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.
Thurston County, WA Climate
Thurston County, WA has an average annual temperature of 10.4°C (51°F) and receives about 1269 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.4°C
Avg Temp
1269
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 189 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 150 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 129 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 93 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 58 mm |
| June | 15° / 59° | 46 mm |
| July | 18° / 64° | 21 mm |
| August | 18° / 64° | 30 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 53 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 103 mm |
| November | 6° / 44° | 198 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 199 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Thurston County, WA
The most comfortable months to visit Thurston County, WA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 25°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Thurston County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.