Thurston County, Washington

Thurston County is a county located in the State of Washington. As of 2000, the population is 207,355.

Geography

The county has a total area of 2,004 km² (774 mi²). 1,883 km² (727 mi²) of it is land and 121 km² (47 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 6.03% water.

Geographic Features

• Nisqually River
• Puget Sound

Major Highways

• Interstate 5
• United States Highway 12
• United States Highway 101

Adjacent Counties

• Pierce County, Washington - northeast
• Lewis County, Washington - south
• Grays Harbor County, Washington - south/southwest
• Mason County, Washington - west/northwest

Demographics

As of 2000, there are 207,355 people, 81,625 households, and 54,933 families residing in the county. The population density is 110/km² (285/mi²). There are 86,652 housing units at an average density of 46 persons/km² (119 persons/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 85.66% White, 2.35% African American, 1.52% Native American, 4.41% Asian, 0.52% Pacific Islander, 1.69% from other races, and 3.85% from two or more races. 4.53% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 81,625 households out of which 33.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.10% are married couples living together, 10.30% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 32.70% are non-families. 25.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.50 and the average family size is 2.99.

In the county, the population is spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 29.30% from 25 to 44, 24.60% from 45 to 64, and 11.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 96.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $46,975, and the median income for a family is $55,027. Males have a median income of $40,521 versus $30,368 for females. The per capita income for the county is $22,415. 8.80% of the population and 5.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.80% are under the age of 18 and 5.00% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Bucoda
• Grand Mound
• Lacey
• Nisqually Indian Community
• North Yelm
• Olympia
• Rainier
• Rochester
• Tanglewilde-Thompson Place
• Tenino
• Tumwater
• Yelm

See also: list of Washington counties