Areas We Serve

LACEY

Established in 1891, Lacey is one of Puget Sound’s most livable and economically vibrant communities. Whether you’re searching for an optimal location to establish or expand your business; longing for that “Pacific Northwest experience” in which to live or raise a family; or seeking a mild climate and outstanding services for retirement, Lacey is a perfect fit.

Residents enjoy the highest median household income of any city or town in Thurston County. Known for its quiet, safe neighborhoods, the community’s crime rate is about one-half that of similarly sized cities in western Washington. Excellent waterfront- and golf course-living opportunities are found here, with urban-style townhomes presenting another popular option.

Nearly 20 percent of the community has been designated for parks and open space. With five freshwater lakes, the sparkling waters of Puget Sound, four outstanding golf courses, miles of walking and bicycle paths and the adjacent 3,700-acre Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, outdoor recreation opportunities are virtually unlimited.

The city also holds the distinction of being an official EPA “Green Power Community” due to its commitment to green power use – one of the first in the nation.

A wide array of community events, including an outdoor summer concert series, old-fashioned county fair, Capital Food and Wine Festival, Dixieland Jazz Festival and Lacey Spring Fun Fair, appeal to residents and visitors of all ages.

Students attending North Thurston Public Schools are among the most academically successful in the region, garnering state Board of Education “Top Performing Schools” designations, as well as mentions in Newsweek magazine. And in the center of the city’s downtown district, the pristine 300-acre campus of historic Saint Martin’s University offers quiet respite; the sound of the adjoining monastery’s bells often waft through the forested setting.

It’s no wonder business enterprises from around the country have taken notice of Lacey’s high quality of life – and economic development has flourished as a result. Six times over the last decade, quarterly employment growth within the city and adjacent metro area has ranked within the top 15% of the nation’s 325 largest metropolitan counties.

City of Lacey
(360) 491-3214
420 College St. SE
Lacey, WA 98503
www.ci.lacey.wa.us

OLYMPIA

As Washington State’s capital city, Olympia is the financial, cultural and economic center of south Puget Sound. National polls consistently rank Olympia at or near the top for livability. Currently, Olympia is:

  • Ranked by Sperling’s Best Places as the most secure mid-sized metro area.
  • Listed as a Top 10 small city for health and wellness on the Gallup Well-Being Index.
  • One of 10 great public spaces in 2010 for the Percival Landing Boardwalk.

You will find that Olympia is impacted by a number of industries including health care and is the seat of state government; transportation access from Interstate 5 and State Route 101; an active waterfront port and marine terminal; local and national transit centers; and convenient access to rail lines. Olympia has a stable council-manager government structure with only three city managers since 1982. Olympia’s seven-member city council has adopted an action-oriented agenda, and in partnership with other local agencies, is investing over $100 million in waterfront and downtown public projects.

Olympians take pride in the community’s visual beauty and livability. In 2011, the city received its 18th designation as a Tree City USA. A system of walking, biking and hiking trails provide a convenient commute and leisure access within the city and throughout the greater area. The quality of Olympia’s aquifer-fed, municipally-operated water utility exceeds state and federal standards.

From wildlife habitats to playground and ball fields, the City of Olympia manages 40 parks totaling nearly 1,000 acres of property. And art comes alive in Olympia with more performing and visual art venues per capita than any other city in Washington State.

City of Olympia
(360) 753-8325
P.O. Box 1967
Olympia, WA 98507-1967
www.olympiawa.gov

TUMWATER

Tumwater, known as Washington’s First Community, was the starting point for further American settlements at Olympia, Seattle, Whidbey Island and other points on Puget Sound. It was from Puget Sound that the movement to divide Oregon grew, resulting in the creation of the Washington Territory in 1853.

The city’s early growth and development were greatly influenced by the close proximity to the power generating falls of the Deschutes River, nearby salt water access for transportation and communication, and abundance of timber in the area. The town developed on the lands around the mouth of the river, and homes and sawmills sprang up along its banks above the original settlement. The current Tumwater Brewery District Plan was created with four goals in mind:

  1. To create a stronger sense of place by facilitating pedestrian access, establishing gathering places for residents and fostering a distinct District identity

2. To improve transportation options, safety and access within and across the District

3. To expand economic opportunity and activity

4. To improve the function and appearance of the built environment

Tumwater is the third-largest city in Thurston County with an official population of 24,040, covering over 14.5 square miles.

City of Tumwater
(360) 754-5855
555 Israel Rd.
Tumwater, WA 98501
www.ci.tumwater.wa.us

YELM

Yelm stands out among the most-livable cities in Thurston County– highly attractive and affordable. The quality of life remains as energizing and vital today as it was 150 years ago when settlers first arrived in the Nisqually Valley. Successful partnerships and community cooperation, individually and together, make the greater Yelm community strong and vibrant. Progressive- and community-minded leaders plan and shape this dynamic and exciting city where many opportunities exist.

Yelm offers safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, great schools, fabulous parks, family-oriented community celebrations and a vast array of business, employment and volunteer opportunities. Residents enjoy spectacular views of Mount Rainier from nearly every place in the city. Yelm is a recognized Tree City USA city for 15 consecutive years and holds the largest Arbor Day celebration in the state, as well as hosting a diverse urban forest of beautifully vital and colorful street trees.

The city has thoughtfully invested in infrastructure upgrades over the past decade, creating new roads and parks, and also expanding the water system. Increased economic opportunities, availability of retail goods and services, proximity to military installations and an abundance of recreation options are why many people have chosen to make Yelm their new hometown. An engaged, proactive business community and local service organizations work together to enhance and help maintain the exceptional quality of life experienced by our residents and our neighbors.

Yelm has become the center of commerce for south Thurston and southeast Pierce counties, with a daily service area of over 30,000 people. Walkable and beautiful, Yelm blends the past with the future to create a sense of history – mixing potential and hope in the present. Learning about the colorful characters who shaped Yelm and the surrounding prairie is easy at the Yelm Historical Museum. The Longmire Park athletic complex addresses the needs of our new and future generations. Built for young ball players, families and others, the park is a shining addition to the community and a prime spot for mountain viewing. Yelm’s Public Safety Building and Emergency Operations Center enhances public safety programs and court services, and provides state-of-the-art police services and emergency/disaster operations.

Other city services include a municipal water system and Washington’s first reclaimed-water treatment facilities. Reclaimed water is used for irrigation and provides water for a public catch-and-release pond at Cochrane Memorial Park, near the city enter. Yelm city employees are professional, efficient and provide exceptional service in every department. Residents can expect to be treated with courtesy and respect.

Off the beaten track, Yelm is within driving distance of all the major metropolitan areas of western Washington. We invite you to discover Yelm, where we meet challenges with creative solutions to strengthen the fabric of our community and sustain our quality of life. Yelm is a great city to live, work and play.

City of Yelm
(360) 458-3244
105 Yelm Ave. W
Yelm, WA 98597
www.ci.yelm.wa.us

THURSTON COUNTY

Thurston County, Washington, is 738 square miles situated at the southern end of Puget Sound between the Olympic Peninsula and Mount Rainier, in between Portland and Seattle. The county has a moderate climate, typically without extreme temperatures. The average high is 63 degrees F and the average low is 42 degrees F. The rainfall is enough that the area stays green and beautiful year-round.

Unincorporated Thurston County is about 612 square miles from Lewis County to the south, up to the three major cities of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. In between, you can find a variety of neighborhoods from the very modern to the more rural and rustic.

If you want urban amenities, there is a neighborhood for that. If you want isolation and Mother Nature all around, you can find that as well. There are several tidy cities and towns in the rural areas including Tenino, Rainier and Bucoda. There is also the booming area of Rochester and Grand Mound.

Thurston County boasts a wide array of recreational activities including three county parks. Burfoot and Frye Cove parks are pristine slices of nature, both situated on the salt water along Puget Sound. Kenneydell Park features a swimming area at fresh water Black Lake. The Chehalis Western Recreational Trail winds through spectacular scenery from the south county to the urban centers to the north.

Thurston County
(360) 754-3800
2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW
Olympia, WA 98502
www.co.thurston.wa.us


Thurston County Statistical Profile

FACTS & STATS

The source for all statistical information that follows is The Profile, published annually by the Thurston Regional Planning Council. For additional data on Thurston County, contact the council at (360) 956-7575 or visit www.trpc.org.

POPULATION

Thurston County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in Washington State since the 1960s, exceeding the state’s overall rate of growth consistently.

For Thurston County, population growth has little to do with increased rates of birth. Instead, the majority of population increase has been due to the migration of people into the county. It is the result of a relatively stable economy, high quality of life, and a lower cost of living than in counties to the north.

CLIMATE

Thurston County is located at the southern tip of Puget Sound and is known for its fair-weather summers and gray, wet winters. Locals recognize that this balance is responsible for the acclaimed beauty of this region. The mild, marine-type climate allows for outdoor activities including biking, hiking, gardening and boating year-round.

Like most of western Washington, Thurston County’s weather is characterized by sunny summers and wet winters.

Normal Weather Averages*
Temp. High/Low °F          Precipitation             Snow
January 45.9° / 33.7° 7.84” 1.9”
February 49.3° / 32.8° 5.27” 4.7”
March 53.9° / 35.1° 5.29” 0.7”
April 58.9° / 37.7° 3.54” 0.0”
May 65.3° / 43.1° 2.33” 0.0”
June 70.6° / 47.6° 1.76” 0.0”
July 76.8° / 50.8° 0.63” 0.0”
August 77.7° / 50.5° 0.94” 0.0”
September 71.8° / 46.0° 1.71” 0.0”
October 60.2° / 40.5° 4.60” 0.0”
November 50.2° / 36.4° 8.63” 0.9”
December 44.2° / 32.6° 7.46” 2.6”
Yearly 60.5° / 40.6° 50” 0.8”

*Statistical averages from data collected 1981 to 2010


Finding Your Home in Thurston County

Finding Your Home in Thurston County

Thurston County enjoys a stable real estate market with growing commercial, industrial and retail segments, and a residential sector that offers a variety of affordable housing and rental options. Visitors often ask about where they should look to purchase a home in Thurston County. This question is hard to answer when living in such a diverse, yet close-knit community such as the Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater area. Neighborhoods vary from each other in many ways and often will even differ from street to street in some cases. It is a matter of location and personal preference when seeking a home, and a decision that only homeowners can make.

When searching for a home in Thurston County, the best way to look is through a professional. To locate a real estate agent or contractor that is right for you, check out the Buyer’s Guide in the back of this publication.

AVERAGE HOME SALE PRICE IN THURSTON COUNTY
1-2 bedroom  |  $291,745
3 bedroom  |  $322,483
4 bedroom  |  $387,985
5+ bedroom  |  $442,726

AVERAGE RENT IN THURSTON COUNTY
1 bedroom  |  $1,124
2 bedroom  |  $1,212
Average of all rentals  |  $1,205


Employment, Wages and Income

WORKING HERE

Throughout its history, the economy of Thurston County has been dependent on many industries. The Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater region is firmly established with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, timber, state government, local schools, medical facilities  and a variety of commercial activities.

NEED HELP FINDING QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES?

Career Quest  (360) 427-7300
2026 Olympic Hwy. N, Ste. 201
Shelton, WA 98584

Express Employment
Professionals
  (360) 357-7195
1120 Harrison Ave. NW
Olympia, WA 98502
www.expresspros.com

Morningside  (360) 943-0512
P.O. Box 7936, 809 Legion Way SE
Olympia, WA 98507

Pacific Mountain Workforce
Development Council
  (360) 704-3568
1570 Irving St. SW
Tumwater, WA 98512

WorkSource Business
Services
  (360) 704-3581
809 Legion Way SE
Olympia, WA 98501
www.co.thurston.wa.us

WorkSource
Thurston County
(360) 704-3600
1570 Irving St. SW
Tumwater, WA 98512
www.co.thurston.wa.us

For complimentary assistance with workforce development needs, contact WorkSource Thurston County’s Business Services Team.

The WorkSource team members are workforce experts ready to assist with recruitment, online job posting, pre-screening, applicant skill assessments and other needs. Call for details.

TOP EMPLOYERS IN THURSTON COUNTY

State of Washington  |  1,073
Providence Health & Services  |  595
WA State Department of Social & Health Services  |  195
Swedish Health  |  194
American Express  |  126
CTG – Computer Task Group  |  119
Randstad  |  101
Public School Personnel  |  96
WA State Department of Social & Health Services  |  93
Lowe’s  |  41
WA State Department of Enterprise Services  |  38
Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel  |  38
Washington State Department of Ecology  |  37
The Evergreen State College  |  35
Robert Half International  |  35
Safeway Companies  |  34
LHC Group  |  33
South Puget Sound Community College  |  30
Trustaff  |  28
Cabela’s, Inc.  |  28
Sirius Computer Solutions, Inc.  |  26
Comcast Corporation  |  26
City of Lacey  |  25
Cross Country TravCorps  |  24
Wells Fargo  |  23


Transportation

GETTING AROUND

Communities throughout the Thurston County region have adopted comprehensive strategies to address all aspects of the region’s transportation system including streets and roads, public transportation, rail, bicycle and pedestrian facilities and marine and aviation facilities.

Throughout the county you’ll find over 2,000 miles of roadways, dozens of transit routes and services and hundreds of miles of bike lanes and sidewalks. Thurston County, along with other communities across the nation, has been working to make alternatives to driving more inviting and convenient.

The majority of public transportation needs are met through Intercity Transit, which offers a mix of programs and services to meet diverse community needs. Non-traditional providers like social service organizations, nonprofit groups and for-profit companies help to meet other public transportation needs.

The Port of Olympia, established in 1922, plays a strategic role in serving the Puget Sound freight market. Its specialty services complement those provided on Puget Sound in Seattle and Tacoma, and will become increasingly important as mega port containerized demand grows.

There are nearly 90 miles of rail lines throughout Thurston County. The primary freight rail flows connect Chicago and Omaha, Nebraska, with western Washington, traveling along the Columbia River; and the north/south Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) mainline to/ from Puget Sound.

The Olympia Airport is among the oldest public airports in the country, created in 1927. The airport’s facilities include aircraft service operations, hangars, corporate offices and a public terminal.

TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES

Amtrak  (800) 872-7245
www.amtrak.com

Capital Aeroporter  (360) 754-7113
www.capair.com

Intercity Transit  (360) 786-1881
(800) 287-6348
www.intercitytransit.com

Olympia Greyhound Station  (360) 357-5541
www.greyhound.com

Olympic Limosine  (360) 456-8054
www.olympiclimo.us

Port of Olympia  (360) 528-8000
www.portolympia.com

Washington Ferries  (206) 464-6400
www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries


Visitor Information

COME VISIT US!

Welcome to a place that offers many of Washington’s “firsts and onlys,” a place where Puget Sound starts, the Oregon Trail ends, and the things-to-do list goes on and on. Welcome to Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and the communities of Thurston County.

In 1889, Olympia won a heated battle with Seattle and several other challengers to become the state capital. Today, residents and visitors reap the rewards of that first legislative victory – an impressive 82-year-old capitol building whose campus boasts Vietnam War and World War II memorials, state library, governor’s mansion, capitol museum, alluring gardens and conservatory, and vistas of the sound, mountains, forest and city.

Less than 20 miles from the capitol, but a world away from everyday politics, mysterious mounded prairie lands draw folks to a 624-acre preserve and challenge them to explain the origins of the regularly spaced, seven-foot-tall sloping mounds. A nearby chorus of howls originates from the residents of an 80-acre, open-to-the-public sanctuary for captive-bred wolves.

North of the capitol, Lacey lures outdoor enthusiasts with 425 acres of wooded parkland, four golf courses, three freshwater lakes and several miles of protected, undeveloped Puget Sound shoreline. Every fall, visitors go eye-to-fin with spawning salmon in Tumwater’s Deschutes River canyon. Year-round, a wooden footbridge over Tumwater Falls, panoramic views of a century-old brew house and historic markers make the area a popular retreat.

An array of activities to work the mind or the body is found in abundance throughout Thurston County. Kayakers frequently put in at downtown Olympia’s Percival Landing, start of the Cascade Marine Trail. Bikers are drawn to the 4,000-acre Capitol Forest, where terrain ranges from gentle to intense. Birders flock to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Golfers have 159 fairways calling. Antique-seekers find treasures in virtually every community, while art lovers find creative endeavors on sidewalks, streets, in many of the county’s 52 parks and in dozens of galleries.

Thurston County is conveniently situated between two major cities, Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Mount Rainier and the rugged Cascade Mountains provide majestic scenery, while Washington’s Pacific Ocean coast is just an hour’s drive to the west. With its mild climate and abundance of natural treasures, outdoor recreation is popular with residents.

Visitor Resources

Experience Olympia & Beyond
(360) 704-7544 / (877) 704-7500
www.experienceolympia.com

Lacey Parks (360) 491-0857
www.ci.lacey.wa.us

Olympia Parks (360) 753-8380
www.olympiawa.gov/city-services.aspx

Thurston County Chamber of Commerce (360) 357-3362
www.ThurstonChamber.com

Thurston County Parks (360) 786-5595
www.co.thurston.wa.us/parks

Tenino Parks (360) 264-2368
www.ci.tenino.wa.us

Tumwater Parks (360) 754-4160
www.ci.tumwater.wa.us

Washington State Department of Tourism (866) 964-8913
www.experiencewa.com

Washington State Parks (360) 902-8844
www.parks.wa.gov

Miles from Olympia
Spokane 320
Olympic National Park (Quinault) 95
Vancouver, Canada 201
Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise) 81
Neah Bay 187
Pacific Ocean (Ocean Shores) 74
Cascade Mountains (White Pass) 121
Seattle 60
Mount St. Helens 120
Seatac Airport 46
Portland, OR 113
Tacoma 30


The Education Community

OUR SCHOOLS

Thurston County offers a variety of educational opportunities to students and adults in the community, including private and public primary, secondary and higher education institutions. A number of schools offer programs outside their regular hours, providing greater accessibility to working adults and students so that they may meet their educational goals.

Eight school districts provide primary and secondary education to most of Thurston County’s students. Services and opportunities for students include the Head Start program for preschoolers, Advanced Placement courses for high school students and numerous community-based learning experiences for
all ages.

In total, 69 schools are located in Thurston County – three colleges, 14 high schools, 10 middle schools and 42 elementary schools. While most of these schools are comprehensive and offer a full range of academic and activity programs, non-traditional schools are also available.

Private schools in Thurston County serve 2,073 students, most of who are enrolled in elementary and middle schools.

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

North Thurston Public Schools
(360) 412-4400
305 College St. NE
Lacey, WA 98516
www.nthurston.k12.wa.us

North Thurston Public Schools is committed to excellence in education and putting student learning at the center of all they do!

Founded in 1953, NTPS is the largest and fastest-growing district in Thurston County, with more than 1,600 staff members supporting nearly 14,000 students in 21 schools. This diverse school system has award-winning staff with a high percentage of National Board-certified teachers, Fulbright Scholar and Middle School Principal of the Year. Education for the whole child is central to the mission of North Thurston Public Schools.

This student-centered focus on behavior and academics includes instruction in core areas, as well as visual and performing arts, peer tutoring, strategic interventions and enrichments, career and technical education, Advanced Placement and honors classes. Additionally, the district offers programs in gifted, special and alternative education, plus a performing arts middle school (Aspire).

Olympia School District
(360) 596-6117
111 Bethel St. SE
Olympia, WA 98506
https://osd.wednet.edu

For more than 150 years, the Olympia School District has provided students with a supportive, caring and rigorous learning environment. In its 19 schools, it emphasizes a collaborative approach with the 9,000 students, their families and community, an approach that has led to high student achievement.

The Olympia School District teaching staff is one of the most experienced in the state and nearly 70 percent of the teachers have a master’s degree or higher. The modern facilities allow students to use up-to-date technologies at each of the schools. About 85 percent of high school students participate in school-sponsored, co-curricular activities including athletics, music, drama and academic clubs.

The district’s nationally recognized child nutrition program provides organic and locally grown foods to students.

Tumwater School District
(360) 709-7000
621 Linwood Ave. SW
Tumwater, WA 98512
www.tumwater.k12.wa.us

Tumwater School District is a mid-sized district serving over 6,000 students. Schools include a district-wide Early Childhood Learning Center, six K-5 elementary schools, two 6-8 middle schools, two traditional high schools and an alternative high school. Tumwater is also the home for New Market Skills Center, which provides career and technical education.

Tumwater schools provide a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing mastery of the basics in reading, writing and mathematics, along with science, history, the arts, professional-technical education and foreign languages. The district continues a tradition of providing effective programs to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Programs offer a wide range of options from basic skills classes to Advanced Placement college preparatory classes. Students also have the opportunity to participate in team and intramural athletics, as well as numerous club offerings. Tumwater School District is committed to “continuous student learning in a caring, engaging environment.”

For more information or to get involved in the school district, visit www.tumwater.k12.wa.us.

OTHER LOCAL SCHOOLS

Griffin School District
(360) 866-2515
6530 33rd Ave. NW, Olympia, WA 98502
www.griffin.k12.wa.us

New Market Skills Center (360) 570-4500
7299 New Market St, Tumwater, WA 98501

Rainier School District  (360) 446-2207
307 Alaska St., P.O. Box 98
Rainier, WA 98576
www.rainier.wednet.edu

Tenino School District  (360) 264-3400
301 Old Hwy. 99, P.O. Box 4024
Tenino, WA 98589
www.teninoschools.org

Yelm School District (360) 458-1900
P.O. Box 476, Yelm, WA 98597
www.ycs.wednet.edu

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Community Christian Academy  (360) 493-2223
4706 Park Center Ave. NE, Lacey, WA 98516 
www.cca-olympia.org

Cornerstone Christian School  (360) 923-0071
6701 Fairview Rd. SW, Olympia, WA 98512 
www.ccsoly.com

Eagle View Christian School  (360) 458-3090
13036 Morris Rd. SE, Yelm, WA 98597
www.eagleviewchristianschool.com

Faith Lutheran School  (360) 491-1733
7075 Pacific Ave., Lacey, WA 98503
www.faithlutheranlacey.org

Holy Family School  (360) 491-7060
2606 Carpenter Rd. SE, Lacey, WA 98503
www.holyfamilylacey.com

Northwest Christian High School  (360) 491-2966
4710 Park Center Ave. NE, Lacey, WA 98516
www.nchs-olympia.org

Nova School  (360) 491-7097
2020 22nd Ave. SE  Olympia, WA 98501
www.novaschool.org

Olympia Christian School  (360) 352-1831
1215 Ethel St. NW, Olympia, WA 98502
www.ocssda.org

Olympia Community School  (360) 866-8047
1601 North St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
www.olympiacommunityschool.org

Olympia Waldorf School  (360) 493-0906
8126 Normandy St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
www.olympiawaldorf.org

Paramount Christian Academy  (360) 878-8915
3816 College St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503
www.paramountchristian.org

Pope John Paul II
High School
(360) 438-7600
5608 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey, WA 98503
www.popejp2hs.org

St. Michael Parish School  (360) 754-5131
1204 11th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
www.stmikesolympia.org

Sunrise Beach School (360) 791-8348
1601 North St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
www.sunrisebeachschool.org

The Phoenix Rising School  (360) 446-1500
13411 Cedar Grove Ln., Rainier, WA 98576
thephoenixrisingschool.org

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Brandman University  (360) 493-6392
1445 Galaxy Dr. NE, Ste. 201
Lacey, WA 98516
www.brandman.edu/washington

The Evergreen State College  (360) 867-6000
2700 Evergreen Pkwy. NW
Olympia, WA 98505
www.evergreen.edu

Since opening its doors in 1971, Evergreen has established a national reputation for leadership in developing innovative interdisciplinary, collaborative and team-taught academic programs.

The college boasts a vibrant undergraduate program, three graduate programs and public service centers that constitute a unique academic setting. The Evergreen State College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Evergreen has been a leader in environmental education from the beginning. In recent years, the college stepped up its commitment to sustainability to reach beyond the classroom and even the campus. Evergreen values a student-centered learning environment, a link between theory and practice, and a multicultural community of diverse faculty, students and staff working together. Current enrollment is approximately 4,300.

Saint Martin’s University (360) 491-4700
5000 Abbey Wy. SE, Lacey, WA 98503
www.stmartin.edu

Saint Martin’s University is one of 14 Benedictine colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. Established in 1895 by monks of the Roman Catholic Order of Saint Benedict, the university’s identity is rooted in its Catholic, Benedictine tradition. Saint Martin’s is a member of the Independent Colleges of Washington.

Guided by the principles of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, Saint Martin’s University endeavors to unite academic rigor and excellence with moral thought and social responsibility – higher education that seeks to serve and promote the common good – higher education that seeks to transform lives by grappling with issues of faith, reason, service and community. Faculty, staff and students form a community of individuals who are learning to live a meaningful life. Current enrollment is approximately 1,700.

South Puget Sound Community College (360) 754-7711
2011 Mottman Rd. SW, Olympia, WA 98512
www.spscc.ctc.edu

The South Puget Sound Community College learning environment is a collaboration between faculty, staff and students. The community enrichment that results from this collaborative process starts at the top. The administration is driven by the college’s mission to engage the community in learning, which is an important part of the college’s history.

The college is here to guide you, whether you want to learn a new skill, land a new job earn a new degree or pursue an opportunity that didn’t seem possible before. Passionate staff and small class size translates into a learning environment focused on helping you achieve your goals. Current enrollment is approximately 6,060.

2019 SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Griffin  |  649
North Thurston  |  14,000
Olympia  |  10,486
Rainier  |  930
Rochester  |  2,245
Tenino  |  1,346
Tumwater  |  6,540
Yelm  |  5,899


The Medical Community

Thurston County is home to two hospitals and a number of clinics. Both hospitals provide 24-hour emergency services in an assigned level trauma designation, cancer treatment services, diabetes education, complete diagnostic imaging, accredited laboratories, outpatient surgeries, cardiac and pulmonary treatment and rehab programs, and have adjoining medical parks and specialty clinics.

Two major medical clinics, Kaiser Permanente and Seattle Children’s, complement the hospitals with outpatient services.

MultiCare Capital Medical Center  (360) 754-5858
3900 Capital Mall Dr. SW
Olympia, WA 98502
www.capitalmedical.com

With an award-winning orthopedic surgery program and rated in the top 10% of hospitals in Washington for general surgery (HealthGrades, 2011), MultiCare Capital Medical Center is a 110-bed, full-service hospital serving all of Thurston and surrounding counties. It provides a comprehensive range of medical services and high-quality care. The center is a forward-thinking, innovative hospital where trust, teamwork and technology come together to make a positive difference in the health of the community and region.

The most important mission at MultiCare Capital Medical Center is to serve patients and their families. It combines the medical and technological resources of a regional center for health care with the warm, friendly and personal touch of a caring, compassionate staff.

The Joint Commission-accredited hospital provides 24-hour emergency care in a Level IV trauma designated facility. Birthing suites are specially designed for labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum.

The hospital’s Joint and Spine Center is part of a comprehensive orthopedic program, 5-Star rated in several areas including joint replacement, spine surgery and spinal fusion. In 2011, MultiCare Capital Medical Center added a neurosurgery program complemented by some of the most technologically advanced equipment available.

Offering a full range of cardiac services, CMC provides interventional procedures on an emergent and elective basis in their recently renovated state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization suite. The hospital’s comprehensive cancer program includes medical oncology, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The hospital boasts six surgical suites and a Day Surgery Center with 20 private rooms. The full-service radiology department welcomed two new MRIs and a 64-slice CT in 2011.

As health care continues to evolve, the hospital’s ability to expand services and to add new medical specialties that meet the needs of Olympia and surrounding communities will continually be assessed to ensure that the hospital is providing the best possible care to the people it serves.

Providence St. Peter Hospital (360) 491-9480
413 Lilly Rd. NE, Olympia, WA 98506
www.providence.org/swsa

The Providence Health & Services southwest Washington region serves patients across Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Grays Harbor counties. It is part of a five-state, not-for-profit Catholic health system. The southwest Washington region includes Providence Centralia Hospital, Providence St. Peter Hospital and Providence Medical Group.

Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia is a 390-bed, magnet-designated facility providing first-class cardiac care, cancer, neurosciences and orthopedic care. It is the largest private employer in Thurston County. With 127 beds in Lewis County, Providence Centralia Hospital provides emergency, diagnostic imaging, birthing and surgical services. Providence Medical Group provides convenient neighborhood clinics including primary and specialty care physicians, along with a well-respected family medicine residency program.

Kaiser Permanente Olympia Medical Center  (360) 923-7000
700 Lilly Rd. NE, Olympia, WA 98506-5196
https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/html/public/locations/olympia

Kaiser Permanente is a nonprofit, integrated health care organization that offers coordinated care and coverage. Our mission

is to provide high-quality, affordable health care and improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. In Washington, we’re serving almost 700,000 members. Kaiser Permanente Olympia and West Olympia Medical Centers serve more than 42,000 members from communities throughout Thurston County.

Kaiser Permanente provides high-quality primary care, specialty care, lab and pharmacy services, and more.  With a 24/7 Consulting Nurse Service and virtual care options including online chat, video visits, and phone appointments, it’s easier than ever for people to get the care they need, when they need it.

Kaiser Permanente Washington and Washington Permanente Medical Group (the doctors and clinicians who practice at Kaiser Permanente medical facilities) together employ more than 9,000 staff.

All plans offered and underwritten by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington or Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Inc.

Olympia Orthopaedic Associates  (800) 936-3386
Multiple locations throughout
Thurston County
www.OlyOrtho.com

Olympia Orthopaedic Associates has been a part of Thurston County since 1972 and has grown to be the largest full-service orthopaedic group in the South Puget Sound area. Since the beginning, OOA continually strives to become and remain a Center of Excellence for quality, comprehensive, full-service musculoskeletal care in Southwest Washington while providing excellent care and improving the quality of life for people in the community. Sub-specialty programs include hand, wrist, elbow, spine, neuro, foot and ankle. Other services available are pain management, sports medicine, physical therapy, on-site diagnostics and outpatient surgery, including joint replacement.

OOA also offers 24-hour emergency on-call care through Providence St. Peter Hospital and Capital Medical Center and same-day/next-day appointments. Their goal is to provide compassionate care and give the community their quality of life back.

In 2012, Olympia Orthopaedic Associates opened its new state-of-the-art medical facility, which includes 35,000 square feet of clinical space and 22,000 square feet of state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center capabilities. In total, at 63,000 square feet, the facility is one of the largest and most comprehensive orthopaedic centers in the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle Children’s Olympia  (360) 459-5009
615 Lilly Rd. NE, Ste. 140, Olympia
www.seattlechildrens.org

Seattle Children’s Olympia is a pediatric specialty outpatient clinic staffed by the same physicians and nurses who take care of children and adolescents at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Staff provides scheduled consultation and follow-up services in cardiology, endocrinology, diabetes, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurodevelopment, neurology, orthopedics, sleep medicine and telemedicine. Conditions diagnosed and treated at Children’s Olympia span the full range of childhood illnesses.

They are committed to bringing the nationally recognized specialty care of Seattle Children’s Hospital to children and families in southwest Washington.