Cost of Living in Yakima County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Yakima County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Yakima County ranks #3,053 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Yakima County, Washington
Yakima County Hits National Affordability Mark
Yakima County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% exactly matches the national average, with median household income of $68,015 supporting median rent of $1,068/month. The county delivers textbook national affordability benchmarks.
Yakima Matches Washington Average
Yakima County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% perfectly aligns with Washington's state average, positioning it as a representative statewide market. Median rent of $1,068/month runs $134 below state median, offering modest savings.
Affordable Regional Hub
Yakima County rents ($1,068/month) undercut western Washington pressure points like Thurston ($1,634/month) and Whatcom ($1,465/month) while remaining higher than remote rural counties like Stevens ($864/month). The county anchors central Washington affordability.
Balanced Housing Allocation
Renters allocate 18.8% of income to housing while homeowners invest 19.4% ($1,101/month), the most balanced split among these counties. The median home value of $281,100 ranks among the lowest, offering strong equity-building potential.
Yakima for Practical Relocators
Yakima County delivers reliable affordability with legitimate economic diversification—compare these numbers against your current housing burden to see how far your dollar stretches in Washington's heartland.
Cost of Living Advisory: Yakima County
Affordability Verdict
Yakima County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,068/month representing approximately 18.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Yakima County pay $1,068/month on average, compared to $1,101/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,186/year. With a median household income of $68,015, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Yakima County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Washington, Yakima County is less affordable than Klickitat County by roughly 5% ($1,068/mo vs $1,119/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Yakima County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,587
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.4%
of gross income
The median home in Yakima County may be a stretch
Median home value is $281,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,244 vs. your max of $1,587.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Yakima County, Washington?
What is the median rent in Yakima County?
Is Yakima County affordable?
How does Yakima County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Yakima County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Yakima County, Washington? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Yakima County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.