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OnOlympia.com

Olympia, WA
★ Available

Explore Olympia: Where history, nature, and culture meet seamlessly.

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53K Population
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$61K Median Income
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$400K Median Home Price
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20 Square Miles

About Olympia, WA

Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Olympia, Washington is a city rich in history and culture. As the state capital, Olympia is known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning natural beauty, making it a unique blend of urban life and picturesque landscapes. The city's founding in 1850 and designation as the capital in 1853 marked the beginning of a thriving community deeply intertwined with the region's Native American heritage. From the architecturally significant Capitol building to museums celebrating the area's maritime history, Olympia is a city that values its past while looking forward to a sustainable future.

Olympia's economy is supported by a mix of government, education, and small business sectors. The presence of The Evergreen State College contributes to a youthful, progressive character, fostering innovation and eco-friendly initiatives. On the cultural front, the city is renowned for its music and theater scenes, providing ample entertainment for residents and visitors alike. Olympia's downtown area, with its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and art galleries, serves as a hub for community events and showcases the city's commitment to supporting local business and entrepreneurship.

Nature enthusiasts will find Olympia's access to outdoor activities unparalleled. The city is a gateway to the Puget Sound and the magnificent Olympic Mountains, offering endless opportunities for hiking, boating, and wildlife watching. Parks and recreational areas abound, including the picturesque Percival Landing Park, where visitors can walk along the waterfront and enjoy local public art displays. Olympia's dedication to preserving its natural environment is evident in its numerous green spaces and its commitment to sustainability, making it a city that's as environmentally conscious as it is culturally vibrant.

Quality of Life Scores

Data-driven insights into what makes Olympia special

55
🚶 Walkability
31
🛡️ Safety
75
🍽️ Food Scene
80
🎭 Arts & Culture
60
🌙 Nightlife
50
⚽ Sports Culture
60
🌬️ Air Quality
64
🚗 Traffic Flow

Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

Demographics & Economy

Understanding the community and economic landscape

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Demographics

Median Age 35.1 years
Diversity Index 68.0%

Olympia is a diverse and educated community with a strong emphasis on sustainability and a rich cultural scene, reflecting its blend of history and modernity.

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Economy

Median Income $61,000
Unemployment Rate 4.3%
Job Growth Rate 2.8%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including government, education, healthcare, retail, tourism.

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Housing

Median Home Price $400,000
Cost of Living Index 113
Rent/Own Ratio 45.5%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

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Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 41.5%
High School Graduation Rate 94.0%
College Enrollment Rate 67.2%
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Institutions

  • Schools: 33
  • Universities: 1
  • Libraries: 6
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18.0:1

Sports & Entertainment

Home to professional and collegiate athletics

College & Development

🎓 College
Northwest Conference

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Olympia

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Roads & Highways

Major Highways: I-5, US-101

Average Commute: 21 minutes

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Public Transit

Intercity Transit

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Airports

SEA - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Olympia unique

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Landmarks

  • Washington State Capitol
  • The Old State Capitol Building
  • Governor's Mansion
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Attractions

  • Olympic National Forest
  • Capitol Lake
  • Puget Sound waterfront
  • Farmers Market
  • Historic Downtown Olympia
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Museums

  • Washington State Capital Museum
  • Hands On Children's Museum
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Parks

  • Percival Landing Park
  • Tumwater Falls Park
  • Watershed Park
  • Priest Point Park
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Healthcare

  • Providence St. Peter Hospital
  • Capital Medical Center

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Olympia

Government Education Healthcare Retail Tourism

Living Here

Essential information about life in Olympia

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Climate & Geography

Climate: Oceanic

Elevation: 95 feet

Time Zone: America/Los_Angeles

County: Thurston County

Metro Area: Olympia-Tumwater, WA Metro Area

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Contact Information

Area Code: 360

ZIP Codes: 98501, 98502, 98506

Location

Find Olympia on the map

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