City Profile

Yakima, Washington

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

Overall Score

Yakima, Washington, often referred to as the 'Palm Springs of Washington,' is a city nestled in the south-central part of the state, known for its abundant sunshine, picturesque landscapes, and a robust agricultural industry. The city's development has been significantly shaped by the Northern Pacific Railroad and the Yakima River, with much of its population concentrated along the river due to the critical role of irrigation in the region's agricultural success. Yakima boasts a rich cultural scene, featuring attractions like the Yakima Valley Museum and the Capitol Theatre, and is renowned for its wine production, with numerous vineyards and wineries in the scenic countryside. People are drawn to Yakima for its blend of natural beauty, cultural offerings, and a strong sense of community, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest.

About Washington

Washington, USA, offers a diverse character, split by the Cascade Mountains into a wetter, milder western side and a drier, more extreme eastern side. The economy is robust and varied, with major industries including technology, aerospace, trade, and healthcare in Western Washington, while the eastern half is dominated by agriculture, particularly fruit and vegetable production and dairy farming. Living costs are generally high, especially in the Seattle metropolitan area, though more affordable options exist in Eastern Washington. The climate west of the Cascades features cool, comparatively dry summers and mild, wet, cloudy winters, while the east experiences hotter summers and colder winters. Residents often enjoy an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, balancing urban conveniences with access to diverse natural landscapes.

Cost of Living Weather & Climate Jobs & Economy Quality of Life Safety Demographics Economy Transportation Healthcare Housing Nearby Cities Similar Cities FAQ

97,769

Population

$35K

Avg Salary

102

Cost Index

72.0

Quality Score

Performance

Quality Scores

Business

Livability

Affordability

Growth

Expenses

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Yakima is notably more affordable compared to many other cities in Washington, particularly those on the western side of the state. Overall, Yakima's cost of living in 2025 was 1% lower than the U.S. national average. Housing is a significant factor in this affordability, with average rent being considerably lower than the national average. However, some costs, such as utilities and groceries, are slightly higher than the national average. For instance, energy bills are around $213 per month, which is roughly 28% lower than the national average per kWh, but overall utility costs are about 11.8% higher than the national average. Groceries are also about 5.7% higher than the national average.

Average Rent

$1,127/mo

Groceries

$450/mo

Transport

$120/mo

Utilities

$274/mo

Healthcare

$153/mo

Gym membership (monthly)

$51.25

Cinema ticket

$15.00

Restaurant meal (mid-range)

$22.00

Monthly groceries

$700.00

Doctor visit (without insurance)

$152.90

Income

Salary Insights

Yakima County's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, food processing, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail trade, with agriculture serving as its cornerstone. In 2024, the largest industries in Yakima were Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade. The agricultural sector alone generated over $2.3 billion in annual sales from 2,523 farms in 2023. While agriculture provides a significant number of jobs, many are seasonal, leading to some fluctuations in the unemployment rate. The average annual wage in Yakima County in 2014 was $34,628, which was 63% of the state average. The job market is considered narrower than in larger metropolitan areas, and prospective residents should research local employment options carefully.

The average salary in Yakima is $34,628 per year. You would need approximately $49,428 to live comfortably.

Employment

Top Industries

Retail Trade Manufacturing Health Care & Social Assistance Public Administration Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting

Weather

Climate

🌡️

Avg Temp

☀️

Summer High

❄️

Winter Low

🌧️

Annual Rain

💧

Humidity

🌤️

Sunny Days

Mobility

Transport

Getting around Yakima primarily relies on personal vehicles, as public transit, while available, is not as extensive as in larger cities. Yakima Transit provides bus services within the cities of Selah, Yakima, and Union Gap, with monthly passes available for adults, youth, and reduced fares. There is also a Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter bus service. However, many residents note that owning a car is essential for getting around effectively due to urban sprawl and limited public transportation options. The average commute time in Yakima County is 17.3 minutes, which is shorter than the Washington state average. Most people travel to work by car, with about 6.4% working from home.

17 min

Avg Commute

/10

Transit Score

/10

Walkability

High

Car Dependency

At a Glance