Thurston County Public RecordsWashington

As of 2022, Thurston County, WA, has a population of about 304,800. The median age is 39.9 years, with 49.9% male and 50.1% female residents. The racial and ethnic composition is approximately 75% White, 7% Asian, 2% Black or African American, 1.6% Native American, and 8% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals comprise 10% of the population.

Thurston County, WA, reported a total of 11,259 crimes in 2022, with a crime rate of 38.2 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes comprised the majority, with 8,745 incidents, while violent crimes reached 822 cases, including 5 homicides. The county saw a year-over-year decrease in overall crime but an increase in motor vehicle thefts. The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office encourages community-based reporting and uses digital tools for transparency. Residents can access real-time statistics through the county’s online dashboard and annual reports.

Thurston County, WA, is served by 15 public high schools and several private schools, with a high school graduation rate of approximately 89%. About 34% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area offers adult education programs through South Puget Sound Community College. School safety scores are above the state average, and educational programs include AP, IB, STEM, and career/technical options. Test scores in the county average 52% proficiency in math and 63% in reading. Overall, Thurston County emphasizes educational quality and diverse learning opportunities.

As of 2023, Thurston County, WA, had an unemployment rate of approximately 4.4%. Major employment sectors include government (32%), healthcare and social assistance (13%), and retail trade (10%). Common occupations are office and administrative support (15%), management (12%), and sales (10%). About 82% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. While most work within the county, around 18% commute to neighboring Pierce and King counties for employment.

Thurston County, WA, has a homeownership rate of about 66% and a median property value near $440,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rent is around $1,650. Popular housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments, in neighborhoods like Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater. The area has seen property values rise roughly 7% year-over-year. Property tax rates average 1.03%. Neighborhoods vary in age and style, with waterfront properties commanding premiums, especially along Puget Sound.

Thurston County, WA, has over 200,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county holds elections for local, state, and federal offices, plus ballot measures. In the 2020 presidential election, voter turnout reached 85.5%, with 60.8% supporting the Democratic candidate. All voting is by mail, with drop boxes at more than 25 locations. Key issues include housing, climate, and public safety. Elections are run by the Thurston County Auditor’s Office. The county leans Democratic but maintains active Republican and minor party participation.