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Olean, NY

Frequently asked questions

Olean, NY

Olean is a city in Cattaraugus County, New York, United States. Olean is the largest city in Cattaraugus County and serves as its financial, business, transportation, and entertainment center. It is one of the principal cities of the Southern Tier region of Western New York. The city is surrounded by the town of Olean and is located in the southeastern part of Cattaraugus County.

The first European in the area was possibly Joseph de La Roche Daillon, a missionary and explorer from Canada. La Roche reported on the presence of oil near Cuba, the first petroleum sighting in North America. At that time the area was a part of the territory of the Wenrohronon or Wenro Indians, an Iroquois-speaking people. In 1643, the Wenro tribes became the first victims of a series of brutal conflicts known as the Second Beaver War.

The area was first settled by Europeans around 1765, called by the Indian name Ischua. Officially, this was illegal, as the British had declared the land in the Allegheny River watershed to be part of the Indian Reserve after conquering the territory in the French and Indian War two years prior. The surface is a hilly upland, separated into two distinct parts by the valley of the Allegheny. The highest points are 500 to 600 feet (150 to 180 m) above the valley. During the American Revolutionary War, the 1779 Sullivan Expedition established the first road to what would become Olean, blazing a trail to what is now Kittanning, Pennsylvania along the path of what is now New York State Route 16.

Olean is located in southeastern Cattaraugus County at 42°4′57″N 78°25′51″W (42.08264, -78.430965). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.2 square miles (16.0 km²), of which 5.9 square miles (15.3 km²) is land and 0.27 square miles (0.7 km²), or 4.19%, is water. The city is located where Olean Creek flows into the Allegheny River and by the Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86 and New York State Route 17). New York State Route 417 passes east-west through the city and intersects New York State Route 16, a north-south highway.

In terms of health and wellness, Olean City prioritizes the well-being of its residents. The Olean Family YMCA stands as a central hub for fitness and community activities, offering a range of programs such as exercise classes, sports, and wellness initiatives. Lincoln Park provides a scenic green space for relaxation and outdoor activities, with walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for families to enjoy. The nearby Allegheny National Forest offers vast opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing amidst its pristine natural beauty. Olean General Hospital/Bradford Regional Medical Center serves as a leading healthcare facility in the region, providing comprehensive medical services and compassionate care to the community. Olean Physical Therapy Professionals provides therapeutic massages, aromatherapy, and other holistic treatments to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Droney Fit & Wellness 24/7 offers personalized training programs, fitness classes, and state-of-the-art equipment for individuals looking to achieve their fitness goals.  Olean Meditation Center hosts yoga sessions focusing on mindfulness, flexibility, and strength-building in a welcoming environment. For chiropractic care and wellness services, Olean Family Chiropractic specializes in spinal health and pain relief through chiropractic adjustments and holistic treatments. Planet Fitness provides a supportive atmosphere with a wide range of cardio and strength training equipment, catering to both beginners and fitness enthusiasts.

Top Sites in Olean City, NY: Good Times of Olean, Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, War Veterans Park.

Population: 13,764 (2022). Elevation: 1,207 ft (368 m). ZIP Code: 14760. Area code(s): 716. Area: 6.17 sq mi (15.97 sq km²).

FAQs

What is Olean, NY famous for?

Olean's most celebrated industry was petroleum production. Oil was first discovered in North America in 1627, only 12 miles north of the city. It was originally used for medicinal potions, lubricants, and as a replacement for whale oil as a heating fuel. From 1865-1930, Olean and its surrounding oil fields were the largest producer of oil in the world and there wasn’t anyone running a close second. The internal combustion engine in use at the turn of the century created an enormous demand for the refined petroleum product – gasoline.

What is the average household income in Olean, NY?

In 2021, Olean, NY had a population of 13.9k people with a median age of 38.9 and a median household income of $43,345. Between 2020 and 2021 the population of Olean, NY grew from 13,580 to 13,941, a 2.66% increase and its median household income grew from $41,500 to $43,345, a 4.45% increase.

What is the poverty rate in Olean NY?

The average household income in Olean is $99,275 with a poverty rate of 13.79%. The median age in Olean is 52.9 years: 56.2 years for males, and 48.9 years for females. Olean is currently declining at a rate of -0.49% annually and its population has decreased by -1.97% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 1,882 in 2020.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Olean

The YMCA

Data USA

Bradford Regional Medical Center

Olean Bartlett House

Lincoln Park

Allegheny National Forest

City-Data

Olean Physical Therapy Professionals

Droney Fit & Wellness 24/7

Olean Meditation Center

Olean Family Chiropractic

Planet Fitness

Good Times of Olean

Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels

War Veterans Park

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.