RANK #683 / 996 · POP 294,272 · WA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.1%
Thurston County, Washington, stands out for its unique Mima Mounds, a geological enigma on Mima Prairie. Located at the southern tip of Puget Sound, about 60 miles south of Seattle, the county offers a blend of urban amenities and natural landscapes. Its communities, including the state capital Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater, provide diverse living environments. The area boasts extensive outdoor recreation, with hundreds of miles of Puget Sound shoreline, numerous parks, and trails like the Chehalis Western Trail and Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail, ideal for hiking, biking, and kayaking. The climate is moderate, with green scenery year-round.
Life in the county offers a balance of natural beauty and community focus, attracting families and those seeking a less congested pace than larger nearby cities. Commuting primarily involves driving alone, though public transit options are available in urban centers. School districts like Olympia School District and North Thurston Public Schools serve local families. The economy, historically rooted in logging, shifted significantly in the 1950s with the growth of state government employment in Olympia. Recent economic development efforts have focused on attracting investment and fostering growth in various sectors, including infrastructure, water security, and environmental restoration.
Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.2x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Centralia Battery Energy Storage System
CENT bn, LLC (Developer)
|
$400M | Planned |
|
Thurston County Capital Improvement Program (2026-2031)
Thurston County Government
|
$267M | Planned |
|
Skookumchuck Wind Facility
Southern Power Co. (Operator)
|
$136M | Operating |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Manor House Subdivision
MK 58LLC
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Thurston County has a Boom Town Index score of 32/100, ranking #683 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.6% and a median household income of $88,895, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Thurston County is $411,700 with median rent at $1,499/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2159, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.6%. Home values changed +0.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.18% of Thurston County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.