Olympia, Columbia, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,464
5.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,264/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,908
5.1% year-over-year change

Olympia population

How many people live in Olympia

Olympia is home to 3,464 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.8% of Olympia locals are male, and 47.2% are female.

Total population
3,464
5.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.8%
1,829
Female
47.2%
1,636
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,829 52.8% 5.0%
Female 1,636 47.2% 5.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Olympia is 27, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.8% are children under 15, then 51.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 10.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8% are 65 or older.

Median age
27
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.8%
15 to 24
51.1%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
10.3%
Over 65
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 235 6.8% -2.9%
15 to 24 1,772 51.1% 8.2%
25 to 44 825 23.8% 3.6%
45 to 64 357 10.3% -0.3%
Over 65 276 8% 8.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Olympia, 91.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.5% of locals are Caucasian, 22.1% are African American and 5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,170 91.5% 4.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 101 2.9% 24.7%
Non-citizens 194 5.6% 5.4%
Racial breakdown
White
64.5%
Black or African American
22.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
4.9%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 2,236 64.5%
Black or African American 766 22.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 175 5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 0.2%
Two or more races 170 4.9%
Other 111 3.2%

Households in Olympia

A peek inside Olympia households

Olympia has 1,500 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 24.6% are families, while the remaining 75.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,500
6.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,131
Family households
369
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,131 75.4% 7.3%
Family households 369 24.6% 4.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Olympia

The housing landscape of Olympia

Olympia's housing consists of 1,908 units, with 28.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,908
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 551 28.8%
1 unit, attached 79 4.1%
2 units 93 4.9%
3 or 4 units 121 6.3%
5 to 9 units 108 5.6%
10 to 19 units 107 5.6%
20 to 49 units 192 10%
50 or more units 627 32.8%
Mobile home 31 1.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1 0%
Homes built since 2020
27
68.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Olympia

In Olympia, the median construction year is 1976. About 18.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 353 18.5% -1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 161 8.4% -7.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 157 8.2% -0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 104 5.5% 10.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 111 5.8% -8.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 143 7.5% 18.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 105 5.5% -18.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 445 23.4% 17.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 300 15.7% 11.9%
Built in 2020 or later 27 1.4% 68.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Olympia occupancy rates

Out of the 1,500 occupied housing units in Olympia, 30.3% are owner-occupied, while 69.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,500
6.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,045
Owner occupied
455
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,045 69.7% 10.6%
Owner occupied 455 30.3% -1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
21.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Olympia housing costs

Housing costs in Olympia come to a median of $1,198 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,142.

Median housing costs per month
$1,198/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Olympia
$1,142/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Olympia

Olympia education at a glance

About 19% of the population in Olympia went to high school, while 41.4% pursued college studies. Another 3.8% earned an associate degree and 20.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 35 1.1% 6.1%
High school diploma 604 19% 19.4%
College diploma 1,315 41.4% 6.3%
Associate degree 121 3.8% 13.1%
Bachelor's degree 663 20.9% 0.0%
Graduate degree 441 13.9% -2.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Olympia

How much people earn in Olympia

The average annual household income in Olympia was $66,814 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.3% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Olympia
$66,814/year
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Olympia
$48,264/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Olympia income by age

In Olympia, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,212. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,864 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $24,869, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,889 in earnings. Overall, 57.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $24,869 21.9%
25 - 44 $75,212 6.4%
45 - 64 $68,864 -8.7%
Over 65 $40,889 -4.0%
Above poverty level
1,702
Below poverty level
1,271
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,702 57.2% 4.0%
Below poverty level 1,271 42.8% 8.3%

Employment in Olympia

Workforce and job types in Olympia

87.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 63.9% are employed by private companies, and 20.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,610
Blue collar
227
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,610 87.6% 3.8%
Blue collar 227 12.4% 6.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
63.9%
Governmental workers
20.7%
Not for profit companies
6.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 163 8.9% -3.5%
Private companies 1,175 63.9% 7.5%
Governmental workers 381 20.7% 1.3%
Not for profit companies 119 6.5% -6.3%

Transportation in Olympia

How people get around in Olympia

Commuting methods vary: 83.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 13.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,355 83.3% 1.1%
Taxicab 13 0.8% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 26 1.6% -16.1%
Railroad 3 0.2% 50.0%
Motorcycle 1 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 6 0.4% -40.0%
Walk 223 13.7% 20.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Olympia by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29201 24,605 10,410 $32,297 $60,842
29205 22,223 10,643 $64,231 $113,315

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FAQs about Olympia demographics 

What is the total population of Olympia?

Olympia has a total population of 3,464 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +5.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Olympia?

The gender ratio in Olympia is as follows:
  • 52.8% males (1,829 residents)
  • 47.2% females (1,636 residents)

What is the median age in Olympia?

The median age in Olympia is 27.

What is the age distribution of the population in Olympia?

The age distribution in Olympia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.8% (235 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 51.1% (1,772 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (825 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 10.3% (357 residents)
  • Over 65: 8% (276 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Olympia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Olympia is as follows:
  • White: 64.5% (2,236 residents)
  • Black or African American: 22.1% (766 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 5% (175 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (6 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.9% (170 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (111 residents)

What percentage of the population in Olympia are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.5% of the population in Olympia.

How many housing units are there in Olympia?

There are 1,908 housing units in Olympia, reflecting a +5.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Olympia and what is the average household size?

Olympia has a total of 1,500 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Olympia?

Olympia has a median household income of $48,264, representing a 0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Olympia?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.6% (1,610 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.4% (227 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (163 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.9% (1,175 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.7% (381 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.5% (119 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025