Olympia, Washington - State Capital

Olympia is Washington's capital city, home to 56,271 residents and a thriving Puget Sound community featuring the iconic State Capitol building with the tallest self-supporting masonry dome in North America.

Olympia at a Glance

Population

56,271

(2024 estimate)
Metro Area

302,912

(2024)
Capital Since

1853

Capitol Dome

287 Feet

(Tallest Masonry)

Overview

Olympia is Washington State's capital and cultural hub, strategically located at the southern end of Puget Sound where the Deschutes River meets saltwater. With 56,271 residents (2024) and a metro area exceeding 302,000, Olympia serves as the state's governmental center while maintaining its charm as a vibrant community. Declared the capital of Washington Territory in 1853, Olympia has been the sole capital throughout Washington's history. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild summers averaging 77°F and cool, wet winters, receiving 53 inches of annual rainfall—well above the national average.

Government & Capitol Campus

The Washington State Capitol Complex stands as Olympia's most distinctive architectural feature. The Legislative Building, constructed 1911-1928, features a 287-foot-high dome—the tallest self-supporting masonry dome in North America and fifth-tallest dome globally. Built from sandstone quarried in nearby Wilkeson, Washington, this neoclassical masterpiece was designed by architects Walter R. Wilder and Harry K. White. The dome rises from a 30.8-million-pound structure of brick and concrete, representing a remarkable feat of engineering. The Capitol Campus also includes the Governor's Mansion (open for scheduled tours), the Temple of Justice, and several veterans memorials honoring service members. Free walking tours of the Legislative Building are offered daily (Monday-Friday: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.; weekends/holidays: 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.), lasting approximately 50 minutes and departing from the Tour Information Desk on the second floor.

Museums & Cultural Attractions

Olympia boasts a rich cultural scene with multiple museums and galleries. The Hands On Children's Museum features 28,000 square feet of interactive exhibits across eight themed galleries, plus a half-acre Outdoor Discovery Center with beach, garden, and lighthouse lookout. The State Capital Museum, housed in the historic Lord Mansion, preserves Washington's history across two floors of exhibits. Additional museums include the WET Science Center for hands-on water exploration, Bigelow House and Museum (Olympia's oldest residence), and Crosby House Museum featuring one of Washington's oldest wood-frame structures. The Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance Museum serves as a vibrant cultural convergence space. Art enthusiasts will find numerous galleries including Gallery Boom and Splash Gallery of Olympia throughout the downtown historic district, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2004 and encompasses 17 blocks with 51 contributing historic properties.

Parks, Recreation & Natural Attractions

Olympia's outdoor recreation opportunities are exceptional. Percival Landing Park features a 0.9-mile scenic boardwalk along Budd Bay on southern Puget Sound, complete with picnic areas and a striking carved Orca sculpture. Capitol Lake offers a 1.7-mile loop trail providing downtown views and water recreation, connecting to Percival Landing through the North Oval property with its popular interactive fountain. The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, located just 10 miles south of downtown, spans 4,500 acres with miles of boardwalks and trails where visitors can observe over 275 migratory bird species, watch salmon spawning, and encounter deer and river otters. Additional parks include Capitol Lake Park for hiking and biking, and the scenic Puget Sound waterfront providing excellent recreation and scenic beauty with Mount Rainier visible on the eastern horizon.

Downtown Culture, Dining & Shopping

Downtown Olympia houses over 450 businesses in a vibrant urban center featuring unique independent shops, acclaimed restaurants, galleries, theaters, and music venues. The culinary scene offers diverse options including waterfront dining at Olympia Oyster House and Anthony's Hearthfire Grill with lake views, international cuisines ranging from Cuban and Korean to Vietnamese and French patisseries, and specialty breweries like Well 80 Brewhouse. The 222 Market serves as an artisanal hub with multiple restaurants and shops. Unique shopping includes vintage stores, record shops, boutiques, outdoor gear retailers, family-owned businesses like Compass Rose jewelry and Ember Goods adventure apparel. The Olympia Farmers Market hosts over 100 vendors selling produce, crafts, and artisanal foods daily with live music. Cultural experiences include regular performances at five theaters, bi-annual Arts Walk celebrations, murals throughout the city, and the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. State Street connects the Capitol Square to surrounding attractions, creating a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

Education & Employment

Olympia serves as an educational hub with The Evergreen State College, a four-year public university known for innovative interdisciplinary programs where students design their own course combinations. South Puget Sound Community College provides comprehensive degrees and certificates. The Olympia School District serves 9,556 students in grades PK-12 with strong academic performance—65% proficiency in reading and 52% in mathematics statewide. Olympia High School stands out as the top-ranked public high school with 88% reading and 63% math proficiency rates. Government is the dominant employment sector with 43,623 jobs in Thurston County—nearly three times larger than the next industry. Other major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (16,427 jobs), retail trade, accommodation and food services, and professional/technical services. The economy grew at 3.58% annually from 2022-2023, employing 27,200 people. Top occupational groups include office and administrative support (12.4%), business and financial operations (11.1%), and food preparation/serving (7.9%).

Climate & Cost of Living

Olympia enjoys a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with mild, dry summers and cool, wet winters. July averages reach 77°F with only 6 days exceeding 90°F annually, while January lows average 34°F with 62 nights of below-freezing temperatures. The city receives 53 inches of annual rainfall but just 6 inches of snow. The median household income stands at $76,930 (2023), with 71.5% White, 10.3% Hispanic, and 6.5% Asian populations. The cost of living index is 113.8 (13.8% above national average), with housing and utilities varying in affordability. Olympia offers one of the most reasonable cost-of-living options in the Greater Seattle area, with median age of 39.2 years and 8.21% foreign-born residents.

FAQ

Olympia was declared the capital of Washington Territory in 1853 and has remained the capital through statehood to the present day, making it Washington's only capital throughout the state's entire history.

The Legislative Building's 287-foot dome is the tallest self-supporting masonry dome in North America and the fifth-tallest dome in the world. Built 1911-1928 from Wilkeson sandstone and weighing 30.8 million pounds, it represents a remarkable engineering achievement and neoclassical architectural masterpiece designed by Walter R. Wilder and Harry K. White.

Yes, free walking tours of the Legislative Building are offered daily, typically lasting 50 minutes. Weekday tours run at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., while weekend and holiday tours are at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Tours depart on a first-come, first-served basis from the Tour Information Desk on the second floor.

Families enjoy the Hands On Children's Museum with 28,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, the WET Science Center for water exploration, Henry Vilas Zoo features (if visiting nearby Madison), Percival Landing Park's boardwalk and Orca sculpture, and the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge where children can spot birds, deer, and salmon. Monona Terrace and local parks offer additional family-friendly recreation.

Olympia offers extensive outdoor recreation including the 1.7-mile Capitol Lake trail loop, 0.9-mile Percival Landing boardwalk with scenic bay views, the 4,500-acre Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge with hiking trails, parks along the Puget Sound waterfront, and connections to regional hiking and water recreation. Mount Rainier is visible on the eastern horizon, providing stunning scenic backdrop.

Olympia's cost of living index is 113.8, approximately 13.8% above the national average, making it one of the most affordable options in the Greater Seattle metropolitan area. The median household income is $76,930, with housing 11-22% above national average, though utilities are about 7% below average. Renting requires approximately $45,000 annual income, while homebuying requires $70,000 annually.

Olympia is served by The Evergreen State College, a four-year public university with innovative interdisciplinary programs, South Puget Sound Community College offering degrees and certificates, and the Olympia School District with 9,556 students. Olympia High School ranks as the district's top public school with 88% reading and 63% math proficiency rates. The median age of 39.2 years reflects a relatively mature population.

Olympia has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with mild, dry summers averaging 77°F in July (only 6 days exceed 90°F annually) and cool, wet winters averaging 34°F in January with 62 freezing nights. The city receives 53 inches of annual rainfall—well above the national average of 38 inches—but minimal snowfall averaging just 6 inches yearly.

Related Resources

Last updated on November 24, 2025