Thurston County Map, Washington


Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: February 17, 2026, 14:47 ET

Map of Thurston County - Thurston County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. Thurston County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Thurston County located in the map, major cities in Thurston county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Thurston County, Washington

Map of Thurston County, Washington

About Thurston County Map, Alabama: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

Most Viewed Links

  • USA Time Zones Map
  • USA Region Map
  • USA Road Map
  • USA County Map
  • Where is USA in World Map?
  • US ZIP Code Map
  • Cities in USA
  • US State and Capitals Map
  • USA Physical Map
  • United States Map
  • US National Parks
  • Lakes in USA
  • About Thurston County, Washington

    Thurston County is located in the western part of Washington, United States, at the southern end of Puget Sound. Established in 1852, the county was named after Samuel R. Thurston, the first delegate from Oregon Territory to the United States Congress. The county seat and largest city is Olympia, which also serves as the capital of Washington.

    Population

    According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Thurston County was 294,793 as recorded in the 2020 Census. The county includes urban centers, suburban communities, and rural areas, with most residents living in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater.

    Area and Geography

    According to the United States Census Bureau, Thurston County covers a total area of approximately 774 square miles, including about 722 square miles of land and 52 square miles of water. The county features shoreline along Puget Sound, forested landscapes, and river valleys in western Washington.

    Bordering Counties

    Thurston County shares borders with Mason County to the northwest, Grays Harbor County to the west, Lewis County to the south, and Pierce County to the northeast.

    Major Cities and Communities

    The principal cities in Thurston County include Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm. Olympia serves as the county seat and is home to the Washington State Capitol complex.

    Attractions and Recreation

    Thurston County offers waterfront parks, historic sites, and outdoor recreation along Puget Sound. Visitors explore the state capitol campus, hiking trails, and nature preserves throughout the county.

    Transportation

    Major transportation routes serving Thurston County include Interstate 5 and U.S. Route 101, providing connections to Seattle, Portland, and other parts of western Washington.

    Explore more counties in Washington Counties or view the complete USA States Map section for additional geographic information.

    Sources:

    Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General county information referenced from the Official Thurston County Government Website.

    Facts about Thurston County, Washington

    CountryUnited States
    StateWashington
    RegionSouth Puget Sound
    County SeatOlympia
    Named AfterSamuel R. Thurston (first congressional delegate from Oregon Territory)
    Established1852
    Organized1852
    Coordinates47.0400° N, 122.8300° W
    Total Area727 sq mi
    Land Area722 sq mi
    Water Area5 sq mi
    Population (2020)294,793
    Population RankSixth most populous county in Washington
    Largest CityOlympia
    Main IndustriesGovernment, Healthcare, Education, Retail, Technology
    Major HighwaysInterstate 5, U.S. Route 101, State Route 8
    Time ZonePacific Time (UTC−08:00)
    Known ForWashington State Capitol, Puget Sound access, Government center
    Websitehttps://www.thurstoncountywa.gov

    Top Attractions in Thurston County, Washington

    • Washington State Capitol – Capitol building and campus.
    • Capitol State Forest – Hiking and outdoor recreation.
    • Hands On Children’s Museum – Interactive family exhibits.
    • Olympia Waterfront Park – Harbor views and walking paths.
    • Priest Point Park – Forest trails and beaches.
    • Tumwater Falls Park – Waterfalls and viewpoints.
    • Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge – Birdwatching and wetlands.
    • Olympia Farmers Market – Local food and vendors.
    • Deschutes Falls Park – River gorge and trails.
    • State Capitol Museum (nearby) – State history exhibits.
    • Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area – Boardwalk and wildlife.
    • Downtown Olympia – Shops, dining, and culture.

    Cities & Towns in Thurston County, Washington

    Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Rainier, Tenino, Bucoda, Rochester, Grand Mound, McCleary, Littlerock, Nisqually, Black Lake, South Bay