Is Olympia Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Olympia, Washington, is a small city with a big personality.

Founded in the mid-19th century, Olympia became the state capital in 1853, chosen for its central location and access to waterways.

The city’s history is closely tied to its natural surroundings, particularly the waters of Puget Sound, which have shaped its development.

Olympia is famous for its beer, particularly Olympia Beer, which was first brewed in 1896 by the Olympia Brewing Company.

The slogan “It’s the Water” speaks to the pure artesian wells that were said to give the beer its distinctive flavor.

The Capitol building, perched on a hill overlooking downtown, is a striking example of neoclassical architecture and houses Washington’s government.

Completed in 1928, the dome is one of the largest in the world, and beautifully landscaped grounds surround the building itself.

Olympia’s neighborhoods each have their own character.

The downtown is vibrant and eclectic, with a mix of shops, dining spots, and public art.

Nearby, the Capitol Lake and Budd Inlet, extensions of Puget Sound, provide scenic waterfronts that are perfect for outdoor activities like boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and lively local culture, Olympia is a city that’s easy to appreciate.

It’s also a nice middle ground between the Washington coast and the urban core of Seattle.

Warnings & Dangers in Olympia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The risk looks like it is medium since most categories are above the national average. However, anyone who has experienced an urban area with higher crime rates won't notice a difference. If you stick to the areas designed for entertainment and tourists, the risk should be low.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Review the Getting Around section of the city's website to see the transportation options. That includes Intercity Transit, taxis, rideshares, bike lanes, bike paths, and safe walking trails. You can also consider a rental car to offer more flexibility.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Thirteen pickpockets or purse snatchings happened between 2018 and 2022. That's a low risk, but it's worth noting the city has high theft rates. I'd treat it with a medium risk since people capable of theft are around you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Olympia faces a medium natural disaster risk, primarily from earthquakes triggered by the Cascadia Subduction Zone, flooding from the 50+ inches of annual rainfall, and wildfires during the dry season. You can read the hazard mitigation plan on the Thurston County Emergency Management website.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Over the past five years, just one in five robberies were muggings. A home is much more likely to be the scene of a robbery. The risk is low, but that's assuming you're following basic safety rules, like staying in well-lit areas and not walking around unknown areas late at night.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk of terrorism in Olympia is considered low. As a smaller city, it does not attract the same level of threat as larger metropolitan areas. However, as the state capital, it hosts government buildings and events that could be potential targets, necessitating vigilance and security measures.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. Check the fraud section of each department’s website for more information and to learn about common tactics. Olympia is more likely to see residents targeted with spoofed phone number scams and there have been numerous reports of business fraud. While the risk is low, staying informed about common scams is a great first step to keeping it that way.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Statistically, women are less likely to be the victims of violent crimes. Plus, most violent crimes happen among people who know each other. Common sense and basic personal safety steps go a long way here.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2024 CCR for Olympia shows no violations and full compliance. The risk is low.

Safest Places to Visit in Olympia

Experience Olympia is the name of the tourism website that covers Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, and the rest of Thurston County.

A free visitor guide is available for download on the tourism website without having to provide personal information.

Downtown is the heart of the city, with the Olympic Downtown Alliance (loveolydowntown.com) offering a great website with all the amenities.

The district is filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and businesses.

The Washington State Capitol is just south of Downtown, with a boardwalk on Percival Landing and a 1.7-mile walking loop on Capitol Lake.

Scheduled tours of the capitol are available.

Head north of downtown to reach the 314-acre Squaxin Park on Ellis Cove.

Four miles of trails wind through this urban forest, and there are also two miles of shoreline.

The Hands-On Children’s Museum offers indoor/outdoor activities to spur the imagination and learn about the unique geography and history of Washington state.

Across the street, visit the WET Science Center to learn about stormwater and wastewater technology through vibrant and interactive exhibits.

WET stands for Water, Education and Technology.

The Bigelow House Museum is the headquarters for the Olympia Historical Society.

The house and all items inside are part of the original Bigelow family home.

Tours are limited to certain Sundays each month, so call ahead to reserve your spot.

Explore more marine life at the Puget Sound Estuarium, open on weekends.

From deep-sea wonders to tidepool treasures, you’ll get an exciting and educational experience learning about what lies beneath the waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Finally, be sure to hunt down the Artesian Well, tucked between The Pet Works and Cryptatropa Bar.

This spring-fed water source is said to be the secret of why the brews taste so good here, but it’s also a great place to get pristine water for your adventure around town.

If you want to try a beer made from well water, Well 80 Artesian Brewing is the place to be.

Places to Avoid in Olympia

The police department issues an annual crime report, which shows the percentage of specific crimes that happen in various parts of town.

In 2023, the southwest side of town had the most vehicle thefts.

The northeast part of town was most likely to have vehicle prowls (car break-ins), and the southeast section was the most likely to have burglaries.

I recommend reviewing the most recent annual report before your visit and talking to the local police to ask about crime trends or hot spots for criminal activity.

You can also review the Daily Crime Report through the police department’s website.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Olympia

So... How Safe Is Olympia Really?

The violent crime rate in Olympia is about 55% higher than the national and state averages.

Only about 16% of violent crimes happen against strangers, which is reassuring for a lower risk of random acts of violence.

Theft rates are 104% higher than the national average.

Nearly 44% of thefts are due to car break-ins or car accessory thefts.

You can lower this risk by locking your car each time you park and removing personal items.

About six cars are stolen each week in Olympia, on average, with this problem spanning the Seattle/Tacoma metro area and even spanning out across the state.

Avoid renting a Kia or Hyundai, which are two of the most stolen makes.

The police department is now using automatic license plate readers to help cut down on criminal activities involving stolen cars.

Plus, the crime rates here can be a little misleading since they are calculated using the population, not the number of annual visitors.

Despite what appears to be high crime rates, there isn’t a sense of fear among residents.

Some subreddits for Olympia say the homelessness problem is one of the bigger threats to the community, while others say there’s nothing to worry about if you use common sense and standard safety precautions.

How Does Olympia Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Olympia gets nice year round weather, but cool (but not too cold) winters, and warm (but not too hot) summers. Lows get to freezing from December through February, with highs in the upper 40s or low 50s. Summers usually don't get much warmer than 80°F. The rainy season is October through April. Pack bug spray, waterproof outer layers, and comfortable walking shoes.

Airports

The Seattle Tacoma International Airport is about 53 miles from Tacoma, mostly interstate driving. Without traffic, you can get there in less than an hour. Olympia has a general aviation airport with charter flights but no commercial flights.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Olympia Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Washington - Safety by City