countyscore
30.4
County Score
Water Quality 62.8Income & Jobs 61.9Property Tax 51.8

County Report Card

About Yakima County, Washington

A Challenging National Ranking

Yakima County's composite score of 30.4 is significantly below the national median of 50.0. It ranks toward the bottom of US counties due to compounded safety and environmental risks.

Trailing Behind State Peers

The county's score of 30.4 sits more than 13 points below the Washington state average of 44.1. This indicates that residents face more daily hurdles than the average person in the Evergreen State.

Healthy Incomes and Clean Water

The county performs well in water quality with a 62.8 and income with a 61.9. A median household income of $68,015 provides a decent living standard relative to the $281,100 median home value.

Significant Safety and Health Risks

Safety and environmental risk scores are extremely low at 7.5 and 6.0, respectively. These figures, combined with a health score of 26.1, highlight urgent needs for infrastructure and community services.

Suited for Resilient High Earners

Yakima is best for those with stable local employment who can navigate the area's safety and health challenges. It offers relatively affordable $1,068 rent for those who prioritize income over environmental scores.

2040608010051.823.27.526.141.161.9662.840.8Tax51.8Cost23.2Safety7.5Health26.1Schools41.1Income61.9Risk6Water62.8Weather40.830.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Yakima County DNA

Foverall

How Yakima County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Yakima County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (7.5/100), though Income (61.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51.8
Cost
23.2-24.8
Safety
7.5-47.5
Health
26.1-23.9
Schools
41.1-12.899999999999999
Income
61.9+10.899999999999999
Risk
6-41
Water
62.8
Weather
40.8-15.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Yakima County

Whether buying or refinancing in Yakima County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$281,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,068/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$281,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,015/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Adams County
Colorado
Median income: $91,387
30.4
Miami-Dade County
Florida
Median income: $68,694
30.4
Cuyahoga County
Ohio
Median income: $62,823
30.4
Marion County
Oregon
Median income: $74,624
30.4
Collin County
Texas
Median income: $117,588
30.4
Liberty County
Texas
Median income: $64,773
30.4
Terry County
Texas
Median income: $45,905
30.4
Duval County
Florida
Median income: $68,447
30.3

Nearby counties

Kittitas County
Washington
41.8
King County
Washington
39.5
Pierce County
Washington
33.7
Klickitat County
Washington
52.7
Lewis County
Washington
37.2
Skamania County
Washington
57.8
Grant County
Washington
32.8
Chelan County
Washington
42

Deep Dives

Yakima County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Yakima County

via TaxByCounty

Yakima County taxes slightly below national median

Yakima County's effective tax rate of 0.818% sits just below the national median of 0.85%, placing it near the national midpoint. At $2,299 annually, median property taxes fall below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Slightly above average in Washington

Yakima County's 0.818% effective rate exceeds Washington's state average of 0.761%, ranking it among higher-taxed counties statewide. However, at $2,299 in median property taxes, residents pay below the state median of $3,028.

Middle ground for central Washington taxes

Yakima County's 0.818% rate falls between Walla Walla (0.901%) to the southeast and Whitman (0.794%) to the northeast. This positions Yakima as a moderate-tax option in central Washington.

What you'll pay on a Yakima County home

On a median home valued at $281,100, Yakima County residents pay approximately $2,299 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest included, annual obligations rise to $2,483.

Appeal if your home is overassessed

Yakima County homeowners should verify their assessments align with current market values, especially in neighborhoods experiencing rapid changes. Filing an appeal with the assessor's office is straightforward and could uncover significant overvaluations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yakima County

via CostByCounty

Yakima County Hits National Affordability Mark

Yakima County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% exactly matches the national average, with median household income of $68,015 supporting median rent of $1,068/month. The county delivers textbook national affordability benchmarks.

Yakima Matches Washington Average

Yakima County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% perfectly aligns with Washington's state average, positioning it as a representative statewide market. Median rent of $1,068/month runs $134 below state median, offering modest savings.

Affordable Regional Hub

Yakima County rents ($1,068/month) undercut western Washington pressure points like Thurston ($1,634/month) and Whatcom ($1,465/month) while remaining higher than remote rural counties like Stevens ($864/month). The county anchors central Washington affordability.

Balanced Housing Allocation

Renters allocate 18.8% of income to housing while homeowners invest 19.4% ($1,101/month), the most balanced split among these counties. The median home value of $281,100 ranks among the lowest, offering strong equity-building potential.

Yakima for Practical Relocators

Yakima County delivers reliable affordability with legitimate economic diversification—compare these numbers against your current housing burden to see how far your dollar stretches in Washington's heartland.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yakima County

via IncomeByCounty

Yakima County earns below the national average

Median household income in Yakima County is $68,015, running about 9% below the national median of $74,755. This positions Yakima in the lower-middle income band compared to counties nationwide.

Yakima trails Washington's state earnings average

Yakima County's median household income of $68,015 falls short of Washington's state average of $76,363 by over $8,300. Per capita income of $29,309 ranks lowest among all seven counties examined here.

Yakima ranks sixth in this seven-county group

Yakima County's $68,015 median income exceeds only Whitman ($52,893) and Wahkiakum ($57,091) but trails Stevens County ($67,405) narrowly. Yakima earns substantially less than higher-income neighbors Whatcom and Thurston Counties.

Modest housing costs help manage tight budgets

Yakima County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% falls in the moderate range, and the median home value of $281,100 is the lowest in this group. Lower housing costs provide a buffer for residents managing below-average incomes.

Leverage affordability to build asset wealth

Yakima County's low housing costs are a wealth-building advantage despite modest incomes—every dollar saved on rent can flow toward savings. Explore employer retirement benefits and low-cost index funds to grow assets systematically over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yakima County

via CrimeByCounty

Yakima County Faces Above-Average Crime Rates

Yakima County reports 3,042.9 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score currently stands at 95.2 out of 100.

Comparing Yakima to Washington State Averages

The county's safety score of 95.2 is lower than the state average of 96.2. With 3,042.9 crimes per 100,000, Yakima also exceeds the state’s average crime rate of 2,377.2.

Monitoring Safety Across Yakima’s Communities

Data from 13 reporting agencies shows that Yakima County has a more active crime profile than its rural neighbors. This higher volume of reports reflects both its larger population and its role as a regional hub.

Violent Crime Rates Exceed State Average

Yakima's violent crime rate of 392.0 per 100,000 is higher than both the national average and the state average of 249.6. Property crime is also elevated at 2,650.9 per 100,000 residents.

Prioritizing Home Safety in Yakima

High crime rates suggest that active home security is important for Yakima residents. Installing deadbolts, using security cameras, and participating in neighborhood watch programs can significantly reduce your personal risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Yakima County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Network for Central Washington

Yakima County oversees a vast system of 118 schools and 52,759 students across 16 districts. This extensive network includes 53 elementary schools and 41 high schools to accommodate its large student population.

Educational Challenges and Resource Allocation

The county's graduation rate stands at 79.7%, slightly below the state's 81.4% average. Per-pupil spending is $8,539, which remains under the state benchmark as the county works to support its 118 campuses.

Yakima School District's Broad Reach

The Yakima School District is a powerhouse with 29 schools and 15,553 students. West Valley School District follows as the second largest, supporting 5,490 students across 16 different campuses.

Large Campuses in City and Town Hubs

Yakima features 36 city schools and 36 town schools, with an average school size of 459 students. Davis High School is the county's largest institution, serving a massive student body of 2,330.

Find Your Community in Yakima County

With over 100 schools to choose from, Yakima County offers families a wide range of educational environments. Use local district data to find a neighborhood that fits your family's academic and lifestyle needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yakima County

via RiskByCounty

Yakima County faces high composite risk

Yakima County scores 94.02 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and significantly exceeding Washington's state average of 70.01. This agricultural powerhouse ranks among the nation's more hazard-exposed counties due to a potent combination of wildfire, flood, and earthquake threats.

Among Washington's highest-risk counties

Yakima County ranks in the top tier of Washington's disaster risk hierarchy, with a composite score of 94.02 that trails only Thurston County. Its elevation places it alongside the state's most comprehensively hazard-exposed regions.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Yakima County's risk score of 94.02 significantly exceeds Walla Walla County (60.37) and other interior neighbors, marking it as the region's most hazard-exposed area. Only Thurston County (94.50) and Whatcom County (90.97) approach its comprehensive risk level.

Wildfire and flood dominate hazards

Wildfire risk peaks at 98.92 in Yakima County—the state's highest—driven by extensive grasslands, orchards, and summer drought across the basin. Flood risk of 92.88 ranks among Washington's highest, reflecting the Yakima River system and spring snowmelt patterns, while earthquake risk of 97.39 compounds seismic vulnerability.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Yakima County residents must prioritize wildfire insurance and maintain aggressive defensible space clearance, especially in rural and agricultural areas where fuel loads remain high. Flood insurance is critical for all properties, and earthquake coverage should be secured immediately given the 97.39 risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Yakima County

via WaterByCounty

Yakima County Earns Strong Compliance Grade

Yakima County receives a Grade B for drinking water compliance with 12 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 4.8 per 100,000 residents is exceptionally low compared to the state average of 113.4.

Watershed Impairment Status Not Yet Documented

Federal Section 303(d) assessments have not yet been completed for water bodies within this county. The EPA ATTAINS database currently lists no impairment percentages or causes for this specific jurisdiction.

Extensive Monitoring Tracks Agricultural Runoff

A network of 176 monitoring sites has recorded 57,484 measurements in the last five years. The primary focus of these efforts is on tracking organics and pesticides, which are critical metrics in this region.

Streamgage Present with Missing Flow Data

The Yakima River at Mabton serves as a primary streamgage, though current flow data is not available. Residents should look to the county's strong Grade B compliance rating for current indicators of water quality.

Focus on Pesticide Awareness and Prevention

With organics and pesticides being top-measured groups, residents should be mindful of agricultural runoff in their source water. The county's Grade B rating is strong, but periodic independent testing for chemical contaminants remains a prudent step for safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yakima County

via WeatherByCounty

Yakima’s High Desert Climate Profile

Yakima County averages 50.9°F annually, which is slightly below the national median of 53°F. It is one of the driest regions in the country, characterized by low precipitation and high sun.

Warmer and Drier than Washington

The county is warmer than the 49.9°F state average but far drier than the 38.5-inch state precipitation average. It receives only 8.1 inches of rain per year, creating a desert-like environment.

The Driest County in the Region

Yakima's 8.1 inches of rain is remarkably lower than Walla Walla’s 15.8 inches. Despite the aridity, it still manages 16.9 inches of annual snow, more than its neighbors to the south.

Toasty Summers and Crisp Winters

July averages a warm 72.4°F, and the county faces 39 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are cold and dry, with a December-February average of 32.7°F.

Manage Water and Extreme Heat

Drought-resistant landscaping is a must given the low 8.1 inches of annual rainfall. High-efficiency cooling is also essential to navigate the nearly 40 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yakima County

via SoilByCounty

Volcanic Soils of Central Washington

Specific data on Yakima County's pH and taxonomic soil order is not available in this set. Regional profiles often contrast with the national pH median of 6.5, reflecting the arid conditions and volcanic history of the valley.

Rich Mineral Content

The precise percentages of sand, silt, and clay for this county are currently unrecorded. Local soils are generally known for their excellent mineral content, which supports the state's most diverse orchard and hop production.

High Productivity Under Irrigation

Measurements for local organic matter and water capacity are missing for this jurisdiction. However, the region’s agricultural success suggests that fertility is exceptionally high when managed with standard irrigation techniques.

Critical Water Management

We do not have data for the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Yakima County. Because of the arid climate, understanding local water movement is vital for successful irrigation and long-term land management.

Orchard Paradise in Zone 7a

Yakima’s Zone 7a climate is legendary for producing world-class hops, apples, and cherries. Home gardeners should embrace the sunny days and rich local heritage to start their own fruit-focused backyard oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yakima County

via LawnByCounty

Arid Conditions Challenge Yakima Growers

Yakima County presents a difficult landscape for lawn enthusiasts with a score of 28.4. This score is well below the national median and the state average, largely due to the arid conditions found in Zone 7a.

Washington's Striking Desert Climate

With a mere 8.1 inches of rain per year, Yakima is the driest county in this group and falls far short of the 30-inch minimum for healthy grass. Lawns must endure 39 days of extreme heat, requiring dedicated irrigation systems for survival.

Preparing for Alkaline Soil Conditions

While specific soil data is unavailable, the region’s volcanic and desert history often results in alkaline or sandy soils. Regular applications of organic matter and sulfur may be necessary to lower pH and improve water retention for thirsty grass.

A Full Year of Constant Drought

The county has spent every single week of the past year in drought, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. Water conservation is a necessity here, requiring growers to use every drop efficiently to maintain any green space.

Drought-Resistant Turf for the High Desert

Drought-resistant varieties like Buffalograss or hybrid fescues are the smartest choices for this challenging climate. Plan your seeding between the May 4 and October 10 frost dates, focusing on early fall for the most resilient results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yakima County's county score?
Yakima County, Washington has a composite county score of 30.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Yakima County rank among counties in Washington?
Yakima County ranks #39 among all counties in Washington on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Yakima County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Yakima County is $2,299, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Yakima County a tax score of 51.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yakima County?
The median household income in Yakima County, Washington is $68,015 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yakima County earns an income score of 61.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yakima County, Washington a good place to live?
Yakima County scores 30.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Yakima County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Yakima County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.