RANK #548 / 996 · POP 256,143 · WA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.5%
Yakima County, Washington, is known for its agricultural landscape, particularly its role as the oldest federally recognized wine-growing region in Washington State. The county, located in south-central Washington, is about a two-hour drive from Seattle and three hours from Spokane, offering access to major Northwest population centers. The community offers a blend of rural character and urban amenities, with the city of Yakima serving as the largest urban center. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and skiing in areas like Cowiche Canyon, the Yakima River, and nearby White and Chinook Passes. The region boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, contributing to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Life in Yakima County offers a slower pace and a lower cost of living compared to other parts of Washington. The economy has historically relied on agriculture, producing a wide variety of crops including apples, cherries, and a significant portion of the nation's hops. Beyond agriculture, the county is seeing economic diversification with growth in sectors such as food processing, manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare. There is also a focus on developing clean energy resources, with new large-scale solar projects under development. Commute options within the county include carpooling, vanpooling, and local bus transit systems. The county is served by multiple school districts, including Yakima School District, West Valley School District, and others.
Above national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Ostrea Solar Farm
Cypress Creek Renewables LLC
|
$150M | Under Construction |
|
Black Rock Solar Project
BayWa AG
|
$94M | Under Construction |
|
High Top Solar Farm
Cypress Creek Renewables LLC
|
$80M | Under Construction |
|
Goose Prairie Solar
Brookfield
|
$80M | Under Construction |
|
Sunnyside RNG Facility (Methane Digester)
Pacific Ag Renewables
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Occidental Development (Common-wall homes)
Summit Crest Construction
|
$50M | Upcoming |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Yakima County has a Boom Town Index score of 45/100, ranking #548 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.4% and a median household income of $64,910, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Yakima County is $254,700 with median rent at $1,010/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2548, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.4%. Home values changed +1.8% in the past 12 months.