Grand Mound is grand for good reason! Founded in 1851, Grand Mound received its name for the flat mound of land it was founded on. It was first known as a rest stop on the Oregon Trail, then it became a center for the strawberry industry in Washington.
Grand Mound WA is currently a census-designated place (CDP) best known for its Great Wolf Lodge. But it is also a nice place to live with terrific things to do, great job opportunities, and affordable homes for sale. Moving to Grand Mound can change your life, yet you shouldn’t start packing your boxes yet. To make the most of your relocation, you should learn about living in Grand Mound. Here is your quick guide.
Where Is Grand Mound WA?
Grand Mound is in Thurston County. Grand Mound is located in the Olympia-Tumwater, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Seattle-Tacoma, WA Combined Statistical Area. The community is adjacent to several green areas and small streams.
However, most of Grand Mound is well-developed, and several small cities and CDPs are nearby. The community is next to Sunnydale and Rochester. How far is Grand Mound Washington from Seattle? It is 78 miles from Grand Mound to Seattle.
Most residents use their cars to get around. Interstate 5 runs through the community, connecting it to Olympia WA, Tacoma WA, and Vancouver. Most people moving to Grand Mound use these highways to get to the area. Twin Transit runs bus routes to Grand Mound, which provide additional access to Olympia.
Grand Mound Population and Demographics
The population of Grand Mound in 2021 was 3,642. The population growth since 2011 was nearly 70%, making it one of the fastest growing communities in Thurston County. The population density is 877.6 people per square mile.
Notable people from Grand Mound include author and pioneer Phoebe Goodell Judson and missionary George F. Whitworth. The demographics of Grand Mound are:
- 57% female, 43% male
- Median age: 33.8
- Racial and ethnic composition: 52% White, 30% Hispanic, 12% two or more races, 4% Native American, 2% Asian, 0% Black or African American
- Median household income: $72,566, roughly 90% of the state median
- Educational attainment: 88.5% of residents have graduated high school, 19.4% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 14.5%
Grand Mound has a high Native American population because it is located near the Chehalis Reservation. The Chehalis Tribe co-manages the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound and runs other businesses in the area.
Because Grand Mound is a CDP, the FBI does not track crime data in the community. But you can use data from neighboring places to determine the crime levels in town.
Centralia, WA is just south of Grand Mound, and it has a total crime rate of 3,313 offenses per 100,000 residents, which is 9.5% higher than the state average and 41.2% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 308 per 100,000 residents while the property crime rate is 3,006 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 4.9% higher than the state but 20.6% lower than the national average while the property crime rate is 10.0% higher than the state and 53.5% higher than the country.
However, there are areas of Grand Mound that are safe to live in. The Centralia Police Department employs 27 full-time police officers who regularly patrol the area.
Cost of Living in Grand Mound
Grand Mound is in the Olympia metro area. The cost of living index for the Olympia metro area is 110.3, meaning the cost of items in Grand Mound is roughly 10.3% higher than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $87,477 a year to live in Thurston County.
According to Redfin, Grand Mound WA homes for sale have an average sale price of $380,000, or $251 per square foot. The average rent in Olympia according to RentCafe is $1,646 per month.
Typical Grand Mound* Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $4.16
- 12 regular eggs: $4.25
- 1 pound of apples: $1.84
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.11
- Average Grand Mound utilities per month: $167.50
- 1 pair of jeans: $40.00
Source: Numbeo
*Statistics are for Olympia
Grand Mound Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Grand Mound
Grand Mound does not have formal neighborhoods. Businesses and homes are scattered throughout the CDP, so there is no downtown district or residential area.
The northern part of Grand Mound has fewer businesses, so it can be quieter and more comfortable for families. You can buy homes and vacant lots that you can build properties on. Three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes that cover more than 1,500 square feet are available for sale at $550,000.
The southern tip of Grand Mound is less developed than the center and northern parts of the community. This makes it a good place for people who want access to nature or who work in an outdoor industry. Homes in and adjacent to southern Grand Mound tend to be cheaper than homes elsewhere. Two-bedroom, one-bathroom homes of more than 1,000 square feet are available at $250,000. You can also buy 16-acre plots of land for $240,000.
Grand Mound WA Weather and Climate
Grand Mound has a warm summer Mediterranean climate with warm but short summers and long and frigid winters. The average temperature in July and August is 64 degrees, while the average temperature in December is 39 degrees.
Grand Mound experiences 56.4 inches of rain every year. November is the rainiest month, with 17.1 days of rain and 9.6 inches of rainfall on average. Despite how cold and rainy the weather can be, the community only experiences 4.4 inches of snow every year. The best time to visit the community is in the summer when Grand Mound weather is relatively dry and warm.
The community can experience earthquakes and floods on occasion. Try to find a home away from creeks and bodies of water to diminish your flood risk.
Things to Do in Grand Mound WA
Despite its small size, Grand Mound contains or is close to many affordable and family-friendly attractions and points of interest. It’s also a fun place to go shopping. You can buy cars from Olympia Auto Sales & RV, cannabis from 420 Grand Central, and furniture and building supplies from VJs Builder Barn.
Great Wolf Lodge Washington
Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound is a family-friendly indoor water park resort that is open in winter. You and your children can also enjoy a must do arcade, family-style restaurants, and MagiQuest adventures.
20500 Old Highway 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531 800-640-9653
South Sound Speedway
South Sound Speedway is home to exhilarating auto races and outdoor racecar driving lessons. Children and military members qualify for discounts on tickets, making it a great kid-friendly attraction.
3730 183rd Avenue SW, Rochester, WA 98579 360-273-6420
Lucky Eagle Casino
You can play slot machines, table games, and bingo for money at the Lucky Eagle. You can also enjoy meals at several onsite restaurants and live performances at night throughout the year.
12888 188th Avenue SW, Rochester, WA 98579 360-273-2000
Additional Attractions in Grand Mound
The Thurston County Recreation Services Department plans public events throughout the year, including ones in Grand Mound. You can use this calendar to see what the latest events will be.
Grand Mound WA Restaurants
Restaurants in Grand Mound WA are unique, cool, and affordable. Here are just a few of the best places to eat in town.
Talking Cedar
Talking Cedar is a gastropub and brewery well-known for its craft beers and cocktails, making it a great place for couples. You can enjoy classic brunch, lunch, and dinner options like fried chicken and poutine.
19770 Sargent Road SW, Rochester, WA 98579 360-858-7867
Figaro’s Pizza
You can buy a 16-inch pizza with multiple toppings for $20 at Figaro’s. You can also enjoy sandwiches, breadsticks, and chicken wings.
19810 Old Highway 99, Suite 1, Rochester, WA 98579 360-273-2400
Burger Claim
Burger Claim serves fresh burgers and french fries in a quirky space for teens and families. You can also enjoy chicken sandwiches, fish and chips, and salads.
20320 Old Highway 99, Grand Mound, WA 98531 360-273-9347
Jobs in Grand Mound
Employment in Grand Mound grew by 5.3% between 2020 and 2021. Health care, public administration, and retail trade are the three biggest industries in the community. According to Data USA, the median salary for men is $40,878 while the median for women is $36,793. Many people travel to Olympia for work, which has an hourly wage of $20.63, according to Payscale.
Major employers in and around Grand Mound include the Great Wolf Lodge and the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. You can find Grand Mound jobs using Indeed, and the Thurston County government also has regular openings for jobs in Grand Mound.
Grand Mound Schools
The Rochester School District serves students living in Grand Mound. Nearly 70% of students graduate from high school, and 64% of high school students test at or above the proficiency level for reading.
No schools are located inside of Grand Mound, but several of them are just outside the community. Nearly 36% of students at Grand Mound Elementary School identify as being in a racial minority group, making it one of the most diverse schools in the district.
The community does not contain any colleges. Centralia is home to several community colleges, including South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC). You can earn an associate’s degree or certificate in one of 15 different fields, and you can use your credits toward a bachelor’s degree at other schools.
Grand Mound does not have its own library, but Tenino Timberland Library is in neighboring Tenino.
Grand Mound Statistics and Information
- County: Thurston
- Grand Mound area: 3.93 square miles
- Grand Mound zip codes: 98531, 98579
- Grand Mound elevation: 167 feet
- Grand Mound time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Closest airport to Grand Mound: Chehalis-Centralia Airport (CLS), 10.7 miles
Grand Mound WA Map
Find more interesting attractions, restaurants, and shopping destinations with this helpful map of Grand Mound!
Moving to Grand Mound can change your life overnight! With affordable homes, fun attractions, and unique places to work, you can have a comfortable and lucrative life in Grand Mound. When you’re ready to start living in Grand Mound, you should get some help for a smooth journey. All Ready Moving has a courteous and professional team of Grand Mound movers. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
