Thurston County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in Washington
The population of Thurston County, Washington is 296,640 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $93,985, the median home value is $451,500, and the median age is 39.8.
The population of Thurston County has grown 19.7% since 2010 (253,011 → 302,912), a +1.29% annualized rate.
296,640
Population
+1.29%
Annual growth
411
People / sq mi
$93,985
Median Income
$451,500
Median Home Value
Thurston County covers 723 sq mi of land at 410.6 people per square mile.
About Thurston County, WA
Thurston County is a county in Washington with a population of 296,640. It ranks #6 among counties in Washington by population. The median age is 39.8, in line with the national median. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The median household income in Thurston County is $93,985, above the US median of $74,580. 6.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $451,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,634. The homeownership rate of 67.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Thurston County reflects 37.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 17.3% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.3 minutes each way.
Thurston County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Thurston County had a population of 253,011 in 2010 and 302,912 in 2024, a 19.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 302,912 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.30%.
302,912
Population (2024)
253,011
Population (2010)
302,912
Peak (2024)
1.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 253,011 |
| 2011 | 256,439 |
| 2012 | 258,613 |
| 2013 | 261,976 |
| 2014 | 265,071 |
| 2015 | 268,175 |
| 2016 | 273,827 |
| 2017 | 280,255 |
| 2018 | 285,672 |
| 2019 | 289,661 |
| 2020 | 296,018 |
| 2021 | 298,241 |
| 2022 | 298,645 |
| 2023 | 299,519 |
| 2024 | 302,912 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 74.1% |
| Black or African American | 3.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
39.8
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
18.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $93,985$-967 vs state |
| Mean household income | $111,383 |
| Per-capita income | $44,646 |
| Poverty rate | 6.5%+0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Thurston County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.4%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
69.2%
Public transit
17.3%
Work from home
26.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$451,500$-68,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,634
Median rent
67.8%
Homeownership rate
123,333
Total housing units
95.0%
Occupied
5.0%
Vacant
32.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
96.9%
With broadband internet
43.0%
Foreign-born
12.9%
Veterans (18+)
15.2%
With a disability
87.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.5%
High School+
37.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Thurston County, Washington has a population of 296,640 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in Washington. Population density is 411 people per square mile.
The population of Thurston County has grown 19.7% since 2010 (253,011 → 302,912), a +1.29% annualized rate.
The median household income in Thurston County, Washington is $93,985, with mean (average) household income of $111,383 and per-capita income of $44,646. 6.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Thurston County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (74.1%), Hispanic or Latino (3.5%), Black or African American (3.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Thurston County, Washington is 39.8 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Thurston County is $451,500 and median monthly rent is $1,634. 67.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 123,333 total housing units, 5.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Thurston County, Washington is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with Thurston County, Washington, with a population of 741,440.
More from Washington
Population 2,262,713
Population 924,106
Population 834,648
Population 544,323
Full rankings of Washington counties
Statewide data for Washington
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Washington
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.