Submitted by Thurston County Chamber
The Thurston County Chamber has completed its second annual Quality of Life Index, providing a valuable snapshot of how residents feel about life in our community and how those views are shifting over time.
Conducted each June, the survey randomly selected 500 registered voters in Thurston County and asked them to grade various aspects of community life using traditional school letter grades. The survey was designed, administered, and analyzed by Elway Research.
While the overall rating for Thurston County as a place to live held steady at a “C+” from 2024 to 2025, the results show some noteworthy trends and encouraging improvements.
“This Index helps us track our progress as a region and fosters accountability toward creating the community we want to live in,” said David Schaffert, President/CEO of the Thurston County Chamber. “It’s more than data, it’s a tool for action.”
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Quality of Life Index
· All seven community attributes improved compared to last year’s results. The top three rated attributes remained the same:
o A good place to raise a family (2.64 GPA)
o A good place to grow old (2.50 GPA)
o Sense of community (2.50 GPA)
· Significant gains were noted in areas often seen as persistent challenges:
o Housing affordability and homelessness ratings saw noticeable improvements, suggesting positive momentum in these critical areas.
· Attitudes toward growth are shifting.
o 69% agreed that growth and development have been positive for their community, up from 59% in 2024.
o 55% of residents now support building more housing in their neighborhoods, an increase from 41% last year.
The Chamber will continue to use the Index to inform its work and partner with leaders across the region to improve quality of life. The results also serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and businesses working to understand and respond to community needs.
To explore the full 2025 Quality of Life Index and its implications, visit https://thurstonchamber.com/quality-of-life-index/
