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Olpe, Kansas
Location within Lyon County and Kansas
Location within Lyon County and Kansas
KDOT map of Lyon County (legend)
Country United States
State Kansas
County Lyon
Founded 1850s
Incorporated 1905
Named for Olpe, Germany
Government
 • Type Mayor–Council
Area
 • Total 0.83 sq mi (2.14 km2)
 • Land 0.70 sq mi (1.82 km2)
 • Water 0.13 sq mi (0.33 km2)
Elevation
1,204 ft (367 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 519
 • Density 625/sq mi (242.5/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
66865
Area code 620
FIPS code 20-52800
GNIS ID 2396061

Olpe is a small city located in Lyon County, Kansas, in the United States. It's a friendly community with a population of 519 people, according to the 2020 census.

History of Olpe

Olpe began its story in 1879 when a railroad was built through the area. Before that, it was known as Eagle Creek Station. The town's name was first changed to Bitlertown. This was to honor Gilbert Bitler, who owned the land where the town was built. Many of the first people who settled here came from a place called Olpe, Germany. Because of this, the town was later named Olpe. Olpe officially became a city in 1905.

Geography and Climate

According to the United States Census Bureau, Olpe covers about 0.80 square miles (2.1 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

Olpe's Climate

The weather in Olpe has hot and humid summers. Winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate. It's often shown as "Cfa" on climate maps.

People of Olpe (Demographics)

Historical population
Census Pop.
1910 215
1920 235 9.3%
1930 317 34.9%
1940 331 4.4%
1950 293 −11.5%
1960 722 146.4%
1970 453 −37.3%
1980 477 5.3%
1990 431 −9.6%
2000 504 16.9%
2010 546 8.3%
2020 519 −4.9%
U.S. Decennial Census

Olpe is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area. This means it's connected to the larger Emporia area for things like jobs and services.

Population in 2020

The 2020 United States census counted 519 people living in Olpe. There were 205 households and 140 families. About 93.83% of the people were white. A small number of people were from other racial backgrounds. About 2.7% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Many households (36.1%) had children under 18 living there. Most households (56.6%) were married couples. The average household had 2.6 people. The average family had 3.4 people. The median age in Olpe was 38.4 years. About 28.5% of the population was under 18 years old.

Population in 2010

In 2010, there were 546 people living in Olpe. There were 220 households and 151 families. The city's population density was about 814.9 people per square mile. Most of the people (98.7%) were white. A small number were from other racial groups. About 0.5% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

About 34.5% of households had children under 18. Most households (58.6%) were married couples. The median age in Olpe in 2010 was 39 years. About 27.3% of residents were under 18.

Local Attractions

The Chicken House is a famous restaurant in Olpe. It has been open since 1958, but its history goes back to 1934. This restaurant has been a very important place in the community. It has even hosted governors and state representatives. In 2000, USA Today named it one of "50 Great Plates From 50 Great States." People from far away, like New Jersey, have noticed this restaurant.

Education in Olpe

The public schools in Olpe are part of the Southern Lyon County USD 252 school district.

Olpe High School

Olpe High School was built in the early 1950s. The first class graduated in 1952. Before the new building was ready, students attended classes in the old St. Joseph's High School building.

Olpe Elementary School

Before Olpe Elementary, there was a school called Harmony Hill. It started as a one-room schoolhouse in the countryside. Olpe Elementary School was finished in December 1991. It is connected to the high school building. In 1997, two more classrooms and a library were added to the elementary school.

St. Joseph's Catholic School

Before the 1950s, there was no public high school in Olpe. Students in the area went to St. Joseph's Catholic School. After Olpe High School was built, St. Joseph's Catholic School housed kindergarten through sixth grade classes. Sadly, St. Joseph's Catholic School closed after the 2012–2013 school year due to economic reasons.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Olpe (Kansas) para niños

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