Greater Olympia, South Puget Sound, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
193,671
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$94,708/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
79,819
1.3% year-over-year change

Olympia population

How many people live in Olympia

Olympia is home to 193,671 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Olympia locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
193,671
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
95,803
Female
50.5%
97,868
Value Percent YoY change
Male 95,803 49.5% 1.0%
Female 97,868 50.5% 0.5%
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 17.8% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.5% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
28.5%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 34,385 17.8% -0.8%
15 to 24 21,307 11% 0.0%
25 to 44 55,213 28.5% 1.4%
45 to 64 47,560 24.6% -0.1%
Over 65 35,206 18.2% 2.8%
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, 89.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.8% of locals are Caucasian, 3.1% are African American and 5.5% have Asian roots. Another 1.2% are Indigenous American, 1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.3%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 173,811 89.8% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,062 7.3% 1.7%
Non-citizens 5,798 3% -8.3%
Racial breakdown
White
72.8%
Black or African American
3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
5.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1%
Two or more races
13.2%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 141,069 72.8%
Black or African American 6,048 3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,427 1.2%
Asian 10,594 5.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,896 1%
Two or more races 25,492 13.2%
Other 6,145 3.2%

Households in Olympia

A peek inside Olympia households

Olympia has 75,737 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67% are families, while the remaining 33% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
75,737
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
25,028
Family households
50,710
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 25,028 33% 1.8%
Family households 50,710 67% 1.0%
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 79,819 units, with 69% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.7% 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 9.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
79,819
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 55,084 69%
1 unit, attached 2,921 3.7%
2 units 1,635 2%
3 or 4 units 2,254 2.8%
5 to 9 units 2,565 3.2%
10 to 19 units 2,486 3.1%
20 to 49 units 1,746 2.2%
50 or more units 2,858 3.6%
Mobile home 7,797 9.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 472 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
1,786
119.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Olympia

In Olympia, the median construction year is 1992. About 4.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,655 4.6% 1.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,971 2.5% 4.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,696 3.4% 6.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,858 6.1% -8.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 11,914 14.9% -0.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 11,318 14.2% -1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 14,854 18.6% -0.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 16,519 20.7% 1.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10,247 12.8% 1.2%
Built in 2020 or later 1,786 2.2% 119.7%
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 75,737 occupied housing units in Olympia, 70.9% are owner-occupied, while 29.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
75,737
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
22,051
Owner occupied
53,686
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 22,051 29.1% 1.3%
Owner occupied 53,686 70.9% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.1%
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 $1,796 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,664.

Median housing costs per month
$1,796/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
$1,664/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 29.2% of the population in Olympia went to high school, while 24.3% pursued college studies. Another 11% earned an associate degree and 21.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,484 1.6% -0.5%
High school diploma 44,378 29.2% 0.7%
College diploma 37,049 24.3% -1.8%
Associate degree 16,704 11% -0.3%
Bachelor's degree 32,391 21.3% 3.6%
Graduate degree 19,190 12.6% 5.1%
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 $111,850 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $94,708, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Olympia
$111,850/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Olympia
$94,708/year
1.9% 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 $102,131. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $115,992 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $62,953, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $75,224 in earnings. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $62,953 -3.7%
25 - 44 $102,131 4.4%
45 - 64 $115,992 2.4%
Over 65 $75,224 1.3%
Above poverty level
172,232
Below poverty level
17,956
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 172,232 90.6% 0.9%
Below poverty level 17,956 9.4% -0.9%

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 40.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,357
Rent-to-income ratio
40.5%
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

80.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 53% are employed by private companies, and 29.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
71,125
Blue collar
17,145
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 71,125 80.6% 1.2%
Blue collar 17,145 19.4% -4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
53%
Governmental workers
29.6%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,962 9% -0.1%
Private companies 46,747 53% -1.6%
Governmental workers 26,170 29.6% 4.1%
Not for profit companies 7,390 8.4% -2.6%

Transportation in Olympia

How people get around in Olympia

In Olympia, the average commute time is 151 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
151 min
38.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 67,914 95.7% -3.0%
Taxicab 70 0.1% 4.5%
Bus or trolleybus 669 0.9% -24.2%
Railroad 60 0.1% -45.5%
Ferryboat 19 0% -17.4%
Motorcycle 103 0.2% -32.2%
Bicycle 275 0.4% -4.8%
Walk 1,880 2.6% 4.6%
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
98576 4,985 1,676 $104,896 $105,125
98579 14,048 5,023 $99,411 $107,846
98501 48,067 19,783 $97,198 $117,535
98502 35,398 14,791 $92,207 $115,390
98503 41,656 17,664 $89,002 $99,799
98506 18,497 8,610 $91,596 $110,532
98512 31,864 12,719 $101,530 $123,812
98513 38,017 13,657 $113,053 $131,358
98516 29,177 11,474 $98,892 $118,973
98530 619 222 $80,682 $86,560

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FAQs about Olympia demographics 

What is the total population of Olympia?

Olympia has a total population of 193,671 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:
  • 49.5% males (95,803 residents)
  • 50.5% females (97,868 residents)

What is the median age in Olympia?

The median age in Olympia is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Olympia?

The age distribution in Olympia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (34,385 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (21,307 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.5% (55,213 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (47,560 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.2% (35,206 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Olympia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Olympia is as follows:
  • White: 72.8% (141,069 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.1% (6,048 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (2,427 residents)
  • Asian: 5.5% (10,594 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1% (1,896 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.2% (25,492 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (6,145 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.8% of the population in Olympia.

How many housing units are there in Olympia?

There are 79,819 housing units in Olympia, reflecting a +1.3% 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 75,737 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Olympia?

Olympia has a median household income of $94,708, representing a +1.9% 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: 80.6% (71,125 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.4% (17,145 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (7,962 residents)
  • Private companies: 53% (46,747 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 29.6% (26,170 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (7,390 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