Thurston County vs Pierce County: Which Is Better in 2025? (Washington Relocation Guide)

When people relocate to Washington — especially military families, remote workers, or professionals moving for new jobs — the two counties they compare most are:

Pierce County (Tacoma, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, Graham, DuPont, Lakewood)
vs
Thurston County (Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm)

Both counties offer incredible communities, but they are VERY different in lifestyle, commute, affordability, and personality.

Let’s break down exactly what matters most when choosing between them.

For deeper city guides already published, here are helpful references:
Living in South Hill, WA (2025 Guide)
Living in Bonney Lake, WA (2025 Guide)
Living in DuPont, WA (2025 Guide)
Where to Live When You're Moving to Washington for Work
 

1. Lifestyle: Suburban Energy vs Calm Capitol Living

Pierce County Lifestyle

• Larger population

• More suburban energy

• Tons of neighborhoods at different price points

• More shopping, dining, activity options

• Better for people wanting variety

Cities like Puyallup, Tacoma, and Bonney Lake have strong identities and a lot of movement.

Thurston County Lifestyle

• More peaceful

• Quiet suburban or semi-rural feel

• Warm community culture

• Government, education, and healthcare employers

• Olympia’s waterfront and cultural events

Thurston is slower-paced — which is exactly what many buyers want.

2. Affordability: Thurston Is Generally More Affordable

Pierce County

Prices vary widely, but many cities (UP, Tacoma North End, Bonney Lake, Puyallup) are more expensive.

Thurston County

Lacey, Tumwater, and Olympia typically offer:

• newer homes for lower prices

• more square footage per dollar

• calmer streets

• strong long-term value

Yelm is one of the most affordable cities for buyers who want newer construction.

3. Commute to JBLM: Thurston County Often Wins

If JBLM commute is the priority:

Best JBLM Commute (Thurston County)

• DuPont → JBLM: 3–8 minutes

• Lacey → JBLM: 15–25 minutes

• Olympia/Tumwater → JBLM: 20–35 minutes

Thurston commuters come from the south, so they avoid the I-5 bottleneck.

Pierce County JBLM Commute

• South Hill → JBLM: 25–55 minutes depending on time of day

• Bonney Lake → JBLM: 35–60 minutes

• Tacoma → JBLM: 20–40 minutes

• Lakewood → JBLM: 10–20 minutes

For full JBLM commute guidance:
Housing Near JBLM (2025 Guide)
 

4. Schools: Both Counties Have Strong Districts — For Different Reasons

Pierce County

Highly requested districts include:

• Puyallup

• University Place

• Sumner-Bonney Lake

• Steilacoom

Many families move specifically for these schools.

Thurston County

Top choices include:

• North Thurston (Lacey)

• Olympia School District

• Tumwater School District

Smaller class sizes and calm environments appeal to relocated families.

5. Outdoor Lifestyle: Both Counties Are Amazing for Different Reasons

Pierce County Outdoor Perks

• Mt. Rainier access

• Foothills trails

• Tacoma waterfront

• Lake Tapps, American Lake

• Orting Foothills Trail

Thurston County Outdoor Perks

• Capitol Lake

• Trail systems throughout Lacey & Olympia

• Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

• Cleaner, quieter public parks

• More preserved natural spaces

6. Who Should Choose Pierce County?

Pierce is best for buyers who want:

• variety

• city energy

• more neighborhoods to choose from

• stronger resale markets

• proximity to Tacoma restaurants and culture

It’s ideal for families wanting convenience, commuters heading north, and buyers who want options.

7. Who Should Choose Thurston County?

Thurston is best for buyers who want:

• quieter living

• more affordability

• newer construction

• strong southbound commute

• smaller-city feel

• calm neighborhoods

It’s extremely popular with military families who prioritize the south JBLM commute advantage.

8. Final Verdict: Thurston vs Pierce — Which Is Better?

It depends on your priorities:

Choose Pierce County if you want…

✔ More housing variety
✔ More amenities
✔ Closer northern commute routes
✔ Recognized school districts like UP & Puyallup
✔ A city-suburb lifestyle

Choose Thurston County if you want…

✔ Newer homes for better price
✔ Quiet neighborhoods
✔ Easy JBLM commute
✔ Peaceful outdoor lifestyle
✔ Smaller-city community life

Both counties are amazing — just for very different reasons.

If you're deciding between Pierce County and Thurston County, I’d love to walk you through neighborhoods, commute realities, and price points so you can make the choice that actually fits your life.

When you're ready, we’ll create a plan together that makes your next move simple and confident.

 Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence