Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Olympia, WA
Thinking of moving to Olympia, WA? With a population of 56,510, Olympia offers a Pacific Northwest vibe with a reasonable cost of living, median home prices around $470,000, and average rents near $1,450. Residents enjoy short commutes (averaging 22 minutes), strong educational attainment, and access to major hospitals. While property crime rates are higher than average, Olympia is known for its vibrant arts scene, mild climate, and proximity to Puget Sound and forests—making it a unique choice for families, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Demographics - Olympia, WA
Demographics - Olympia, WA
Olympia is home to about 56,500 residents with a median age of 38, reflecting a balanced community of working adults and families. The city is predominantly White (77%), but also has a mix of Asian, Black, and other communities, and roughly 13.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. With a population density of 2,900 per square mile, Olympia offers a blend of urban amenities and small-town charm.
Population:
56,510
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
77.0%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
5.0%
Others:
15.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Olympia, WA?
The cost of living in Olympia is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 110.6. Median home values are around $470,000 and average rents are about $1,450, making housing the largest expense for most residents. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, and Washington's state tax structure ranges from 0% to 9%, depending on income levels.
Median House Value:
$470,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,190
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$630
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.6
Grocery:
109.2
Housing:
116.5
Utilities:
96.8
Transportation:
112.7
Health Care:
108.4
Miscellaneous:
103.6
Crime
Is Olympia, WA a safe place to live?
Olympia experiences a higher property crime rate, with about 3,480 incidents per 100,000 people annually, while violent crime remains comparatively low at 220 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 29 chance of experiencing property crime, but violent crime is much less common, making personal safety generally good. It's wise to take standard precautions, especially in densely populated areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,480
Crime Index:
3,700
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Olympia, WA year-round?
Olympia enjoys a mild, Pacific Northwest climate with cool, wet winters and pleasant summers, averaging summer highs around 78°F. The city receives about 52 inches of rain annually and sees sunshine roughly 44% of the year. Residents can expect comfortable outdoor weather for much of the year, perfect for exploring nearby forests and waterways.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Olympia's median household income is approximately $71,600, and about 40% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated and middle-income community. The average commute is just under 22 minutes, and public transportation is available but used by a small portion of residents. While the poverty rate is 13.7%, the city remains an accessible and inclusive community for families and professionals.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$71,600
Family Income:
$91,000
Per Capita Income:
$37,600
Income Male:
$49,100
Income Female:
$41,200
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
2.6%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.2%
Bachelors or More:
40.1%
Education
How are the schools in Olympia, WA?
Olympia offers a solid public school system, with high graduation rates and a significant portion of residents holding college degrees. The city is also home to The Evergreen State College and South Puget Sound Community College, providing higher education opportunities close to home. Families can choose from a variety of public and private schools, making education a strong asset in the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Olympia High School
Street:
1302 North St SE
Phone:
360-596-7000
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.3
Name:
Reeves Middle School
Street:
2200 Quince St NE
Phone:
360-596-3400
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Private Schools
Name:
Evergreen Christian School
Street:
1010 Black Lake Blvd SW
Phone:
360-357-5590
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
The Evergreen State College
City:
Olympia
State:
WA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
South Puget Sound Community College
City:
Olympia
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
5,300
Healthcare
Residents of Olympia benefit from strong healthcare access, with major hospitals like Providence St. Peter Hospital and Capital Medical Center providing full emergency and surgical services. Health insurance coverage is high at 92.5%, and there are about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. The local healthcare system is reliable and easily accessible for most needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence St. Peter Hospital
Address:
413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Phone:
(360) 491-9480
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Capital Medical Center
Address:
3900 Capital Mall Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:
(360) 754-5858
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Olympia, WA?
Olympia's housing market is moderately competitive, with a median home price of $470,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,450. About half of residents own their homes, and the city has a relatively low vacancy and foreclosure rate. Home values have appreciated by nearly 5% in the past year, making it an appealing market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$470,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services in Olympia are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located downtown. Residents can visit the local office or access a wide range of services online through the official website. The DMV provides essential resources for new drivers, vehicle registration, and state identification needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone:
360-902-3900
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.