Community guide · Olds, Alberta
Living in Olds, Alberta: Homes, Schools & Small-Town Life
Olds is a friendly town of about 9,200 people halfway between Calgary and Red Deer, just off the QEII Highway. Known as home to Olds College and a busy agricultural hub, it has a full hospital, a recreation complex with an aquatic centre, golf and a walkable downtown, all with Calgary about an hour away. Use the map below to explore the places that matter most when you live here.
1905Incorporated as a town
9,209Residents (2021 census), up from 6,607 in 2001
24/7Emergency care at the Olds Hospital
$498,967Average benchmark price, Mountain View region, 2025 (CREB)
History & growth
A railway town with deep farming roots
Olds grew up along the Calgary and Edmonton Railway, built in 1891, and Canadian Pacific named the townsite after George Olds, its longtime traffic manager. Homesteaders filled the surrounding parkland after 1900, Olds became a town in 1905, and Olds College opened in 1913. Agriculture still drives the local economy, alongside energy services, and the town has grown steadily from 6,607 people in 2001 to 9,209 in 2021.
Services & amenities
What the town offers
Health care: the Olds Hospital and Care Centre on 57 Avenue has a 24/7 emergency department.
Schools: Olds Elementary and École Olds Elementary (K–4), École Deer Meadow School (5–8), Olds High School on the Olds College campus, Holy Trinity Catholic School, Horizon School, Olds Koinonia Christian School just outside town, and Olds College itself.
Things to do: the Olds Sportsplex (home of the Olds Grizzlys) and Olds Aquatic Centre, Olds Central Highlands Golf Club, Trail Creek golf course, the skate park and its summer Hay City Slam, pathways and a historic downtown.
Getting around
Distances & drive times
| Didsbury | about 15 min |
| Red Deer | about 61 km · 40 min |
| Calgary | about 90 km · 1 hr |
| Calgary International Airport | about 50 min |
| Sundre | about 35 min |
Approximate drive times in good conditions.
Market trend
Mountain View region home prices
Average annual benchmark price, all home types, for CREB's Mountain View region, which includes Olds. Ask me for recent sales and prices for the street or style of home you have in mind.
Around town
Key places in Olds
Downtown & neighbourhoods
Schools & college
Health care
Recreation
Thinking about Olds?
Let's find your home in Olds
Whether you're moving for Olds College, a job in town or more space for your money, I can help you find the right home and neighbourhood. Reach out any time. I'm happy to answer questions, no pressure.
1612 - 17 Avenue S.W.
Calgary, AB, T2T 0E3