Olympia, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
55,951
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,302/yr
5.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
26,795
1.4% year-over-year change

Olympia population

How many people live in Olympia

Olympia is home to 55,951 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Olympia locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
55,951
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
27,147
Female
51.5%
28,804
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,147 48.5% -0.2%
Female 28,804 51.5% 1.5%
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 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.5% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.3% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.5%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
31.3%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,575 13.5% -2.2%
15 to 24 6,711 12% -3.4%
25 to 44 17,521 31.3% -1.0%
45 to 64 13,104 23.4% 2.9%
Over 65 11,040 19.7% 5.5%
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, 90% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.3% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 6.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.9%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 50,328 90% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,843 6.9% -6.7%
Non-citizens 1,780 3.2% 5.0%
Racial breakdown
White
74.3%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
6.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
12%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 41,593 74.3%
Black or African American 1,692 3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 509 0.9%
Asian 3,843 6.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 224 0.4%
Two or more races 6,709 12%
Other 1,381 2.5%

Households in Olympia

A peek inside Olympia households

Olympia has 25,451 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.3% are families, while the remaining 48.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
25,451
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,397
Family households
13,054
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,397 48.7% 0.3%
Family households 13,054 51.3% 2.1%
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 26,795 units, with 52.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.4% 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 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
26,795
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,002 52.3%
1 unit, attached 1,447 5.4%
2 units 1,009 3.8%
3 or 4 units 1,237 4.6%
5 to 9 units 1,421 5.3%
10 to 19 units 2,423 9%
20 to 49 units 1,722 6.4%
50 or more units 2,872 10.7%
Mobile home 581 2.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 81 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
458
98.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Olympia

In Olympia, the median construction year is 1982. About 11.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,108 11.6% 7.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,822 6.8% 1.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,704 6.4% -10.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,007 7.5% -5.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,089 15.3% -1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,511 13.1% 4.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,917 14.6% -0.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,006 11.2% 13.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,173 11.8% -5.8%
Built in 2020 or later 458 1.7% 98.3%
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 25,451 occupied housing units in Olympia, 49.8% are owner-occupied, while 50.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
25,451
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,766
Owner occupied
12,685
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,766 50.2% 0.2%
Owner occupied 12,685 49.8% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.0%
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 $1,692 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,599.

Median housing costs per month
$1,692/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
$1,599/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 22.9% of the population in Olympia went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 29.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 522 1.1% -9.8%
High school diploma 10,521 22.9% 6.4%
College diploma 9,038 19.6% -5.5%
Associate degree 3,870 8.4% -9.4%
Bachelor's degree 13,449 29.2% 1.2%
Graduate degree 8,592 18.7% 11.7%
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 $98,686 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,302, reflecting a +5.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Olympia
$98,686/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Olympia
$81,302/year
5.7% 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 $89,449. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,678 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,513, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,496 in earnings. Overall, 86% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,513 4.5%
25 - 44 $89,449 8.3%
45 - 64 $95,678 -2.5%
Over 65 $66,496 9.8%
Above poverty level
47,028
Below poverty level
7,649
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 47,028 86% 1.5%
Below poverty level 7,649 14% -4.7%

Average renter income in Olympia

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Olympia, their median household income was $49,357 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,357
Rent-to-income ratio
38.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Olympia

Workforce and job types in Olympia

The job market in Olympia is powered by 27,259 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 46.5% are employed by private companies, and 32.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
27,259
0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
23,950
Blue collar
3,309
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 23,950 87.9% 1.6%
Blue collar 3,309 12.1% -7.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
46.5%
Governmental workers
32.9%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,425 8.9% 0.0%
Private companies 12,677 46.5% -1.5%
Governmental workers 8,962 32.9% 9.0%
Not for profit companies 3,195 11.7% -12.5%
Unemployment rate
7.3%
5.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Olympia stands at 7.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Olympia

How people get around in Olympia

Commuting methods vary: 65.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.9% 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 17,727 65.6% -7.5%
Taxicab 41 0.2% 20.6%
Bus or trolleybus 407 1.5% -23.9%
Subway or elevated 41 0.2% N/A
Railroad 25 0.1% -30.6%
Ferryboat 46 0.2% -14.8%
Motorcycle 52 0.2% -53.1%
Bicycle 301 1.1% 11.5%
Walk 1,332 4.9% 10.8%
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
98501 48,067 19,783 $97,198 $117,535
98502 35,398 14,791 $92,207 $115,390
98506 18,497 8,610 $91,596 $110,532

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FAQs about Olympia demographics 

What is the total population of Olympia?

Olympia has a total population of 55,951 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Olympia?

The gender ratio in Olympia is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (27,147 residents)
  • 51.5% females (28,804 residents)

What is the median age in Olympia?

The median age in Olympia is 40.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Olympia?

The age distribution in Olympia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.5% (7,575 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (6,711 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.3% (17,521 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (13,104 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (11,040 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Olympia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Olympia is as follows:
  • White: 74.3% (41,593 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (1,692 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (509 residents)
  • Asian: 6.9% (3,843 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (224 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12% (6,709 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (1,381 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90% of the population in Olympia.

How many housing units are there in Olympia?

There are 26,795 housing units in Olympia, reflecting a +1.4% 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 25,451 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Olympia?

Olympia has a median household income of $81,302, representing a +5.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Olympia?

The employment rate is 92.7% in Olympia, with a workforce of 27,259 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.9% (23,950 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.1% (3,309 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (2,425 residents)
  • Private companies: 46.5% (12,677 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 32.9% (8,962 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (3,195 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