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Yelm, WA

Frequently asked questions

Yelm, WA

Yelm is a city in Thurston County, Washington, United States. Its population was 10,617 at the 2020 census. 

The word "Yelm" is said to come from the Coast Salish word shelm or chelm, meaning "heat waves from the sun", referring to heat mirages. The Yelm Prairie was originally inhabited by the Nisqually and provided good pasture for their horses. The first permanent non-indigenous settlers came in 1853 to join the Hudson's Bay Company sheep farmers who already conducted business in the area.

With the coming of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1873, Yelm began to prosper, having found an outlet for its agricultural and forestry products. Its economic base was further enhanced when an irrigation company was formed in 1916, making Yelm a center for commercial production of beans, cucumbers and berries. Yelm was incorporated on December 8, 1924.

During the Great Depression, high maintenance costs and an unstructured water distribution plan bankrupted the Yelm Irrigation Company. At the beginning of the 21st century, Yelm was the 10th fastest growing city in the state in regard to population.

Yelm is located in southeastern Thurston County, adjacent to its border with Pierce County, along the Nisqually River. The city is near the Nisqually Indian Reservation (located to the northwest on State Route 510), and Joint Base Lewis–McChord on the northeast side of the river. Another major highway, State Route 507, connects Yelm to Centralia and Spanaway near Tacoma.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.69 square miles (14.74 km²), of which, 5.68 square miles (14.71 km²) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²) is water.

Yelm places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. Yelm Family Medicine offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Start your wellness journey at Anytime Fitness, a premier gym that provides a variety of classes and state-of-the-art equipment. Get Fit Yelm offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For a more holistic approach, visit Earth Yoga Studio, where you can engage in yoga and meditation sessions designed to enhance your mental and physical well-being. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the scenic trails and parks at Yelm City Park, perfect for walking, jogging, and picnicking. The Thurston County Public Health & Social Services offers community wellness programs and health resources. For those interested in aquatic activities, Yelm Community Center provides swimming lessons and water aerobics.

Top sites in Yelm, WA are Yelm Cinemas, Cochrane Memorial Park, Deschutes Falls Park, and Longmire Community Park.

Population: 11,715 (2024). ZIP code: 98597. Area code: 360. Elevation: 354 ft (108 m). Area: 5.72 sq mi (14.81 km²).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Yelm, WA?

With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Yelm has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32. Within Washington, more than 76% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Yelm.

What is the cost of living in Yelm, Washington?

Yelm is ranked 41 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Yelm is 114.8% of the national average. The median household income in Yelm is $83,027, which is 0% more than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $41,467, which is 6% less than that of the state. The average rent in Yelm (located in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Metro) metro area for a 2-bed home is $1,844, which is 25% more than the average rent across the US.

What is Yelm, WA known for?

Yelm—a version of the Nisqually word “shelm,” which refers to light when it shimmers in the heat—continues to be the gateway to Washington’s iconic mountain, and today it’s a hub of life for a young population, a growing arts scene, shopping and dining, and proximity to nature. Yelm City Park is the place to be, with a splash pad for kids and the Prairie Days Festival in the summer, Christmas in the Park in winter, and fun for all ages year round. Those who like wheels will enjoy Yelm’s Bike and Skate Park; for those who enjoy a slower pace, Cochrane Memorial Park provides wildlife sightings and catch-and-release trout fishing.

Sources

City of Yelm 

Wikipedia

Neighborhood Scout

Experience Olympia

Flyhomes

Yelm Cinemas

Cochrane Memorial Park

Deschutes Falls Park

Longmire Community Park

Yelm Family Medicine

Anytime Fitness

Get Fit Yelm

Earth Yoga Studio

Yelm City Park

Thurston County Public Health & Social Services

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