Tenino
cityTenino is a city located in Thurston County, Washington, known for its rich history in sandstone quarrying. Situated along the old Highway 99 route, Tenino has a population of approximately 1,996 residents as of 2026. The city offers a blend of small-town charm and access to natural beauty, making it a desirable location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within reach of larger urban centers. Historically, Tenino's economy was built on sandstone quarrying, with its stone used in significant buildings across the Pacific Northwest. Today, while some residents work within the city, many commute to nearby Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey. The city is also focusing on developing its tourism sector, highlighting its historic downtown and natural attractions. Key industries include public administration, construction, and retail trade. Tenino is distinctive for its history as a sandstone quarrying center and its innovative response to the Great Depression, when it issued wooden money. The city has preserved its history through the Tenino Depot Museum and a sandstone walking tour. The Tenino Creative Arts District and the annual Oregon Trail Days festival add to the city's unique character.
Tenino, Washington
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Thurston County
- Region
- Pacific Northwest
- Climate
- Tenino has short, warm, dry, and partly cloudy summers, and very cold, wet, and overcast winters. The temperature typically varies from 34°F to 80°F.
- Population (2020)
- 1,870
- Est. Population (2026)
- 1,996
- Median Age
- 36.9
- Median Income
- $82,639
- Poverty Rate
- 11.56%
- Family Households
- 72.5%
- Owner-Occupied
- 76%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Tenino includes 70.77% White, 3.56% Black or African American, 3.01% Asian, and smaller percentages for other race, Native American and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Tenino School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire Department · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library · Water supply and distribution · Sewer collection and wastewater treatment · Stormwater control · Street repairs · Landscaping · General maintenance
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban
- Employment Sectors
- Public Administration · Construction · Retail Trade
- Schools
- 4
- Students
- 1,255
- School Districts
- Tenino School District
- Transportation
- Highway 99 · ruralTRANSIT (free bus service)
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Electricity · Natural gas · Telecommunications infrastructure
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Tenino City Park · Quarry Pool · Millersylvania State Park · Offut Lake Resort · Monarch Sculpture Park
- Parks & Trails
- Tenino City Park · Yelm–Rainier-Tenino Trail
- Founded
- 1851
- Incorporated
- 1906
- Named After
- Likely named after the steamship Tenino, which was named after a collective of tribes now known as the Warm Springs bands.
- Historical Significance
- Tenino is historically significant for its sandstone quarries, which provided building materials for the West Coast, and for its unique response to the Great Depression with the issuance of wooden money.
- Key Events
- Founded in 1851 when Stephen Hodgden filed a claim. · Northern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1872, boosting the local economy. · Sandstone quarries became the anchor of the economy. · Issued wooden money during the Great Depression.