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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Yakima County: a median age of 33.2, younger than the national median. With 256,605 residents, Yakima County is a county in Washington. It is the #8-largest of all counties in Washington nationally.
Median household income is $68,015, below the US median of $78,538. About 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $281,100, with typical rent around $1,068.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 18.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 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.