Thurston County, Washington, stands as the sixth most populous and seventh highest income county in the state. The median household income for 2022 came in at $83,358. Nevertheless, the economic landscape within the county isn’t uniform, as disparities in wealth and well-being persist.
Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s data from 2021, Thurston County’s poverty rate stood at 10.6%, which translates to roughly 31,000 individuals living below the poverty line, set at $26,500 for a family of four. Several neighborhoods in the county experience poverty rates higher than the county average, underscoring economic and social inequalities within the region.
Here’s a glimpse into the five most impoverished neighborhoods in Thurston County, using data from 2019:
1. Grand Mound
Grand Mound, situated south of Olympia near the Lewis County border, is a census-designated place (CDP) with around 2,700 residents and a poverty rate of 27.8%. The area has undergone rapid expansion due to its proximity to Interstate 5 and the Great Wolf Lodge resort.
Grand Mound’s median household income falls below the county average at $54,583, while its unemployment rate stands at 9.1%. The community faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, public services, and amenities.
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2. Rochester
Rochester, another CDP in Thurston County, lies south of Grand Mound near the Lewis County border. Home to approximately 2,400 residents, Rochester has a poverty rate of 25.7%. This rural community has seen substantial growth due to its location along Highway 12 and access to outdoor recreational opportunities.
Rochester’s median household income, at $55,833, falls below the county average, and its unemployment rate is higher, reaching 8.8%. Issues like low educational attainment, housing affordability, and healthcare accessibility pose challenges.
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3. Bucoda
Bucoda, a town southeast of Olympia near the Lewis County border, boasts a population of around 600 people and a poverty rate of 24.6%. This historically significant town was once a thriving center for coal mining and lumber milling. Bucoda’s median household income of $46,250 is below the county average, and its unemployment rate stands at 10.7%. Challenges include aging infrastructure, environmental concerns, and limited economic prospects.
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4. Tenino
Tenino, located south of Olympia and east of Bucoda, is a city with about 1,800 residents and a poverty rate of 23.9%. Like Bucoda, Tenino has a rich history, having thrived as a sandstone quarrying and railroad hub. With a median household income of $45,003, Tenino ranks as the lowest in the county, and its unemployment rate is 7.9%. The city grapples with issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, and crime.
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5. Lacey
Lacey, situated north of Olympia and east of Puget Sound, is a city with approximately 51,000 inhabitants and a 14% poverty rate. It’s one of the county’s fastest-growing cities, enticing residents and businesses with affordable housing, quality schools, and diverse amenities.
Lacey boasts a higher median household income than the county average, at $86,667, but also faces a higher cost of living. Challenges encompass traffic congestion, environmental preservation, and social integration.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Thurston County shines as one of Washington’s most prosperous counties, yet it grapples with pockets of poverty that affect many of its residents. The five poorest neighborhoods within the county—Grand Mound, Rochester, Bucoda, Tenino, and Lacey—bear higher poverty rates than the county average and confront a range of economic and social challenges impacting their overall well-being.
Addressing these challenges necessitates collaborative efforts among local governments, community organizations, businesses, and residents to foster greater equity and opportunity for all individuals throughout Thurston County.