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.
| Statistic | Olympia | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 70.8% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.7% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.6% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.3% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.9% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.6% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
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