When you drive into Olean, you’re hitting the largest city in Cattaraugus County, but it doesn’t exactly feel like a bustling metropolis. It’s got that classic "Enchanted Mountains" vibe—quiet, a bit industrial, and deeply rooted in its own history. But if you look at the numbers, there’s a story there that most people miss. Honestly, the population of Olean New York is doing exactly what many small Rust Belt cities are doing: it’s shrinking, but it’s also getting older and a little more diverse in ways that might surprise you.
As of early 2026, the best estimates put the city's population right around 13,550 to 13,600 residents. If you compare that to the 2020 Census, which clocked in at 13,937, you can see the downward slide. It’s a slow bleed, maybe 0.3% to 0.5% every year. It’s not a collapse, but it's a steady trend that's been happening since the mid-1950s when the city peaked at about 25,000 people.
What the Numbers Actually Say
You’ve gotta realize that Olean is essentially a 6-square-mile hub. While the city itself is small, the "greater Olean" area—including the Town of Olean and nearby Allegany—pads those numbers out quite a bit. But sticking strictly to the city limits, the density is roughly 2,300 people per square mile.
The age gap is probably the most striking thing. The median age is hovering around 39 to 40 years old. That’s actually pretty close to the New York State average, but the underlying data shows a "hollowed out" middle. You have a large chunk of retirees—about 18% of the city is over 65—and a decent number of college students thanks to St. Bonaventure University being right next door. What’s missing? The 25-to-40-year-olds who often head to Buffalo or Rochester for work.
Race and Diversity in the 14760
Olean is historically very white, and that hasn't changed overnight. About 87% of the population identifies as White. However, the "two or more races" category is growing faster than anything else, now making up over 6% of the city. The Black and Asian communities each sit around 2% to 3%. It’s a small-town mix, but it’s definitely more varied than it was twenty years ago.
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Why People Are Leaving (And Why Some Stay)
Jobs are the big one. Always have been. Olean used to be a massive rail and oil town. Today, the economy leans heavily on three pillars: Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Education.
- Healthcare: Between Olean General Hospital and various clinics, this is the city's lifeblood.
- Manufacturing: It's not the 1940s anymore, but places like Dresser-Rand (now Siemens Energy) still employ a huge chunk of the local workforce.
- Education: St. Bonaventure University and the Jamestown Community College (Cattaraugus County Campus) keep the city from feeling like a ghost town.
But here’s the kicker: the poverty rate in Olean is roughly 24%. That’s high. Basically one in four residents is struggling to make ends meet, which is a major driver for younger people looking for a fresh start elsewhere.
On the flip side, the cost of living is almost hilariously low compared to the rest of New York. You can still find a decent house for under $120,000. For a remote worker who likes hiking and doesn't mind a long winter, Olean is actually a bit of a "life hack."
The St. Bonaventure Factor
You can’t talk about the population without mentioning the Bonnies. Even though the university is technically in the town of Allegany, its gravity pulls everything toward Olean. During the school year, the vibe changes completely. The bars on West State Street fill up, and the local economy gets a massive shot in the arm. When graduation hits in May, the city feels like it lets out a long, quiet sigh.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think Olean is "dying." That's a bit dramatic. It’s "right-sizing."
The city is adapting to being a service hub for the surrounding rural area rather than an industrial powerhouse. There’s a core group of "lifers" who aren't going anywhere. You’ve got families who have been there for four generations, and they provide a stability that the raw census data doesn't capture.
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What Happens Next?
Looking ahead through 2026 and into 2030, don't expect a population boom. Unless a massive new employer moves into the area, the number will likely keep ticking down toward 13,000.
The real metric to watch isn't the total count, but the household income. If the median household income (currently around $47,500) starts to climb, it means the people staying are finding better-paying work, even if there are fewer of them.
Actionable Insights for Residents and Newcomers
- For Renters/Buyers: If you’re looking at property, the North Side is generally more residential and quiet, while the areas near the downtown corridor offer better walkability but older housing stock.
- For Job Seekers: Focus on the "Big Three": Olean General, Siemens, or the school systems. If you're in tech or marketing, remote work is your best bet to beat the local wage ceiling.
- For Local Business: The aging population means a growing need for home services, specialized healthcare, and accessible leisure activities.
To get a true feel for the city, check out the local events at War Veterans Park or the downtown festivals during the summer. The population numbers give you the skeleton, but the community on the ground is the heart. If you want to keep tabs on the most recent local shifts, the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development and the Olean Times Herald are your best bets for boots-on-the-ground info.
To see how these trends compare to the rest of the region, you can look into the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council's latest reports. They often break down how small cities like Olean are being integrated into the broader Buffalo-Niagara economy.