City Profile
Olympia, Washington
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Olympia, Washington, the state capital, is a vibrant city nestled at the southern tip of Puget Sound. Known for its stunning natural beauty, including views of the water and mountains, Olympia offers a unique blend of urban amenities and a small-town feel. The city attracts residents with its relaxed yet engaged atmosphere, strong sense of community, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. It's a place where skilled craftsmen, from chefs and coffee roasters to brewers and vintners, thrive, contributing to a rich local culture.
Olympia's history is deeply intertwined with its role as the state capital, which provides a stable employment base in government. The city's commitment to education is also a draw, with highly-rated public schools and various educational opportunities. People are drawn to Olympia for its desirable lifestyle, which offers a balance between career opportunities and a high quality of life, all without the exorbitant costs often found in larger West Coast cities.
Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Olympia, WA, is notably higher than the national average, sitting at 13% to 13.2% above it. Housing is a primary driver of these elevated costs, being 17.3% to 23% more expensive than the national average. While utilities are slightly less expensive than the national average, other categories like transportation (26.7% to 28.4% higher), healthcare (19% to 25.3% higher), and groceries (6.2% to 13.6% higher) contribute to the overall higher cost of living.
Despite being more expensive than the national average, Olympia is considered more affordable compared to other major cities in Washington like Seattle and Bellevue. The Consumer Price Index for the Seattle area, which includes Olympia, was up 4.3% year-over-year in February 2024, with housing and medical care seeing the most significant increases. This indicates a competitive market where residents need to budget carefully for essential expenses.
Income
Salary Insights
Olympia's job market benefits significantly from its status as the state capital, with state and local government being major employers. The city offers ample job opportunities, contributing to a healthy employment score. The average annual household income in Olympia was $98,686 in 2024, reflecting a 2.3% increase from the previous year, while the median household income stood at $81,302, a 5.7% shift over the same period.
The unemployment rate in Olympia was 4.6% in April 2026. While specific growth sectors are not explicitly detailed, the city's focus on skilled craftsmanship, from culinary arts to brewing, suggests a thriving local business scene. The presence of a strong community and a desirable lifestyle also contributes to a stable workforce and attracts professionals seeking a balanced work-life environment.
The average salary in Olympia is $98,686 per year. You would need approximately $87,000 to live comfortably.
Employment
Top Industries
Weather
Climate
Mobility
Transport
Getting around Olympia primarily involves driving, as the city has a walk score of 39, indicating it is car-dependent. The average commute time for residents is 20 minutes. While public transportation options exist, with a transit score of 35, they are somewhat limited, with most bus and rail stations located in specific zip codes.
For those who prefer cycling, Olympia has a bike score of 59, suggesting some infrastructure for biking. Despite the car-dependent nature, the city's commitment to walkability is noted, and an elevated score in the commute category points to shorter-than-average work commute times.
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