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Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Metro Area

Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA · Metro Area

299,067Population

A metropolitan statistical area of 1 county, part of the Seattle-Tacoma, WA combined area. The counties are tied together by commuting: people live in one and work in another.

Median household income
$96,563
Median home value
$480,300
Land area
723 sq mi
414 people per sq mi

Market now

Counties in this metro area

Central counties hold the urban core; outlying counties are linked to it by commuting.

CountyRolePopulationMedian incomeMedian home value
Thurston County, WACentral299,067$96,563$480,300

Largest cities and towns

12 places in our city pages lie in this area.

PlaceTypePopulationMedian income
Lacey, WACity57,737$90,625
Olympia, WACity55,951$81,302
Tumwater, WACity26,956$95,212
Yelm, WACity11,102$90,750
Tanglewilde, WACDP6,314$100,714
Rochester, WACDP5,834$99,286
Grand Mound, WACDP3,287$72,426
North Yelm, WACDP2,522$73,725
Rainier, WACity2,455$106,019
Tenino, WACity2,025$82,639
Nisqually Indian Community, WACDP628$73,750
Bucoda, WATown494$73,250

Also in the Seattle-Tacoma, WA combined area

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate
9.5%
Unemployment
5.2%
College Educated
38.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income
$96,563
Mean Household Income
$114,140

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male
49.1%
Female
50.9%

Population Split

Male49.1%
Female50.9%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

German16.3%
English13.0%
Irish11.7%
Mexican6.2%
Italian3.3%
Scottish3.0%
French2.4%
Polish1.7%
African0.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

8.3%Foreign Born
91.7%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized59.1%
Non-Citizen40.9%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later25.0%
Before 201075.0%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units
125,163
Median Rent
$1,736/mo
Median Home Value
$480,300
Median Year Built
1991

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled
64,540
College Enrollment
20.4%
High School
20.8%
College Educated
38.5%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time
25.8 min
Drive Alone Rate
66.9%
Public Transit
1.0%
Work From Home
20.5%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18
20.9%
18-34 Years
21.9%
35-64 Years
38.5%
65+ Years
18.7%

Population Composition

Under 1820.9%
18-3421.9%
35-6438.5%
65+18.7%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples
50.5%
Single Parent
4.8%
Living Alone
26.6%
Avg Size
2.48

Household Types

Married Couples50.5%
Single Parent4.8%
Living Alone26.6%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income
$46,136
SNAP Usage
11.2%
Health Insurance
95.0%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k10.6%
$25k - $50k12.3%
$50k - $100k29.1%
$100k+48.0%

Key Industries

Manufacturing
5.3%
Retail Trade
11.9%
Education & Health Care
22.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

16.1%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

95.0%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet
94.5%vs ~90% National Avg
Computer Ownership
97.4%vs ~95% National Avg
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better
103.7
0130
Below average< 97
Near average97 - 103
Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better
96.2
0200
Hard to Afford< 80
Moderate80 - 100
Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)