CountyScore

Thurston County

Washington · WA

#36 in Washington
59.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Thurston County, Washington

Thurston 20% above national median

Thurston County's composite score of 60.1 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it firmly in the upper half of U.S. counties. However, the score sits below Washington's state average of 68.1, indicating room for improvement relative to peer counties.

Slightly below state average

At 60.1, Thurston's composite score trails the Washington state average of 68.1 by about 8 points. This places it in the middle tier of Washington's county rankings, suggesting solid but not exceptional overall livability metrics.

Strong incomes and reasonable taxes

Thurston leads with a median household income of $93,985 (income score: 44.7) and a tax score of 77.1 with an effective tax rate of 0.895%. These metrics indicate a relatively affluent population with manageable tax obligations.

Housing costs are steep

The cost score of 51.2 reflects high housing expenses, with median home values at $451,500 and median rent at $1,634 monthly. These figures significantly exceed affordability benchmarks and emerge as the primary livability constraint for the county.

For established professionals seeking amenities

Thurston County appeals to high-earning professionals and established families who can absorb premium housing costs in exchange for solid incomes and manageable taxes. It's less suitable for budget-conscious movers or those seeking affordable starter homes.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.1Cost51.2SafetyComing SoonHealth77.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome44.7Risk5.5WaterComing Soon
🏛77.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Thurston County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Kodiak Island Borough
Alaska
59.9
Median income: $83,716
Stanislaus County
California
59.9
Median income: $79,661
Anne Arundel County
Maryland
59.9
Median income: $120,324
Delaware County
Ohio
59.9
Median income: $130,088
Oklahoma County
Oklahoma
59.9
Median income: $65,374

Deep Dives

Thurston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Thurston County

via TaxByCounty

Thurston County taxes above national average

Thurston County's effective tax rate of 0.895% exceeds the national median of 0.85%, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties by rate. Homeowners pay $4,043 annually on a median home value of $451,500—50% more than the national median property tax.

Third-highest tax rate in Washington

Thurston County ranks among Washington's highest-taxed counties at 0.895%, significantly above the state average of 0.761%. Residents pay $4,043 in median property taxes versus the state median of $3,028, a difference of over $1,000 per year.

Higher taxes than surrounding counties

Thurston County's 0.895% rate substantially exceeds Whatcom County (0.712%) and Yakima County (0.818%) to the north and east. Only Walla Walla County (0.901%) comes close to Thurston's tax burden in the region.

What you'll pay on a Thurston County home

On a median home valued at $451,500, Thurston County residents pay approximately $4,043 per year in property taxes. This remains consistent whether the home carries a mortgage or is owned outright.

Assessment appeals could lower your bill

Thurston County residents facing steep property tax bills should verify their assessments match local market values. An informal appeal to the county assessor or formal Residential Appeal petition can challenge inflated valuations and reduce annual taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Thurston County

via CostByCounty

Thurston County Rents Challenge National Norms

Thurston County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% exceeds the national average, with renters devoting more than one-fifth of their median household income of $93,985 to housing. At $1,634/month, median rent runs $432 above the national median, reflecting the county's proximity to Olympia's economic hub.

Above Average Affordability Pressure

Thurston County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% edges above Washington's state average of 18.8%, placing it in the less-affordable tier statewide. Median rent of $1,634/month exceeds the state average by $432, a premium tied to the county's role as Washington's capital region.

Pricier Than Rural Alternatives

Thurston County rents ($1,634/month) significantly outpace rural eastern Washington counties like Stevens ($864/month), Yakima ($1,068/month), and Whitman ($1,002/month). For renters seeking budget-friendly options, neighboring rural counties offer substantially lower costs.

Higher Income, Higher Costs

While Thurston County's median household income of $93,985 tops most peers statewide, renters still dedicate 20.9% of earnings to housing and homeowners invest 22.8% ($1,781/month) in ownership costs. The median home value of $451,500 reflects competitive regional real estate pressures.

Thurston County for Robust Earners

If you earn $90,000+, Thurston County's capital-region advantages offset housing costs—strong job markets and government employment stabilize income prospects. Compare your salary expectations here against rural alternatives before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Thurston County

via IncomeByCounty

Thurston County leads Washington's income ranks

With a median household income of $93,985, Thurston County ranks 26% above the national median of $74,755. This positions Thurston among the highest-income counties in the United States.

Thurston leads all 39 Washington counties

Thurston County's median household income of $93,985 significantly outpaces Washington's state average of $76,363, making it the highest-earning county in the state. Per capita income of $44,646 also leads statewide and exceeds the state average by nearly $4,000.

Thurston outearns all comparison counties by far

Thurston County's median income of $93,985 exceeds Whatcom County ($80,989) by $13,000 and surpasses Yakima County ($68,015) by nearly $26,000. As Washington's economic powerhouse, Thurston's earnings pull away from every other county examined here.

High income meets high housing costs

Though Thurston County's median home value reaches $451,500—the second-highest in this group—residents' incomes can sustain it; the rent-to-income ratio is 20.9%. Strong earning power offsets the county's elevated housing market.

Leverage Thurston's wealth-building advantage

With incomes significantly above state and national averages, Thurston County residents are positioned to invest aggressively in retirement, education, and asset diversification. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged savings vehicles available to higher-income earners.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Thurston County

via HealthByCounty

Thurston County slightly above U.S. life expectancy

At 78.3 years, Thurston County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 79.3 years—though the county still trails national benchmarks by about a year. The county's 14.4% poor or fair health rate beats the national average, reflecting better-than-typical chronic disease outcomes.

Strongest health outcomes in Washington

Thurston County's life expectancy of 78.3 years exceeds Washington's 78.1-year average, placing it among the healthiest counties in the state. Its 6.7% uninsured rate significantly beats the state's 9.0% average, showing strong insurance coverage across the population.

Top performer among peer counties

Thurston County's 78.3-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in its region, second only to Wahkiakum (79.7 years). Its 87 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 568 mental health providers per 100,000 represent strong healthcare infrastructure.

Robust healthcare access, excellent coverage

Thurston County offers robust healthcare infrastructure with 87 primary care physicians and 568 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the best ratios in Washington. With only 6.7% uninsured, most residents have reliable access to both preventive and specialty care.

Keep coverage strong in Thurston County

Thurston County leads Washington in insurance coverage, with just 6.7% uninsured, but staying covered requires attention. Visit Healthcare.gov or Washington's marketplace annually to confirm your plan still fits your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Thurston County

via RiskByCounty

Thurston County faces significant disaster risk

Thurston County scores 94.50 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively High rating and exceeding Washington's state average of 70.01 by 35 percent. This places Olympia's home county among the more hazard-exposed regions in the nation.

One of Washington's highest-risk counties

Thurston County ranks near the top of Washington's disaster risk hierarchy, with a composite score of 94.50 that trails only a handful of counties in the state. Its elevated exposure stems from a potent combination of earthquake, flood, and moderate wildfire threats.

Riskier than most surrounding areas

Thurston County's risk score of 94.50 significantly exceeds neighbors like Lewis County and Pacific County, placing it as the most hazard-exposed county in its region. Only Whatcom County to the north (90.97) comes close to Thurston's comprehensive risk profile.

Earthquakes and floods drive exposure

Earthquake risk reaches 98.92 in Thurston County—among the nation's highest—reflecting its proximity to the Puget Sound Subduction Zone and Cascadia fault system. Flood risk of 90.81 adds significant exposure through Nisqually River flooding and coastal surge impacts in lower elevations.

Earthquake and flood insurance essential

Thurston County residents must secure comprehensive earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage and recovery can be catastrophic. Flood insurance is equally critical, particularly for homes in river valleys or areas with poor drainage; review FEMA flood maps and upgrade your policy limits.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.