countyscore
37.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.5Health 82.2Weather & Climate 62.8

County Report Card

About Thurston County, Washington

Struggling to Meet National Medians

Thurston County carries a composite score of 37.7, falling well behind the national median of 50.0. High costs and localized risks weigh down its overall standing despite high individual earnings.

Trailing the Washington State Average

The county ranks below the Washington state average composite score of 44.1. While it serves as a major employment hub, its overall livability index suggests significant trade-offs compared to neighbors.

A Powerhouse for High Earners

The county excels in health and income, posting scores of 82.2 and 93.4 respectively. Households bring in a robust median income of $93,985, supported by excellent regional medical infrastructure.

High Costs and Safety Concerns

Thurston faces severe challenges in housing affordability with a cost score of 4.6 and a safety score of 10.9. Renters pay a steep $1,634 per month, and the risk score remains very low at 5.5.

Best for Established Professionals

This county suits high-income professionals who can afford $451,500 home values and prioritize healthcare access. The trade-off for these amenities is a lower sense of community safety and very high living expenses.

2040608010044.84.410.982.247.893.55.550.862.8Tax44.8Cost4.4Safety10.9Health82.2Schools47.8Income93.5Risk5.5Water50.8Weather62.837.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Thurston County DNA

Foverall

How Thurston County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Thurston County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (93.5/100) but notably weak in Safety (10.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.8
Cost
4.4-43.6
Safety
10.9-44.1
Health
82.2+32.2
Schools
47.8
Income
93.5+42.5
Risk
5.5-41.5
Water
50.8
Weather
62.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$480,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,736/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$480,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$69,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $96,563/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Licking County
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Burnet County
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Henderson County
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Adams County
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Kings County
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Hardee County
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Median income: $60,489
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Nearby counties

Mason County
Washington
40
Pierce County
Washington
33.8
Lewis County
Washington
37.9
Grays Harbor County
Washington
36.7
Kitsap County
Washington
40.1
King County
Washington
39.1
Wahkiakum County
Washington
71.7
Pacific County
Washington
46.4

Deep Dives

Thurston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Thurston County

via CrimeByCounty

Thurston County Trends Above National Crime Averages

Thurston County reports 2,694.4 crimes per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a solid safety score of 95.7 out of 100.

A Safety Score Close to State Averages

The county's safety score of 95.7 sits just below the Washington state average of 96.2. While the total crime rate of 2,694.4 is higher than the state average of 2,377.2, the county shows resilience in violent crime prevention.

Comparative Safety in the South Puget Sound

Thurston County faces higher crime rates than its rural neighbors but remains competitive with other urbanized Washington hubs. Its safety score indicates a more secure environment than some of the larger metropolitan counties to the north.

Property Crimes Drive the Local Rate

Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at a rate of 2,432.4 per 100,000 residents. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 262.0 is lower than the national average of 369.8, indicating a relatively low risk of personal harm.

Securing Property in the Capital Region

With property crime as the main driver of local statistics, home security systems are a wise investment. Motion sensors and smart doorbells provide an extra layer of protection for residents in more densely populated areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Thurston County

via WeatherByCounty

Thurston’s Mild Marine West Coast Climate

Thurston County averages 50.5°F annually, placing it closer to the national median than its northern neighbors. The climate is typical of the Pacific Northwest, characterized by mild temperatures and high moisture.

Slightly Warmer than the Washington Average

At 50.5°F, the county is slightly warmer than the state average of 49.9°F. This reflects the moderating influence of the Puget Sound on local weather patterns.

Wetter but Milder than Eastern Counties

The county receives 50.6 inches of precipitation annually, more than double the amount seen in Stevens County. Conversely, it sees only 3.9 inches of snow, keeping winters much more manageable.

Consistent Rain and Low Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 6 days reaching 90°F or higher each year. Summers are mild at 62.5°F, while winters remain relatively warm with a December-February average of 39.7°F.

Gear Up for Consistent Rainfall

High-quality rain gear and home gutter maintenance are essential for managing the 50.6 inches of annual rain. While heavy snow is rare, residents should prepare for damp, overcast winters.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Thurston County

via SoilByCounty

Mapping Thurston's Soil Identity

Specific soil taxonomic data and pH levels for Thurston County remain uncataloged in this current regional dataset. Historically, local soils often align with the state average pH of 6.20, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Varied Textures Across the Landscape

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this jurisdiction. Local growers typically encounter a mix of glacial outwash and river silts that define the drainage and workability of the region.

Foundation for Healthy Growth

While specific local organic matter figures are missing, the state average of 14.85% suggests a strong baseline for fertility. Farmers rely on the region's moderate water retention to sustain diverse crops across the Puget Sound basin.

Site-Specific Hydrology Considerations

Without recorded drainage class data, growers and builders should perform site-specific percolation tests. Understanding local water movement remains a critical step for any new agricultural project in the county.

Mild Seasons in Zone 8b

Thurston County’s Hardiness Zone 8b offers one of the longest and mildest growing seasons in Washington. This climate is perfect for establishing berries, leafy greens, and ornamental shrubs in your home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Thurston County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in the South Sound

Thurston County ranks slightly above the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 42.9. While it remains below the national median, the Zone 8b climate offers a relatively stable environment for Pacific Northwest greenery.

Ideal Moisture with Minimal Heat Stress

The county receives 50.6 inches of rain annually, hitting the upper limit of the ideal 30-50 inch range for turfgrass. Only 6 extreme heat days per year mean your grass faces much less temperature stress than the state average of 18 days.

Navigating Saturated Ground Conditions

While specific local soil metrics are currently limited, the high annual rainfall typically warrants monitoring for soil acidity and nutrient leaching. Without detailed clay or sand data, growers should focus on ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot during wet winters.

Conserving Water During Seasonal Dry Periods

Even with high annual rainfall, the county experienced 42 weeks of drought last year, highlighting the seasonal nature of Washington's weather. Using mulch and avoiding mid-day watering helps maintain soil moisture when the summer dry spells arrive.

Seeding for Success in Zone 8b

Perennial ryegrass and tall fescues thrive in this environment, especially when planted after the last spring frost on April 29. Aim to finish major lawn projects before the first fall frost arrives around October 14 to ensure healthy establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thurston County's county score?
Thurston County, Washington has a composite county score of 37.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Thurston County rank among counties in Washington?
Thurston County ranks #29 among all counties in Washington on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Thurston County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Thurston County is $4,209, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Thurston County a tax score of 44.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Thurston County?
The median household income in Thurston County, Washington is $96,563 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Thurston County earns an income score of 93.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Thurston County, Washington a good place to live?
Thurston County scores 37.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Thurston County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Thurston County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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