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Thurston County

#4 in Best Counties for Families in Washington
  • B+
    Overall Grade
  • County in Washington
  • 4 reviews
    B+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Public Schools
      A-
    2. Crime & Safety
      C+
    3. Housing
      C
    4. Nightlife
      A
    5. Good for Families
      B+
    6. Diversity
      B+
    7. Jobs
      B
    8. Weather
      C+
    9. Cost of Living
      C-
    10. Health & Fitness
      A+
    11. Outdoor Activities
      A
    12. Commute
      B
    View Full Report Card
    Thurston County is located in Washington with a population of 269,885. Living in Thurston County offers residents a suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Thurston County there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Thurston County and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Thurston County are highly rated.
    Population
    269,885

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $255,500
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $1,134
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    Suburban
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      36%
    • Own
      64%
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    Thurston County Rankings

    Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    C+
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      213.2
      282.7
    • Murder
      3
      6.1
    • Rape
      65.4
      40.7
    • Robbery
      83.2
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      570.5
      500.1
    • Theft
      2,746.8
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      340.9
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    B+
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      12%
    • 10-17 years
      10%
    • 18-24 years
      9%
    • 25-34 years
      14%
    • 35-44 years
      13%
    • 45-54 years
      13%
    • 55-64 years
      14%
    • 65+ years
      16%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      13%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      22%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      37%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      22%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      6%
      13%

    Working in Thurston County

    Jobs
    B
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $66,113
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Thurston County
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools
    • Colleges

      Thurston County Reviews

      4 reviews
      All Categories
      Thurston County, Washington is home to at least three major college towns: Olympia (capitol of Washington State), Lacey, & Tumwater. It also includes Yelm & Tenino. There are three colleges here: The Evergreen State College, South Puget Sound Community College, & St. Martin's University. They're all located in or very close to Olympia. Rent & housing is affordable even for busy students. There's plenty of diversity as the population of people of color & queer youth is abundant. It's a liberal place and the people are very active in political issues. Homelessness is present here but Olympia is trying to treat the problem. The food bank is one of the best I've been to as they provide those who need it with lots of quality food. There are lots of places students could work but, speaking as someone who is currently looking for summer work, there doesn't seem to be a lot of places hiring. Public transportation runs frequently & on time. I'd recommend living here to college students.
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      This area has been an all around great experience for us first time movers. Clean neighborhoods. Very convenient, easy access to main roads and highways via multiple routes. The city manages landscaping very well, and construction is done in a timely manner. The only thing I would change, is the city does not plow our neighborhood or surrounding when it snows. It was extremely difficult to get to work even days later when the snow subsided. Other than that, great place to live.
      I would like to see Thurston County stay the same and not change. I like the feeling of community. I also like the current laws that are enacted here in this state and I hope that we gain more freedoms and not have them stripped away from good civil people.