Washington / Thurston County

Moving to Olympia, WA

Thinking of making a move to Olympia, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Olympia, WA

Considering a move to Olympia, WA? This welcoming community of 56,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $550,000 and average rents near $1,750. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (49% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Olympia's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Olympia, WA

Olympia has a population of 56,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 4% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
56,000
Density
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age
39.1
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
13.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
74.0%
Black
3.6%
Asian
7.6%
Others
14.8%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Olympia, WA?

The cost of living in Olympia is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 134.5. Median home values are around $550,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,750. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$550,000
Gross Rent
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$760
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
134.5
Grocery
112.8
Housing
160.4
Utilities
104.7
Transportation
118.3
Health Care
106.2
Miscellaneous
108.9

Crime

Is Olympia, WA a safe place to live?

Olympia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 380 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
380
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,100
Crime Index
3,480
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

Weather

What is the weather like in Olympia, WA year-round?

Olympia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 35°F. The area receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 49% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
35°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
50.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
49%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $79,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.1%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 41% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 9% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,000
Household Income
$79,500
Family Income
$94,000
Per Capita Income
$39,500
Income Male
$52,000
Income Female
$45,000
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Non English Speakers
16.8%
Rent
$1,750
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
Public Transport Usage
8.9%
Commute Time
23.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.5%
Bachelors or More
40.8%

Education

How are the schools in Olympia, WA?

Olympia offers quality education options, with public schools like Capital High School and Avanti High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including The Evergreen State College and South Puget Sound Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Capital High School
Street
2707 Conger Ave NW
Phone
360-596-8000
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
19.0
Name
Avanti High School
Street
1113 Legion Way SE
Phone
360-596-7000
Students
250
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5

Private Schools

Name
St. Michael School
Street
1208 11th Ave SE
Phone
360-357-2541
Students
320

Colleges

Name
The Evergreen State College
City
Olympia
State
WA
Distance
4 miles
Students
4,000
Name
South Puget Sound Community College
City
Olympia
State
WA
Distance
3 miles
Students
6,000

Healthcare

Olympia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Providence St. Peter Hospital and Capital Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 93.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
3901 Capital Mall Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone
(360) 754-5858
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
93.0%
Health Care Index
76.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Olympia, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $550,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Olympia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$550,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,750
Owner Occupied Rate
54.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Olympia handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
600 S. Washington St., Olympia, WA 98501
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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.

FAQs About Moving to Olympia, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Olympia, review the core fields on this page: population 56,000, median home value $550,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,750, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 49%.

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