County
Thurston County
- B+Overall Grade
- County in Washington
- 8 reviews
- Public SchoolsB
- HousingC
- NightlifeA
- Good for FamiliesB+
- DiversityB+
- JobsB
- WeatherC+
- Cost of LivingD+
- Health & FitnessA+
- Outdoor ActivitiesA
- CommuteB
Real Estate
Median Home Value
$271,300
National
$184,700Median Rent
$1,192
National
$949Sponsored Mortgage Options for Thurston County
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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
Violent Crimes
- Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
- Assault213.2282.7
- Murder36.1
- Rape65.440.7
- Robbery83.2135.5
Property Crimes
- Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
- Burglary570.5500.1
- Theft2,746.82,042.8
- Motor Vehicle Theft340.9284
Residents
Working in Thurston County
Jobs
B
Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
Median Household Income
$69,592
National
$55,322Top Places to Live in Thurston County
Thurston County Reviews
8 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.
Thurston County has a lot to offer when it comes to healthcare diversity and community colleges. Currently a student at South Puget Sound Community College and the students, staff, and faculty are relatively genuine in their kindness and hospitality when it comes to student success. With many areas being rural, there is more of nature to be appreciative for.
Though the rainy weather can be a bit awful when trying to commute to other places. Overall, this county is one that I have lived in majority of my life and don't plan on leaving it any time soon.
Though the rainy weather can be a bit awful when trying to commute to other places. Overall, this county is one that I have lived in majority of my life and don't plan on leaving it any time soon.
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.