Yakima County Public RecordsWashington

Yakima County, WA, has 49 public high schools and numerous elementary and middle schools. About 77% of adults have a high school diploma, while only 17% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average high school graduation rates hover near 80%, but standardized test scores often fall below state averages. School safety remains a priority, with comprehensive security programs implemented in most districts. Additionally, Yakima offers adult education and vocational training programs to bolster workforce skills. The county’s diverse educational programs aim to support its predominantly Hispanic student population and address achievement gaps.

As of 2023, Yakima County, WA, has an employment rate of approximately 58%. Agriculture dominates, employing around 30% of the workforce, followed by healthcare (15%), retail (11%), and manufacturing (10%). Top occupations include farm workers, healthcare support, and retail sales. About 85% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 20 minutes. Most residents work within the county, particularly in Yakima city, Sunnyside, and Grandview.

Yakima County, WA boasts a homeownership rate of approximately 65%, with median home values around $310,000 as of 2024. Typical monthly rents average $1,200. The region offers diverse housing, including single-family homes, apartments, and farm properties. Popular neighborhoods include West Valley and Terrace Heights. Property values have increased by about 6% year-over-year. Property tax rates in Yakima County average roughly 1.04%. The area offers both urban conveniences in Yakima city and rural tranquility throughout outlying communities, making it attractive to a range of residents.

As of the 2020 Census, Yakima County, WA, had a population of approximately 256,035. The median age is 33.1 years. Females make up about 50.1% and males 49.9%. The racial and ethnic composition is 63.7% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 2.1% Native American, 1.2% Asian, and 27.4% identifying as two or more races. Notably, 51.8% of the population is Hispanic or Latino, making Yakima County one of Washington’s most diverse counties.

Yakima County, WA, experiences higher crime rates compared to state averages, with a violent crime rate of approximately 4.3 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate around 29.4 per 1,000, according to recent FBI data. In 2022, over 1,000 violent crimes and 7,000 property crimes were reported. While Yakima city records the highest incidents, rural areas tend to see lower rates. Law enforcement encourages community reporting, leading to improved clearance rates. Despite ongoing safety efforts, residents are advised to remain vigilant and proactive about crime prevention.

Yakima County, WA, has over 115,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, including presidential, state, and local races. In the 2020 general election, 71% voter turnout was recorded. There are 10 official ballot drop box locations throughout the county, as Washington uses all-mail voting; few in-person polling places are available. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, though recent results favor Republicans—Trump received 54% in 2020. Administration is managed by the Yakima County Auditor’s Office, which also addresses issues such as language access for its large Hispanic population.