WashingtonPop. 55,951Smaller cities
Is Olympia a Good Place to Live? Olympia, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Olympia ranks #497 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #230 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20 min, #96 of 524) and high graduation rates (93%, #81 of 437), and trails on high violent crime (475 per 100,000, #355 of 442).
Olympia by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Olympia's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Olympia?
Olympia's cost of living index is 103.7, 4% above the US level of 100 and #917 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,599/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $529,479, 11% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Olympia | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 103.7#917 of 1,308 | 109 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $529,479#869 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,005/mo#714 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $486,200#962 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,599/mo#787 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6x#1040 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.6%#845 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Olympia housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Olympia is in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Olympia safe?
Olympia recorded 475 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 27% above the US rate of 373 and 28% above Washington's 372. That ranks #805 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #355 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Olympia Police Department. Property crime runs 2,596 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Olympia | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 475#805 of 1,083 | 372 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,596#884 of 1,083 | 2,958 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Olympia?
The median household in Olympia earns $81,302, 6% above the US figure of $76,827 and 10% below Washington ($90,325). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 14% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Olympia | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $81,302#597 of 1,312 | $90,325 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14%#799 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.1%#213 of 1,132 | +1% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Olympia?
The median resident of Olympia is 40.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 51.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #233 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Olympia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 51.8%#233 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 49.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Olympia's schools and health?
Olympia's 16 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Washington 82%), with 18.7 students per teacher and $17,220 spent per pupil. 30.8% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Olympia | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 82% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.7#878 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,220#392 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 30.8%#444 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17%#634 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.6%#206 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,304 students are enrolled in Olympia's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Olympia?
The average commute in Olympia is 20 minutes (Washington 23.1); 1.9% of workers take transit and 25.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Olympia scores 13.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #298 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 62.5°F and winters 39.7°F, with 50.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Olympia | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20 min#341 of 1,312 | 23.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.4%#634 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 59.4% | 65.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.9% | 4.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.9% | 3.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 25.6% | 15.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.2#298 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46 | 33.2 | 7.8 |
| Feb | 49.1 | 32.3 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 53.7 | 34.5 | 5.7 |
| Apr | 58.9 | 37.5 | 3.7 |
| May | 66.1 | 43 | 2.3 |
| Jun | 70.8 | 47.4 | 1.5 |
| Jul | 77.6 | 50.7 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 78 | 50.5 | 1 |
| Sep | 72.1 | 46.2 | 2 |
| Oct | 60.2 | 40.5 | 5.1 |
| Nov | 50.6 | 35.8 | 8.2 |
| Dec | 44.9 | 32.8 | 7.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Olympia Airport.
| Measure | Olympia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 62.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 39.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 50.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Olympia Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Olympia?
Thurston County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 94% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Thurston County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Olympia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 27#46 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.23%#1017 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Thurston County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Thurston County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.13% | 98% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0024% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.077% | 45% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Olympia compare with similar-size cities?
Olympia is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #230 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,951.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #497 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 | 20 min |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #640 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 | 24 min |
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #210 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 | 15.5 min |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #352 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 | 22.9 min |
| Bonita Springs, FLPop. 55,904 | #780 | 53.6 | $95,210 | $1,882/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #922 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 | 23.5 min |
| Port Arthur, TXPop. 55,828 | #1300 | 36.6 | $46,354 | $1,021/mo | 596 | 23.4 min |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #242 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year | 30 min |
| Apple Valley, MNPop. 55,679 | #218 | 64.0 | $97,673 | $1,738/mo | 204 | 24.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Olympia compare with the rest of Washington?
Olympia ranks #11 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 58.1 against Washington's statewide 61.4. Its households earn 10% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 28% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% below the typical Washington home.
| City | Rank in WA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #1 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #2 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #3 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #4 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #5 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #6 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 |
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #7 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #8 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #9 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #10 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #11 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 |
| Kent, WAPop. 135,603 | #12 | 56.8 | $92,302 | $1,909/mo | 283 |
| Auburn, WAPop. 85,676 | #13 | 56.7 | $97,884 | $1,786/mo | 300 |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #14 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #15 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Olympia among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $90,325, violent crime 372 per 100,000.
How is Olympia's score calculated?
Olympia scores 58.1 out of 100, #497 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Washington's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Olympia. Similar-size median 55.5.
53.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Olympia's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
57.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Olympia. Similar-size median 58.9.
61.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Olympia's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
62.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Olympia's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
55.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Olympia. Similar-size median 56.1.
49.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Olympia. Similar-size median 42.4.
51.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Olympia. Similar-size median 50.0.
71.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Olympia's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
64.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
52.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Olympia's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Olympia has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Olympia
Is Olympia, WA a good place to live?
Olympia ranks #497 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #230 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20 min, #96 of 524) and high graduation rates (93%, #81 of 437), and trails on high violent crime (475 per 100,000, #355 of 442).
What is the cost of living in Olympia?
Olympia's cost of living index is 103.7, 4% above the US level of 100 and #917 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,599/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $529,479, 11% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Olympia?
Olympia recorded 475 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 27% above the US rate of 373 and 28% above Washington's 372. That ranks #805 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #355 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Olympia Police Department. Property crime runs 2,596 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Olympia?
The median household in Olympia earns $81,302, 6% above the US figure of $76,827 and 10% below Washington ($90,325). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 14% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Olympia?
Median rent in Olympia is $1,599/mo (Census), #787 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,005/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Olympia?
Zillow's typical home value in Olympia is $529,479, down 0.2% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $486,200.
How are the public schools in Olympia?
Olympia's 16 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Washington 82%), with 18.7 students per teacher and $17,220 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Olympia?
The average commute is 20 minutes, #341 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.1 minutes across Washington. 5.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Olympia?
Olympia averages 50.5°F over the year, 62.5°F in summer and 39.7°F in winter, with 50.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Olympia walkable?
Olympia scores 13.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #298 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Olympia at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Thurston County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Olympia?
Thurston County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 94% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Olympia?
Olympia has 55,951 residents. The median resident of Olympia is 40.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 51.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #233 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Olympia compare with the rest of Washington?
Olympia ranks #11 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 58.1 against Washington's statewide 61.4. Its households earn 10% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 28% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Olympia?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Olympia's population of 55,951 are Southaven, MS (#640 overall), Bozeman, MT (#210 overall), Tigard, OR (#352 overall), Bonita Springs, FL (#780 overall), and Perth Amboy, NJ (#922 overall). Olympia is #497.