What to know when moving to Yakima, WA
Yakima at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 49.7% of residents are renters and 16.7% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $56,429, which supports a vibrant local economy.
- The Reality Check:
- Poverty rate stands at 21.5%, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0.6% of residents use public transit, suggesting a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $996 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Yakima showcases a mix of renters and homeowners, with nearly half (49.7%) of residents renting their homes. The median household income is $56,429, which points to a community that is working-class but with educational challenges, as only 16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree. With an annual precipitation of just over 6 inches, residents enjoy a relatively dry climate.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a highly educated community or if you rely heavily on public transit, as only 0.6% commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $996, which is manageable for many budgets.
- Median home value is $268,100, making it a reasonable market for buyers.
- Poverty rate is 21.5%, reflecting economic challenges for some residents.
- Renter percentage is 49.7%, indicating a balanced housing mix.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Washington state has seen a significant drop in crime rates over recent years. Property crime is at a rate of 1,940.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 25.4% higher than the national average. However, violent crime has decreased to 282.2 per 100,000, which is 13.2% lower than the national rate.
- Violent crime: 282.2 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3, a 26.2% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,940.4 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9, a 43.1% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 46.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Washington).
Schools & Higher Ed
Yakima has access to a variety of educational institutions, making it convenient for residents seeking higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 4
- With College Scorecard data: 4
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Yakima County experiences an annual precipitation of about 6.1 inches, with around 61 rainy days each year. The summer tends to be dry, with only 0.4 inches of rain. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy several local parks.
- State Fair Park - Home of the Yakima Valley SunDome & Central Washington State Fair, rated 4.3 with 1,433 reviews.
- Randall Park, rated 4.5 with 1,126 reviews.
- Franklin Park, rated 4.6 with 894 reviews.
- Yakima Valley Museum, rated 4.6 with 395 reviews.
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.