Olney, located in Young County, Texas, is a small rural community known for its oil, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Situated over 40 miles south of Wichita Falls, Olney experienced significant growth in the 1930s due to an oil boom, attracting over 3,000 new residents. The local economy is bolstered by manufacturing companies producing aluminum extrusions, agricultural aircraft, and concrete mixers. The town features a variety of dining options, including Sonny’s BBQ, El Chamuco Mexican Food, Hudson’s On Main, and Old Time Cafe. Shopping includes Archer & Gunn Mercantile for outdoor apparel and Olney Floral and Designs for bouquets. Housing in Olney primarily consists of traditional, Craftsman, and ranch-style homes, many built in the 1960s, with features such as wooden and chain link fences, decks, and covered patios. Recreational amenities include Tom Griffin Park with its playgrounds, disc golf course, and swimming pool, and Tommy Perkins Memorial Park with climbing walls and picnic areas. The Olney Country Club offers a golf course, pool, and tennis courts, while the Olney Boys & Girls Club provides sports fields and playgrounds. The Olney Independent School District is highly rated, with Olney Junior High School offering a Gifted and Talented program. Annual events like Olney In America and the Olney In America Car Show bring the community together. Texas State Highways 79 and 114 intersect in Olney, and the SHARP Lines Rural Public Transportation system connects residents to surrounding areas. Olney Hamilton Hospital provides 24-hour medical services, and the DFW International Airport is over 115 miles away.
