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Is Yakima a Good Place to Live? Yakima, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Yakima ranks #1111 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #459 of 524 smaller cities and #26 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.8 min, #45 of 524) and low rents ($1,117/mo, #95 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (74.2%, #407 of 437) and high unemployment (5.7%, #423 of 476).
Yakima by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Yakima's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Yakima?
Yakima's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,117/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $361,999, 39% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Yakima | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 95.5#459 of 1,308 | 107 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $361,999#542 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,329/mo#187 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $297,600#524 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,117/mo#356 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.3%#594 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Yakima housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Yakima is in the Yakima, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Yakima safe?
Yakima recorded 522 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 59% above the US rate of 328 and 84% above Washington's 284. That ranks #863 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #382 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Yakima Police Department. Property crime runs 1,884 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Yakima | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 522#863 of 1,085 | 284 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,884#658 of 1,085 | 1,975 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Yakima?
The median household in Yakima earns $62,815, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 37% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Yakima | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $62,815#980 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.7%#957 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.6%#954 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Yakima?
The median resident of Yakima is 34.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 20.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1147 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Yakima | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 20.8%#1147 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Yakima's schools and health?
Yakima's 29 public schools graduate 74.2% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $18,008 spent per pupil. 39.7% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Yakima | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 74.2%#994 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,008#342 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 39.7%#1102 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 19.7%#1213 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 19,092 students are enrolled in Yakima's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Yakima?
The average commute in Yakima is 17.8 minutes (Washington 27.2); 0.2% of workers take transit and 7.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Yakima scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.5°F and winters 33°F, with 8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Yakima | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17.8 min#182 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 78.9% | 65.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.6% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.6% | 16.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.6#729 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39.5 | 24 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 47.2 | 26.1 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 56.6 | 30.2 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 64.7 | 35.2 | 0.6 |
| May | 74.1 | 43.5 | 0.7 |
| Jun | 80.7 | 49.5 | 0.5 |
| Jul | 89.9 | 55 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 88.5 | 53.3 | 0.2 |
| Sep | 79.4 | 44.9 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 64.4 | 35.3 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 48.9 | 27.2 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 38.2 | 23.1 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Yakima Airport.
| Measure | Yakima | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 33°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Yakima Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Yakima?
Yakima County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yakima County's biggest natural hazard losses in landslide, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Yakima | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.17%#794 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Yakima County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Yakima County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Landslide | 0.0014% | 96% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.037% | 94% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.034% | 89% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.081% | 50% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Yakima compare with similar-size cities?
Yakima is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #459 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 96,961.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima, WAPop. 96,961 | #1111 | 47.7 | $62,815 | $1,117/mo | 522 | 17.8 min |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #402 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 | 24.1 min |
| Deltona, FLPop. 97,334 | #1025 | 49.6 | $76,924 | $1,711/mo | part year | 34 min |
| Portsmouth, VAPop. 97,190 | #1074 | 48.4 | $60,491 | $1,300/mo | 773 | 23.7 min |
| Orem, UTPop. 97,182 | #440 | 59.2 | $83,342 | $1,438/mo | 134 | 20.1 min |
| Tracy, CAPop. 96,966 | #565 | 57.1 | $121,119 | $2,478/mo | 194 | 42.5 min |
| Edmond, OKPop. 96,825 | #229 | 63.7 | $103,183 | $1,344/mo | 139 | 23.3 min |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #637 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 | 19.8 min |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #1177 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 | 24.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Yakima compare with the rest of Washington?
Yakima ranks #26 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 47.7 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 37% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 84% above the statewide rate. Homes are 39% below the typical Washington home.
| City | Rank in WA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #1 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #2 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #3 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #4 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #5 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #6 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 |
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #7 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #8 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #9 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #10 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 |
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | … #22 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #23 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data |
| Lakewood, WAPop. 62,937 | #24 | 47.9 | $74,720 | $1,525/mo | 514 |
| Tacoma, WAPop. 222,758 | #25 | 47.7 | $85,884 | $1,676/mo | 866 |
| Yakima, WAPop. 96,961 | #26 | 47.7 | $62,815 | $1,117/mo | 522 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Yakima among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Yakima's score calculated?
Yakima scores 47.7 out of 100, #1111 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Washington's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Yakima. Similar-size median 55.5.
37.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Yakima's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
60.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Yakima. Similar-size median 58.9.
41.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Yakima's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
48.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Yakima's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
74.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Yakima. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Yakima. Similar-size median 42.4.
35.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Yakima. Similar-size median 50.0.
46.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Yakima's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
45.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
49.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Yakima's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Yakima has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Yakima
Is Yakima, WA a good place to live?
Yakima ranks #1111 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #459 of 524 smaller cities and #26 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.8 min, #45 of 524) and low rents ($1,117/mo, #95 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (74.2%, #407 of 437) and high unemployment (5.7%, #423 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Yakima?
Yakima's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,117/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $361,999, 39% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Yakima?
Yakima recorded 522 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 59% above the US rate of 328 and 84% above Washington's 284. That ranks #863 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #382 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Yakima Police Department. Property crime runs 1,884 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Yakima?
The median household in Yakima earns $62,815, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 37% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Yakima?
Median rent in Yakima is $1,117/mo (Census), #356 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,329/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Yakima?
The typical home value in Yakima is $361,999, up 0.8% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $297,600.
How are the public schools in Yakima?
Yakima's 29 public schools graduate 74.2% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $18,008 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Yakima?
The average commute is 17.8 minutes, #182 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Yakima?
Yakima averages 50.8°F over the year, 69.5°F in summer and 33°F in winter, with 8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Yakima walkable?
Yakima scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Yakima at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yakima County's biggest natural hazard losses in landslide, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Yakima?
Yakima County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Yakima?
Yakima has 96,961 residents. The median resident of Yakima is 34.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 20.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1147 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Yakima compare with the rest of Washington?
Yakima ranks #26 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 47.7 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 37% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 84% above the statewide rate. Homes are 39% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Yakima?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Yakima's population of 96,961 are Beaverton, OR (#402 overall), Deltona, FL (#1025 overall), Portsmouth, VA (#1074 overall), Orem, UT (#440 overall), and Tracy, CA (#565 overall). Yakima is #1111.