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Yakima, WA

Frequently asked questions

Yakima, WA

Yakima is a city in, and the county seat of, Yakima County, Washington, United States, and the state's 11th most populous city. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 96,968 and a metropolitan population of 256,728. The unincorporated suburban areas of West Valley and Terrace Heights are considered a part of greater Yakima.

Yakima is about 60 miles (100 kilometers) southeast of Mount Rainier in Washington. It is situated in the Yakima Valley, a productive agricultural region noted for apple, wine, and hop production. As of 2011, the Yakima Valley produces 77% of all hops grown in the United States. The name Yakima originates from the Yakama Nation Native American tribe, whose reservation is located south of the city.

The Yakama people were the first known inhabitants of the Yakima Valley. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition came to the area and encountered abundant wildlife and rich soil, prompting the settlement of homesteaders. A Catholic Mission was established in Ahtanum, southwest of present-day Yakima, in 1847. The arrival of settlers and their conflicts with the natives resulted in the Yakima War. The U.S. Army established Fort Simcoe in 1856 near present-day White Swan as a response to the uprising. The Yakamas were defeated and forced to relocate to the Yakama Indian Reservation.

Yakima County was created in 1865. When bypassed by the Northern Pacific Railroad in December 1884, over 100 buildings were moved with rollers and horse teams to the nearby site of the depot. The new city was dubbed North Yakima and was officially incorporated and named the county seat on January 27, 1886. The name was changed to Yakima in 1918. Union Gap was the new name given to the original site of Yakima.

On May 18, 1980, the eruption of Mount St. Helens caused a large amount of volcanic ash to fall on the Yakima area. Visibility was reduced to near-zero conditions that afternoon, and the ash overloaded the city's wastewater treatment plant.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.69 sq mi (71.72 km²), of which 27.18 sq mi (70.40 km²) is land and 0.51 sq mi (1.32 km²) is water. Yakima is 1,095 feet above mean sea level.

The city of Yakima is located in the Upper Valley of Yakima County. The county is geographically divided by Ahtanum Ridge and Rattlesnake Ridge into two regions: the Upper (northern) and Lower (southern) valleys. Yakima is located in the more urbanized Upper Valley and is the central city of the Yakima Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The unincorporated suburban areas of West Valley and Terrace Heights are considered a part of greater Yakima. Other nearby cities include Moxee, Tieton, Cowiche, Wiley City, Tampico, Gleed, and Naches in the Upper Valley, as well as Wapato, Toppenish, Zillah, Harrah, White Swan, Parker, Buena, Outlook, Granger, Mabton, Sunnyside, and Grandview in the Lower Valley.

Yakima places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and Astria Health offer comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Volution Fitness Yakima is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve the entire Yakima Valley. Anytime Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Start your journey at the Yakima Athletic Club for a comprehensive fitness experience with group classes and personal training. For a more relaxed approach, visit the Serenity Day Spa for top-notch spa treatments. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Cowiche Canyon Trail, perfect for hiking and nature walks. The Yakima Greenway offers scenic paths for biking and walking along the Yakima River.

Top sites in Yakima, WA are Yakima Valley Museum, Yakima Area Arboretum, and Yakima Sportsman State Park.

Population: 96,750 (2023). ZIP code: 98902. Area code: 509. Elevation: 325 m. Area: 27.69 sq mi (71.72 km²)

FAQs

What is Yakima, WA famous for?

Renowned for its agricultural richness, this vibrant community combines a picturesque landscape with a thriving cultural scene. As the gateway to wine country and surrounded by scenic orchards and vineyards, Yakima has many experiences. The city’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it an ideal location for growing these crops. The region’s warm days and cool nights create the perfect conditions for growing grapes, resulting in high-quality wines. 

Is Yakima, WA cheap to live in?

Yakima, Washington's cost of living is 2% lower than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, average salary, and the real estate market of that area. Yakima's housing expenses are 8% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 17% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 16% higher than the national average. Healthcare in Yakima is 4% higher than the national average.

Is Yakima, WA rural?

The city of Yakima is located in the Upper Valley of Yakima County. The county is geographically divided by Ahtanum Ridge and Rattlesnake Ridge into two regions: the Upper (northern) and Lower (southern) valleys. Yakima is located in the more urbanized Upper Valley and is the central city of the Yakima Metropolitan Statistical Area. The unincorporated suburban areas of West Valley and Terrace Heights are considered a part of greater Yakima. 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Yakima

Payscale

Redfin

Yakima Valley Museum

Yakima Area Arboretum

Yakima Sportsman State Park

Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital

Astria Health

Volution Fitness Yakima

Anytime Fitness

Yakima Athletic Club

Serenity Day Spa

Cowiche Canyon Trail

Yakima Greenway

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.