Median Income
$47,679
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,700
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.7%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,082
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Thurston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population615
Median Age36.6 yrs
Density1,538/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,679
Per Capita$20,724
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$6,849M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,700
Rent$1,082
Ownership64.2%
Zillow$290,424
Housing Units217
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property745/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking16.4%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation872 ft (266 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.7%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score6.35
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 38%
Commute30 min
Broadband77.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Thurston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thurston receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Thurston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thurston is $47,679, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thurston is $144,700, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,082 per month. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Thurston is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 745 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
9.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Thurston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Thurston has a population of 615 with a density of 1,538 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 36.6 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.6% female and 52.4% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%), with 5.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.6yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Thurston is $47,679, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,724 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,012, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,510 business establishments, including 273 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,679 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,724 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,012 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,898 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,510 |
| County GDP | $6,849M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 273 |
| Healthcare | 403 |
| Retail | 349 |
| Manufacturing | 103 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,215 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Thurston is $144,700, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,424, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,082 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 217 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $5,215 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,700 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $290,424 |
| Median List Price | $280,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $280,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $95 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,082 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.8% |
| Housing Units | 217 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,215 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.60% |
In Thurston, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,790. The dentist ratio is 1:2,011. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thurston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,790 |
| Dentists | 1:2,011 |
| Mental Health | 1:494 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,090/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 403 |
Thurston has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 745 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Thurston receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Thurston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 745.3/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 1.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Thurston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 872 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 872 ft (266 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,538/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8417°N, 82.5484°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Fairfield County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rickenbacker International (LCK) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.3"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
113 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
53 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
68 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
86 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
87 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
318 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 12 fatalities, 351 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
79 km |
4 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2024 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2022 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2011 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2006 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2006 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1998 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 (1,050 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 |
1,050 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 1-12 |
1,037 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 11-19 |
936 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 24 |
709 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Thurston has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 29°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Thurston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,277 |
| Toddler | $1,147 |
| Preschool | $1,005 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Thurston
What is the population of Thurston?
Thurston has a population of 615 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,538 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
Is Thurston expensive to live in?
Thurston is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,679, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,700 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,082 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Thurston safe?
Thurston is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 745 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Thurston receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thurston?
Thurston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Thurston?
The job market in Thurston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,012. There are 3,510 business establishments in the area, including 273 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thurston?
The median home value in Thurston is $144,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,424. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,082. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,215.
How are the schools in Thurston?
Schools in Thurston score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.7% of adults in Thurston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thurston?
The obesity rate in Thurston is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,790.
What is transportation like in Thurston?
The average commute in Thurston is 30 minutes. 90.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thurston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thurston is 90.6% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.