RANK #454 / 996 NAT · #4 / 21 WA · POP 256,143
1YR FORECAST: +0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +25%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 scores 54/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#454). Median household income is $64,910 and job growth is running at +0.4%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Yakima County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $254,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.25, with rents averaging $1,010/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Yakima County are both close to flat — population +0.4% YoY and jobs +0.4%. Home values shifted +1.8% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
Not particularly — 1.79% of Yakima County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.