Thurston County, situated in the southwest of Washington state, boasts the sixth-largest population in the region and spans across 774 square miles. Its principal city, Olympia, serves as both the county seat and the state capital, acting as the cultural and economic nucleus of the area.
Thurston County is a diverse blend of urban and rural living, offering its residents and visitors a medley of natural beauty, historic landmarks, cultural events, and recreational opportunities.
However, it is not without its challenges, particularly concerning crime and safety. Several neighborhoods within the county grapple with higher rates of violent and property crime, necessitating vigilance among their inhabitants and visitors alike.
With access to the latest crime statistics from sources such as the FBI, we have compiled a list of the five most precarious neighborhoods in Thurston County, Washington. These neighborhoods stand out for their elevated rates of violent and property crimes per capita, making them less secure for both residents and tourists. The neighborhoods are ranked from the less to the more dangerous areas, based on their crime rates.
5. Grand Mound
Grand Mound, a census-designated place (CDP) in the southern part of Thurston County, is situated along Interstate 5. Home to around 2,700 residents, the median household income in Grand Mound hovers at $54,000, slightly below the county average of $55,000. Despite being known for attractions like the Great Wolf Lodge resort, the Lucky Eagle Casino, and the Chehalis Tribal Center, Grand Mound contends with a higher crime rate compared to other areas within the county.
As per the Thurston County Crime Map, Grand Mound reported 162 crimes in 2020, resulting in a crime rate of 60 incidents per 1,000 residents. Among these crimes, 12 were violent offenses (equating to 4.4 per 1,000 residents), and 150 were property crimes (55.6 per 1,000). Notably, Grand Mound’s crime rate exceeds the county average of 31.2 crimes per 1,000 residents.
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4. Rochester
Rochester, situated in the southwestern part of Thurston County along Highway 12, houses roughly 2,400 residents with a median household income of $47,000, significantly lower than the county average. This low-income neighborhood grapples with challenges such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang activity.
Rochester also experiences a notably high crime rate when compared to other parts of the county. In 2020, Rochester reported 156 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 65 incidents per 1,000 residents. Of these, 13 were violent crimes (5.4 per 1,000), and 143 were property crimes (59.6 per 1,000). Rochester’s crime rate stands at more than double the county average of 31.2 incidents per 1,000 residents.
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3. Tanglewilde
Tanglewilde, a CDP located in the northeast part of Thurston County bordering Lacey to the south and east, boasts approximately 6,000 residents and a median household income of $51,000, just slightly below the county average. This suburban region comprises single-family homes, apartments, mobile homes, and some commercial areas along its main thoroughfares.
Tanglewilde, however, contends with a high crime rate compared to other parts of the county. According to the Thurston County Crime Map, Tanglewilde recorded 413 crimes in 2020, resulting in a crime rate of 68.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. Among these, 36 were violent crimes (6 per 1,000), while 377 were property crimes (62.8 per 1,000). Tanglewilde’s crime rate exceeds double the county average of 31.2 crimes per 1,000 residents.
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2. Yelm
Yelm, a city in southeastern Thurston County along Highway 507, houses around 7,000 residents with a median household income of $53,000, slightly below the county average. Yelm is a burgeoning city boasting new developments, businesses, schools, and parks.
However, it grapples with a high crime rate compared to other parts of the county. In 2020, Yelm reported 487 crimes, resulting in a crime rate of 69.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. Among these, 40 were violent crimes (5.7 per 1,000), and 447 were property crimes (63.9 per 1,000). Yelm’s crime rate stands at more than double the county average of 31.2 crimes per 1,000 residents.
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1. Olympia
Olympia, as the county seat and the largest city in Thurston County, also serves as the state capital. With a population of approximately 51,000 residents and a median household income of $58,000 (slightly above the county average), Olympia offers a vibrant atmosphere replete with cultural and recreational amenities, including museums, theaters, festivals, parks, and trails.
Regrettably, Olympia also boasts the highest crime rate in the county. As per the Thurston County Crime Map, Olympia reported a staggering 3,479 crimes in 2020, culminating in a crime rate of 68.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. Among these, 243 were violent crimes (4.8 per 1,000), and 3,236 were property crimes (63.4 per 1,000). Olympia’s crime rate stands at more than double the county average of 31.2 crimes per 1,000 residents.
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Conclusion
These neighborhoods represent the five most precarious areas in Thurston County, Washington, predicated on the most recent crime data available. Despite their positive attributes and potential for improvement, they pose significant risks and challenges for both residents and visitors. Consequently, individuals residing in or visiting these neighborhoods should exercise vigilance, maintain awareness, and minimize exposure to potential crime and violence.