Performance
Score Breakdown
Oak Hill
Yakima
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Oak Hill is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
24% lower compared to Yakima.
Housing costs are a major driver: Oak Hill's average rent is
20% lower than Yakima's.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Yakima | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $897 | $1,127 | -20% |
| Groceries | $350 | $450 | -22% |
| Utilities | $150 | $274 | -45% |
| Transport | $100 | $120 | -17% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $153 | -22% |
| Monthly Total | $1,617 | $2,124 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 102 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Yakima offers 17% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Oak Hill delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Oak Hill is estimated at
$45,000 vs $49,428 in Yakima.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $28,806 | $34,628 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $49,428 |
| Purchasing Power | 36,931 idx | 33,949 idx |
| Household Income | $52,466 | $59,829 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Yakima has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Oak Hill.
Oak Hill scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 1.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Yakima is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Oak Hill.
From a growth perspective, Oak Hill is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Yakima has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Oak Hill | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,937 | 97,769 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 41.4 | |
| Unemployment | 8.30% | 5.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.3B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Oak Hill
Advantages
The violent crime rate in Oak Hill is 44% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Housing is significantly more affordable than the national average, with a median home value of $118,700 in 2024.
The city offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including white water rafting and hiking, due to its proximity to the New River Gorge.
Oak Hill experienced a positive employment growth rate of 4.63% from 2023 to 2024.
The median rent of $897 in June 2026 is considerably lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Oak Hill has a high unemployment rate of 8.3% as of March 2026, exceeding the national average.
The city is highly car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 0 and very limited public transit options.
The population is projected to decline by -1.42% annually, indicating a shrinking community.
Some reports suggest overall crime rates are 57% higher than the West Virginia average, despite low violent crime.
The average commute time of 29 minutes is slightly higher than the national average.
Yakima
Advantages
Yakima enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year, making it one of Washington's sunniest major cities.
The cost of living in Yakima is notably affordable, with housing costs significantly lower than the national average.
The region is a world-class wine country with over 120 wineries, offering unique recreational and cultural experiences.
Residents have access to excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Yakima River and nearby mountains, lakes, and trails.
The average commute time in Yakima County is shorter than the Washington state average, at 17.3 minutes.
Drawbacks
Yakima's overall crime rate is 22% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 52% higher.
The nightlife and cultural scene can be limited, with many establishments closing early and less investment in arts compared to larger cities.
Public transit is not extensive, making car ownership almost essential for getting around the city effectively.
Some specialized medical care may require residents to travel to larger cities outside of Yakima.
Groceries and utilities are slightly more expensive than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Oak Hill
#85West Virginia, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$897
Avg Salary
$28,806
Cost Index
78
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
1.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
8.30%
Livability
68
Business
55
Yakima
#21Washington, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,127
Avg Salary
$34,628
Cost Index
102
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
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