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
In Thurston County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $451,500. With 296,640 residents, Thurston County is a county in Washington. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Washington in the country, at #6 by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $93,985, putting Thurston County near the top of US counties. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.5%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $451,500, with typical rent around $1,634.
College attainment is above the local norm at 37.2%, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 17.3% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Thurston County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
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.
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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.