Yakima County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in Washington
The population of Yakima County, Washington is 256,605 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $68,015, the median home value is $281,100, and the median age is 33.2.
The population of Yakima County has grown 5.8% since 2010 (244,249 → 258,523), a +0.41% annualized rate.
256,605
Population
+0.41%
Annual growth
60
People / sq mi
$68,015
Median Income
$281,100
Median Home Value
Yakima County covers 4,295 sq mi of land at 59.8 people per square mile.
About Yakima County, WA
Yakima County is a county in Washington with a population of 256,605. It ranks #8 among counties in Washington by population. The median age is 33.2, younger than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Yakima County is $68,015, below the US median of $74,580. 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $281,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,068. The homeownership rate of 62.4% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Yakima County reflects 18.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.0 minutes each way.
Yakima County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Yakima County had a population of 244,249 in 2010 and 258,523 in 2024, a 5.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 258,523 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.41%.
258,523
Population (2024)
244,249
Population (2010)
258,523
Peak (2024)
0.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 244,249 |
| 2011 | 245,899 |
| 2012 | 246,064 |
| 2013 | 246,395 |
| 2014 | 246,748 |
| 2015 | 247,648 |
| 2016 | 249,332 |
| 2017 | 249,851 |
| 2018 | 250,633 |
| 2019 | 251,552 |
| 2020 | 256,736 |
| 2021 | 256,743 |
| 2022 | 256,566 |
| 2023 | 257,193 |
| 2024 | 258,523 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 52.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
33.2
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
14.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 24.2% · Seniors (65+): 14.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,015$-26,937 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,476 |
| Per-capita income | $29,309 |
| Poverty rate | 11.4%+5.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Yakima County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
78.9%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
20.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$281,100$-238,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,068
Median rent
62.4%
Homeownership rate
91,647
Total housing units
94.6%
Occupied
5.4%
Vacant
37.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.0%
With health insurance
93.4%
With broadband internet
19.6%
Foreign-born
5.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
57.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
76.3%
High School+
18.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Yakima County, Washington has a population of 256,605 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in Washington. Population density is 60 people per square mile.
The population of Yakima County has grown 5.8% since 2010 (244,249 → 258,523), a +0.41% annualized rate.
The median household income in Yakima County, Washington is $68,015, with mean (average) household income of $85,476 and per-capita income of $29,309. 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Yakima County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (52.8%), Hispanic or Latino (5.8%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Yakima County, Washington is 33.2 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Yakima County is $281,100 and median monthly rent is $1,068. 62.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 91,647 total housing units, 5.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Yakima County, Washington is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with Yakima County, Washington, with a population of 741,440.
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Statewide data for Washington
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Washington
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.