countyscore
37.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.4Health 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.

Score breakdown

Tax45.5Cost4.6Safety10.9Health82.2Schools47.8Income93.4Risk5.5Water50.8Weather62.8
🏛45.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Mason County
Washington
40.1
Pierce County
Washington
33.7
Lewis County
Washington
37.2
Grays Harbor County
Washington
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Kitsap County
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King County
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Wahkiakum County
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Pacific County
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Deep Dives

Thurston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

Schools in Thurston County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Educational Infrastructure

Thurston County supports a robust network of 84 schools serving 42,586 students across 10 districts. The landscape includes 43 elementary schools and 21 high schools, making it a major educational hub in the state.

Academic Outcomes Above State Averages

The county boasts an 83.3% graduation rate, outpacing the Washington state average of 81.4%. While per-pupil expenditure is $8,953, the county maintains a strong composite school score of 54.2, slightly above the state's 53.9.

North Thurston Public Schools Leads the Way

North Thurston Public Schools is the dominant district, managing 24 schools and over 15,000 students. Olympia School District also plays a significant role, educating 9,633 students in the state's capital region.

Urban Hubs with Large Campuses

Most schools are situated in city locales, contributing to a larger average school size of 513 students. Olympia High School stands as the county's largest, hosting 1,838 students in a bustling academic environment.

Settle Near Top-Rated Thurston Schools

School quality is a primary driver for families moving to the Olympia and Lacey areas. Exploring homes near North Thurston or Olympia districts can provide your children with access to the county's largest educational resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 37.7 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 #27 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 $4,043, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Thurston County a tax score of 45.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Thurston County?
The median household income in Thurston County, Washington is $93,985 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Thurston County earns an income score of 93.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Thurston County, Washington a good place to live?
Thurston County scores 37.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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