Yakima, WA
Population 96,810 · Washington
About Yakima, WA
Yakima is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 96,810 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,228 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Yakima features a median home value of $273,400, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Yakima in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,075, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 37,328 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (18,967 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (16,518 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Yakima shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Yakima have an average one-way commute time of 17.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.8% of Yakima residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 42.1% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 17.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Yakima Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Yakima, WA
Compared to national averages, Yakima has a median household income of $59,228 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $273,400, which is 12% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,075 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Yakima's income is 35% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 41% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Yakima, WA?
Yakima offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,075/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,228) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Yakima provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Yakima has a population of 96,810 with a median age of 34 years. Compare Yakima with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Yakima
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Way | 99,232 | $82,144 | $499,600 | Compare |
| Bellingham | 92,367 | $65,821 | $577,400 | Compare |
| Kirkland | 91,614 | $143,533 | $1,022,500 | Compare |
| Renton | 105,279 | $96,626 | $631,400 | Compare |
| Spokane Valley | 105,460 | $70,722 | $344,300 | Compare |
| Auburn | 85,455 | $95,367 | $510,400 | Compare |
| Kennewick | 84,389 | $72,867 | $343,600 | Compare |
| Everett | 111,083 | $81,502 | $532,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Yakima With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Yakima
What is the population of Yakima, WA?
The population of Yakima, WA is 96,810 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Yakima?
The median household income in Yakima, WA is $59,228 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Yakima?
The median home value in Yakima, WA is $273,400, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Yakima?
The median monthly rent in Yakima, WA is $1,075, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Yakima?
The unemployment rate in Yakima, WA is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Yakima, WA a good place to live?
Yakima offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 96,810 and a median age of 34, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Yakima, WA?
20.8% of residents in Yakima aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Yakima?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Yakima, WA: median home value is $273,400 (12% above national), median rent is $1,075/month, and median household income is $59,228. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Yakima?
The poverty rate in Yakima, WA is 17.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Yakima, WA?
Yakima's population is 42.1% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 17.4% of residents are foreign-born.