Olympia 83 Exceptional
Olympia Livability #58 ranked city in Washington#1,036 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Olympia

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

  • Crime Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

What's it like Living in Olympia?

Olympia is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 54,379 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Olympia is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Olympia is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 48% married, this city falls well below the national average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Olympia offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Olympia, Washington could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Olympia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.

Olympia, WA receives 84/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #45 in Washington and #668 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Olympia ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Olympia has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Olympia ranks well for education (A), employment (B-) and housing (A) The bad news for Olympia, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F) and cost of living (D).

Living in Olympia offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Olympia provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Olympia are: Percival Landing, Hand's On Children's Museum, and Farmers Market.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Olympia market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Olympia is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Olympia come in at $601,180, which is 22.2% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Olympia, the home price to income ratio is 6.5, which is 20.4% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Olympia

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      Olympia transportation information

      Statistic Olympia Washington National
      Average one way commute21min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.8%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.7%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.6%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.3%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.9%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home8.6%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Olympia, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.