What makes a place truly livable often comes down to a mix of affordability, schools, safety, and everyday quality of life — and in Thurston County, some communities are standing out more than others.
New 2026 rankings from Niche highlight the top communities in Thurston County based on those factors, using a mix of public data and resident feedback to evaluate where people are finding the best overall living experience.
No. 1: Olympia
Olympia ranks at the top with an overall grade of A-. The city, with a population of 55,951, offers an urban-suburban mix and a lifestyle centered around access to restaurants, parks, and a strong local culture.
Public schools earned an A grade, while nightlife and outdoor activities both scored highly, contributing to its appeal among young professionals.
However, affordability remains a challenge. Olympia received a C- grade for both housing and cost of living. The median home value is about $486,200, compared to the national average of $332,700, while median rent is around $1,599.
Median household income sits at $81,302, slightly above the national average.
No. 2: Tumwater
Tumwater follows closely with an overall grade of A. With a population of 26,956, the city offers a dense suburban feel, with most residents owning their homes and access to a range of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
The city scored well across several categories, including diversity (A), public schools (A-), and outdoor activities (A). Median home values are about $472,200, while median rent is $1,779. Median household income is $95,212, well above the national average.
Like much of the region, affordability is a concern. Tumwater received a C- grade for cost of living, reflecting ongoing pressure from housing and everyday expenses.
No. 3: Lacey
Lacey rounds out the top three with an overall grade of B+. The city has a population of 57,737 and offers a dense suburban environment, with a mix of families and young professionals.
Lacey earned strong marks for diversity (A), outdoor activities (A), and health and fitness (A-), while public schools were rated B+. Median home values are about $457,100, and median rent is $1,870, the highest among the three cities. Median household income is $90,625.
Housing and cost of living both received mid-range grades, reflecting a balance between accessibility and rising costs.
How Rankings Were Determined
The 2026 rankings from Niche are based on a weighted system that considers factors such as cost of living, housing, public schools, diversity, crime and safety, and job opportunities.
Cost of living and education levels each accounted for 12.5% of a community’s score, while housing and public schools were weighted at 10%. Additional factors — including nightlife, outdoor activities, health and fitness, and commute times — were also included, along with survey responses from residents about their overall experience.
Click here to view the complete Thurston County rankings on Niche.
Want more local news? Follow Puget Press Thurston County on Facebook.
