military units. Kansas militia continued to occupy the Olathe military post through the rest of the Civil War.

Health and wellness are integral to Olathe's community, with Olathe Medical Center playing a crucial role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Olathe Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Crunch Fitness, Kansas Built Fitness and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Olathe, such as the Indian Creek Trail and Cedar Niles Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Olathe, KS are Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop-Farm, Black Bob Park, and Kansas City Automotive Museum.

Population: 147,461 (2023). ZIP code: 66051. Area code: 913. Elevation: 1,037 ft (316 m). Area: 62.39 sq mi (161.57 km²).

FAQs

What is Olathe, KS famous for?

Olathe is the site of the Kansas State School for the Deaf (founded in 1861 and moved to Olathe in 1866) and MidAmerica Nazarene University (1966). The city’s 19th-century heritage is preserved at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. War memorabilia is displayed at Old Olathe Naval Air Museum. Olathe was the fastest-growing city in Kansas in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Is Olathe, KS a good place to live?

Olathe is in Johnson County and is one of the best places to live in Kansas. Living in Olathe offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Olathe there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Olathe and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Olathe are highly rated.

Is Olathe, KS expensive to live in?

Olathe is ranked 158 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Olathe is 92.9% of the national average. The median household income in Olathe is $100,849, which is 56% more than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $47,615, which is 30% more than that of the state. The average rent in Olathe (located in Kansas City -KS Metro) metro area for a 2-bed home is $1,502, which is 2% more than the average rent across the US. The median home price in Olathe is $389,000 with a median price per sqft of $195.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Olathe

Olathe Medical Center 

Olathe Parks and Recreation Department

Crunch Fitness

Kansas Built Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

Indian Creek Trail 

Cedar Niles Park

Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop-Farm

Black Bob Park

Kansas City Automotive Museum

Britannica

Niche

Flyhomes

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