Yakima County Demographics

As of the latest available data, Yakima County, WA has a population of approximately 255,950 people. The racial and ethnic composition includes around 50% Hispanic or Latino, 42% White, 3% Native American, 1% African American, and 1% Asian. The county has about 84,000 households, with an average household size of 3.1 individuals. The median age is approximately 31 years. About 26% of the population is under 18, and 11% are 65 and older. The median household income is around $49,000, and the poverty rate is about 20%.

Yakima County Housing

As of the latest data, Yakima County, WA has a median home value of approximately $271,000. The median rent is around $900 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 62%, while vacancy rates hover around 7%. The average household size is 3.1 people. Housing affordability remains a challenge, with roughly 35% of homeowners and 50% of renters spending over 30% of their income on housing costs. Housing development is slowly increasing to meet demand.

Elections in Yakima County

As of the most recent election cycle, Yakima County in Washington State has a range of local and regional elections, including positions for city councils, county commissioners, and school boards. Here’s a brief overview:

  • Voter Registration: Approximately 130,000 registered voters.
  • County Commissioners: 3 seats, with Position 1 and Position 2 up for election.
    • Candidates: Amanda McKinney (R) and Kyle Curtis (D) for Position 1; Ron Anderson (R) and Steven Solomons (D) for Position 2.
  • City Council Elections: Yakima City Council has 7 seats, with 3-4 typically up for election every cycle.
  • School Boards: Multiple school districts including Yakima School District, with varying candidates depending on local declarations.

Specific candidate names and numerical vote totals change with each election year. For the most accurate and updated information, refer to the Yakima County Elections Office website or the Washington State Secretary of State's election resources.

How Educated in Yakima County

Yakima County, WA has educational attainment levels that tend to lag behind both state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 73.4% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 88.5% and the Washington state average of around 91.3%. Furthermore, only 15.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.1% and the state average of 37.2%. These figures indicate that Yakima County has significant room for improvement in terms of educational attainment.

Yakima County Employment Rate

Yakima County, WA, has an estimated labor force of approximately 130,000 people. As of 2021, the unemployment rate in Yakima County stood at 8.5%, higher than the national average of 6%, and the Washington state average of 5.4%.

Top industries in Yakima County include:

  1. Agriculture: Yakima is a significant hub for apple, wine, and hop production, employing around 25,000 people.
  2. Manufacturing: Focused largely on food processing, employing roughly 10,000 individuals.
  3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Providing jobs for about 12,000 people.
  4. Retail Trade: Employs approximately 8,000 residents.
  5. Education Services: Around 7,000 individuals are employed in this sector.

In comparison, national employment is more diversified with higher shares in professional services, information technology, and finance, while Washington state overall sees significant employment in technology and aerospace, sectors notably smaller in Yakima County.

Average Income in Yakima County

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Yakima County, WA, is approximately $57,731. This is lower compared to the national average household income, which stands at around $68,703. Similarly, when compared to the Washington state average household income of $82,648, Yakima County's income levels remain below both the state and national averages.

Location Average Household Income
Yakima County, WA $57,731
United States $68,703
Washington State $82,648

These figures indicate a significant income disparity between Yakima County and broader benchmarks at both the national and state levels.

Yakima County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, Yakima County, WA, has a crime rate higher than the national average. The total crime rate is approximately 3,444 incidents per 100,000 people annually. Here's a breakdown of some key crime statistics:

Crime Type Incidents per 100,000 People
Violent Crime 441
Property Crime 3,003
Homicide 8
Rape 48
Robbery 126
Aggravated Assault 259
Burglary 579
Larceny-Theft 1,985
Motor Vehicle Theft 439

Note: These figures are subject to updates and may vary based on new data releases. Always refer to local law enforcement and official statistics for the most current information.