OnOlympia.com
Explore Olympia: Where history, nature, and culture meet seamlessly.
About Olympia, WA
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
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
Demographics
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.
Economy
Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including government, education, healthcare, retail, tourism.
Housing
Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.
Education Excellence
World-class learning opportunities and achievements
Education Levels
Institutions
- Schools: 33
- Universities: 1
- Libraries: 6
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18.0:1
Sports & Entertainment
Home to professional and collegiate athletics
College & Development
Transportation & Infrastructure
Getting around Olympia
Roads & Highways
Major Highways: I-5, US-101
Average Commute: 21 minutes
Public Transit
Intercity Transit
Airports
SEA - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Places & Attractions
Discover what makes Olympia unique
Landmarks
- Washington State Capitol
- The Old State Capitol Building
- Governor's Mansion
Attractions
- Olympic National Forest
- Capitol Lake
- Puget Sound waterfront
- Farmers Market
- Historic Downtown Olympia
Museums
- Washington State Capital Museum
- Hands On Children's Museum
Parks
- Percival Landing Park
- Tumwater Falls Park
- Watershed Park
- Priest Point Park
Healthcare
- Providence St. Peter Hospital
- Capital Medical Center
Key Industries
Economic drivers powering Olympia
Living Here
Essential information about life in Olympia
Climate & Geography
Climate: Oceanic
Elevation: 95 feet
Time Zone: America/Los_Angeles
County: Thurston County
Metro Area: Olympia-Tumwater, WA Metro Area
Contact Information
Area Code: 360
ZIP Codes: 98501, 98502, 98506
Location
Find Olympia on the map
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