Living in Yakima, WA
Yakima is the 353rd-largest city in the US, home to about 97,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (95.5 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 97,458+0.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $297,6004.7 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,117/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $62,815median, per year
- Price level
- 95.5US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 40° / 90°lows 24° / 55°
- Average commute
- 18 min8% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: Yakima County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 1,070 ft
Metro area: Yakima, WA
Cost of living in Yakima
The median home in Yakima is worth $297,600 and the median household earns $62,815 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.7 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,117 a month, about 21% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Yakima, WA metro area at 95.5, with housing at 72.6 and goods at 105.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $71,700 here. Washington has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Washington is 9.57%.
What would my salary be worth in Yakima?
Yakima weather
Average highs run from 40°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 24°F. It gets 8 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 20 inches of snow. Expect about 40 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 147 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to June and September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Yakima
People and work
The median resident is 34.3 years old, and 21% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 54% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 18 minutes; 8% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 34.3144th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 21%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 54%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,47028.1 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%2% walk, 0.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 8.4%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 16.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1972median year
Who moves to Yakima, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Spokane (Spokane County), Everett (Snohomish County) and Los Angeles (Los Angeles County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Spokane (Spokane County), Everett (Snohomish County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Yakima County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: avalanche, wildfire, winter weather, cold wave.
Home prices
+2.4% in a year
Up 34% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Yakima, WA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
62% good days
3 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Yakima, WA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Yakima
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Central Washington University 28 miles
- Yakima Valley College 2 miles
- Heritage University 18 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Yakima
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Yakima Air Terminal Airport YKM | 3 mi | 41,471 |
| Tri-Cities Airport PSC | 73 mi | 476,639 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Yakima
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima Valley College | 2 mi | 2,770 | $17,448 | n/a |
| Heritage University | 18 mi | 812 | $10,747 | 57% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Yakima
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before May 8, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around September 23 and the first frost comes around October 4.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Yakima Air Terminal, WA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Yakima.
Wildfire smoke in Yakima
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Yakima on about 75 days a year, including about 30 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Yakima
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 35,726 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Yakima
Downtown Yakima is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima School District | Pre-K to 12 | 15,488 | 29 | 17.7 |
Other districts within 10 miles: West Valley School District (Yakima) (5,480 students), Selah School District (3,784 students), East Valley School District (Yakima) (3,387 students), Wapato School District (3,198 students), Naches Valley School District (1,308 students), Highland School District (1,060 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Yakima's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Yakima's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Caldwell, ID78% matchCompare
- Nampa, ID75% matchCompare
- Albuquerque, NM64% matchCompare
- Billings, MT64% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Yakima
- White Pass Ski Area 39 miles
- Mission Ridge Ski Area 48 miles
- Crystal Mountain 49 miles
- Meany Lodge 59 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Yakima
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Washington has no state income tax on wages.
- Data Commutes are short: 18 minutes each way on average.
Cons
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.57% on average with local taxes.
Yakima report card from locals
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Cities near Yakima
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick, WA | 73 mi | 88,366 | $370,700 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Pasco, WA | 75 mi | 82,848 | $376,300 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Auburn, WA | 91 mi | 86,301 | $547,900 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Kent, WA | 94 mi | 134,871 | $587,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Federal Way, WA | 96 mi | 99,729 | $552,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Renton, WA | 97 mi | 104,975 | $672,600 | 111.1 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Yakima with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Yakima a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, no state income tax on wages, short commutes. Compare Yakima side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Yakima?
The Census Bureau estimates Yakima had 97,458 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 96,949 in April 2020 (+0.5%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Yakima?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $71,700 in the Yakima area. The median household here earns $62,815.
When is the best time to visit Yakima?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to June and September are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 40°F for daytime highs.
What county is Yakima in?
Yakima is in Yakima County, Washington. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Yakima in?
Yakima is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Yakima?
About 1,070 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
No. Washington does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Yakima. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Yakima, WA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Yakima Air Terminal, WA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.