At the City of Olathe, Kansas we are "Setting the Standard for Excellence in Public Service" and we have the results and the awards to prove it! Leading public sector customer service results and recognition by Fast Company magazine as a Fast City, and Money magazine as a "best place to live" place Olathe in an elite category for local government. With a population of approximately 136,000 and growing, Olathe is the second largest among the 21 communities in prosperous Johnson County and the fourth largest city in the state. Location: On Interstate 35, 20 miles southwest of downtown Kansas City on the Oregon-California and Santa Fe Trail. City Government: Council-City Manager form of city government with an elected mayor. Olathe is a recognized model for good government. Education: 93% of the population age 25 and over possesses at least a high school degree and 45% of the population age 25 and over possesses a bachelor’s degree or higher.