City Town Info

Olney, IL


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Olney, Illinois

Introduction to Olney, Illinois

Olney, Illinois, in Richland county, is 59 miles NW of Evansville, Indiana and 118 miles E of St. Louis, Missouri. The city’s population is approximately 8,631.

Olney History

Olney was founded in 1841 and today is famous for its population of white squirrels. It is said that in 1902 William Stroup found two white squirrels while he was hunting and captured them so he could bring them home. When the state legislature passed a law prohibiting captivity of wild animals, the albino squirrels were released into the wild, and the population of white squirrels in Olney has since been a source of pride for its people. The Olney police department has the symbol of white squirrel on its badge, while the squirrels have the right of way on the town’s streets.

Olney and nearby Attractions

  • Olney City Park
  • Bird Haven
  • Jasper County Museum
  • Red Hills State Park
  • Old Cathedral Library & Museum
  • Miller's Grove

Things To Do In Olney

The Arcadia Theater is a popular local cultural spot. The Alvin Musgrove Park has large playgrounds, basketball courts and a soccer field, all of which are a part of the Wenonah Musgrove Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy squirrel watching at Miller's Grove. The Richmond County Fair is a popular local festival. Nearby museums include the William H. Harrison Museum, the Wabash County Museum and the Old Cathedral Library & Museum. East Fork Lake, Borah Lake and Vernor Lake are all located nearby as well.

Olney Transportation

Evansville Regional Airport is nearby.

Olney Higher Education

Illinois Eastern Community College-Olney Central College is the local institution of higher education. Others nearby include Vincennes University, Frontier Community College, Oakland City University and Lake Land College.

High Points

Olney strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Illinois):

CategoryTrophy
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)
Top 4%trophyOlney Short Commute Times
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)
Top 12%Olney Affordability of Rents

Comparative Profile of Olney, IL

Comparing Olney to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Illinois (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Senior Citizens109
Female Share of the Population99
Age of the Population88
Children Under 5 Years Old55
Well-Paid Single Men32
Male Share of the Population22
Racial Diversity25

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married42
Average Household Size22

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults47
People in Middle Class or Better32
People Above Poverty32
Median Family Income32

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times1010
Walking and Biking to Work67
Working at Home66
Public Transportation Use34

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents98
People Living Alone99
Affordability of Property Taxes78
Seasonal and Vacation Housing68
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals36
Housing Recently Built35
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