Olathe

Olathe
City
City of Olathe
Clockwise from top: Johnson County Courthouse, Olathe City Hall, Johnson County Executive Airport, Olathe Medical Center Clockwise from top: Johnson County Courthouse, Olathe City Hall, Johnson County Executive Airport, Olathe Medical Center
Flag of Olathe Flag Official seal of Olathe Seal
Nickname(s):  Cowtown, O-Town
Motto(s):  "The City Beautiful"
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Kansas
County	Johnson
Founded	1857
Incorporated	1857
Founded by	Dr. John T. Barton
Named for	Olathe, Shawnee word for "beautiful"
Government
• Type	Mayor–Council
• Body	Olathe City Council
• Mayor	Michael Copeland
Area
• City	60.42 sq mi (156.5 km2)
• Land	60.14 sq mi (155.8 km2)
• Water	0.28 sq mi (0.7 km2)
Elevation	1,086 ft (331 m)
Population  (2019)
• City	137,472
• Density	2,285.6/sq mi (882.5/km2)
• Metro	2,162,000
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (Central)
ZIP codes	66051-66063
Area code(s)	913
Website	www.olatheks.org

Olathe is a city located in Johnson County, Kansas, United States. It is the fourth most populous city in the state, with a population of 137,472 as of 2019. Olathe is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area, which has a population of approximately 2,162,000.

History

Olathe was founded in 1857 by Dr. John T. Barton. The city was incorporated in the same year. The name "Olathe" is derived from the Shawnee word for "beautiful". The city has a rich history, with many historic buildings and landmarks that showcase its past.

Geography

Olathe is located at . It covers a total area of 60.42 square miles, of which 60.14 square miles is land and 0.28 square miles is water. The city is situated in Johnson County, Kansas, and is surrounded by other cities such as Overland Park, Lenexa, and Gardner.

Demographics

As of 2019, Olathe has a population of 137,472 people. The city has a population density of 2,285.6 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, with a significant Hispanic and Latino population. Olathe has a diverse community, with residents from various ethnic backgrounds.

Economy

Olathe has a strong and diverse economy. The city is home to several major companies and industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Some of the largest employers in Olathe include Garmin, Olathe Medical Center, and Honeywell. The city's strategic location within the Kansas City metropolitan area contributes to its economic growth and development.

Education

Olathe is served by the Olathe Public Schools, which is one of the largest school districts in Kansas. The district operates numerous elementary, middle, and high schools, providing quality education to students in the area. Olathe is also home to several private schools and higher education institutions, including MidAmerica Nazarene University and Johnson County Community College.

Culture and Recreation

Olathe offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The city has numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities, providing ample space for outdoor activities. Olathe also hosts several annual events and festivals, showcasing its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site is a popular attraction that offers a glimpse into the city's pioneer history.

Notable People

Olathe has been home to several notable individuals, including athletes, politicians, and entertainers. Some of the notable people associated with Olathe include NFL player Jordy Nelson, actress Kirstie Alley, and former U.S. Senator Bob Dole.

External links

• Official website of Olathe
• Visit Olathe - Official tourism website