Yakima is about 60 miles (100 kilometers) southeast ofMount Rainier in Washington. It is situated in theYakima Valley, a productive agricultural region noted for apple, wine, andhop production. As of 2011, the Yakima Valley produces 77% of all hops grown in the United States.[8] The name Yakima originates from theYakama Nation Native American tribe, whose reservation is located south of the city.
TheYakama people were the first known inhabitants of the Yakima Valley. In 1805, theLewis and Clark Expedition came to the area and encountered abundant wildlife and rich soil, prompting the settlement of homesteaders.[9] ACatholicMission was established inAhtanum, southwest of present-day Yakima, in 1847.[10] The arrival of settlers and their conflicts with the natives resulted in theYakima War. The U.S. Army establishedFort Simcoe in 1856 near present-day White Swan as a response to the uprising. The Yakamas were defeated and forced to relocate to theYakama Indian Reservation.[11][12]
Yakima County was created in 1867. When bypassed by theNorthern Pacific Railroad in December 1884, over 100 buildings were moved with rollers and horse teams to the nearby site of the depot. The new city was dubbed North Yakima and was officially incorporated and named the county seat on January 27, 1886. The name was changed to Yakima in 1918.Union Gap was the new name given to the original site of Yakima.[13]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.32 square miles (73.35 km2), of which 27.86 square miles (72.16 km2) is land and 0.46 square miles (1.19 km2), or 1.84% is water.[2] Yakima is 1,095 feet above mean sea level.
The city of Yakima is located in the Upper Valley of Yakima County. The county is geographically divided byAhtanum Ridge and Rattlesnake Ridge into two regions: the Upper (northern) and Lower (southern) valleys. Yakima is located in the more urbanized Upper Valley, and is the central city of the Yakima Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The unincorporated suburban areas of West Valley and Terrace Heights are considered a part of greater Yakima. Other nearby cities include Moxee,Tieton, Cowiche, Wiley City,Tampico, Gleed, and Naches in the Upper Valley, as well asWapato,Toppenish,Zillah, Harrah,White Swan, Parker, Buena, Outlook,Granger, Mabton,Sunnyside, andGrandview in the Lower Valley.
TheYakima River runs through the city from its source atLake Keechelus in theCascade Range to theColumbia River atRichland. It is the primary irrigation source for the Yakima Valley and also used for both fishing and recreation. TheNaches River, a tributary of the Yakima River, forms the northern border of the city.
The Yakima Greenway is a 20-mile (32 km) system of parks, paved pathways, and nature reserves along the Yakima and Naches rivers.[15] The community project was formed in 1983 with work to reclaim a former citylandfill into a park, which opened in 1990 as Sarg Hubbard Park.[16]
Several small lakes flank the northern edge of the city, including Myron Lake, Lake Aspen, Bergland Lake (private) and Rotary Lake (also known as Freeway Lake). These lakes are popular with fishermen and swimmers during the summer.
Yakima has acold semi-arid climate (KöppenBSk) with aMediterranean precipitation pattern. Winters are cold, with December the coolest month, with a mean temperature of 28.5 °F (−1.9 °C).[17] Annual average snowfall is 21.6 in (55 cm),[17] with most occurring in December and January, when the snow depth averages 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm). There are 18.9 days per year in which the high does not surpass freezing, and 1.6 mornings where the low is 0 °F (−18 °C) or lower.[17] Springtime warming is very gradual, with the average last freeze of the season May 13. Summer days are hot, but thediurnal temperature variation is large, averaging 34.9 °F (19.4 °C) in July, sometimes reaching as high as 50 °F (27.8 °C) during that season; there are 40.2 afternoons of maxima reaching 90 °F (32 °C) or greater annually and 5.7 afternoons of 100 °F (38 °C) maxima. Autumn cooling is very rapid, with the average first freeze of the season occurring on September 30. Due to the city's location in arain shadow, precipitation, at an average of 8.01 in (203 mm) annually, is low year-round,[17] but especially during summer. Extreme temperatures have ranged from −25 °F (−32 °C) on February 1, 1950,[a] to 113 °F (45 °C) onJune 29, 2021.[19]
Climate data forYakima Airport, Washington (1991–2020 normals,[b] extremes 1946–present[c])
Yakima, Washington – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
As of the2020 census, there were 96,968 people, 35,752 households, 22,858 families residing in the city.[26] Thepopulation density was 3,487.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,346.5/km2). There were 37,192 housing units at an average density of 1,286.0 inhabitants per square mile (496.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 51.80% (50,234)White, 1.45% (1,405)African American, 2.53% (2,453)Native American, 1.46% (1,418)Asian, 0.18% (171)Pacific Islander, 27.66% (26,824) fromsome other races and 14.92% (14,463) fromtwo or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 45.46% (42,947) of the population.[27]
Of the 35,752 households, 32.6% had children under the age of 18; 42.8% were married couples living together; 31.1% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 29.1% consisted of individuals and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.7 and the average family size was 3.4.
27.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 96.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 95.7 males.
The 2018–2022 five-yearAmerican Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $55,734 (with a margin of error of +/- $7,514) and the median family income $57,296 (+/- $3,722). Males had a median income of $31,188 (+/- $828) versus $26,018 (+/- $1,183) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $28,697 (+/- $1,619). Approximately, 14.7% of families and 19.2% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 27.4% of those under the age of 18 and 10.0% of those ages 65 or over.
As of the2010 census, there were 91,067 people with 33,074 households, and 21,411 families residing in the city. Thepopulation density was 3,350.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,293.7/km2). There were 34,829 housing units at an average density of 1,281.4 inhabitants per square mile (494.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 67.1% (61,065)White, 1.7% (1,556)African American, 2.0% (1,838)Native American, 1.5% (1,347)Asian, 0.1% (83)Pacific Islander, 23.3% (21,216) fromsome other races and 4.4% (3,962) fromtwo or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 41.3% (37,587) of the population.[28][29] 19.1% of the population had a bachelor's degree or higher.[30]
There were 33,074 households, of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% weremarried couples living together, 15.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.3% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.3.
People under the age of 18 accounted for 28.3% of the population, while 13.1% were 65 years or older. The median age was 33.9 years, and 50.7% of the population was female.
The median household income was $39,706. Theper capita income was $20,771. 21.3% of the population were below thepoverty line.
Yakima's growth in the 20th century was fueled primarily by agriculture. The Yakima Valley produces many fruit crops, includingapples,peaches,pears,cherries, andmelons. Many vegetables are also produced, includingpeppers,corn andbeans. Most of the nation'shops, a key ingredient in the production ofbeer, are also grown in the Yakima Valley. Many of the city's residents have come to the valley out of economic necessity and to participate in the picking, processing, marketing and support services for the agricultural economy.
Downtown Yakima, long the retail hub of the region, has undergone many changes since the late 1990s. Three major department stores, and an entire shopping mall that is now closed, have been replaced by a Whirlpool Corporation facility (shut down in 2011), an Adaptis call center, and several hotels. The region's retail core has shifted to the town of Union Gap to a renovatedshopping mall and other new retail businesses. The Downtown Futures Initiative promotes the downtown area as a center for events, services, entertainment, and small, personal shopping experiences.[32] The DFI has provided for street-to-storefront remodeling along Yakima Avenue throughout the entire downtown core, and includes new pedestrian-friendly lighting, water fountains, planters, banner poles, new trees and hanging baskets, and paver-inlaid sidewalks.
Events held downtown include Yakima Downtown New Year's Eve, aCinco de Mayo celebration, Yakima Live music festival, Yakima Summer Kickoff Party, Fresh Hop Ale Fest,[33] a weekly Farmers' Market,[34] and the Hot Shots 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.[35]
Over ninety wineries are in the Yakima Valley.[36]
TheYakima Training Center, between Yakima and Ellensburg, is a United States Army training center. It is used primarily for maneuver training and land warrior system testing, and has a live-fire area. Artillery units from the Canadian Armed Forces based in British Columbia, as well as theJapan Ground Self Defense Force, conduct annual training in Yakima. Japanese soldiers train there because it allows for large-scale live-fire maneuvers not available in Japan. Similarly, it is the closest impact area for the Canadian Gunners, the next closest being in Wainwright, Alberta.
In the early 2000s, the city of Yakima, in conjunction with multiple city organizations, began revitalization and preservation efforts in its historic downtown area. The Downtown Yakima Futures Initiative was created to make strategic public investments in sidewalks, lighting and landscaping to encourage further development. As a result, local businesses featuring regional produce, wines, and beers, among other products, have returned to the downtown area. Many of these businesses are located on Front Street, Yakima Avenue and 1st Street.
During the summer, a pair of historic trolleys operate along five miles (8 km) of track of the formerYakima Valley Transportation Company through the Yakima Gap connecting Yakima andSelah. The Yakima Valley Trolleys organization, incorporated in 2001, operates the trolleys and a museum for the City of Yakima.
The City of Yakima expanded the Convention Center in 2020.
Cultural activities and events take place throughout the year. TheYakima Valley Museum houses exhibits related to the region's natural and cultural history, a restored soda fountain, and periodic special exhibitions. Downtown Yakima's historic Capitol Theatre and Seasons Performance Hall, as well as the West-side's Allied Arts Center, present numerous musical and stage productions.Larson Gallery housed at Yakima Valley College present six diverse art exhibitions each year. The city is home to the Yakima Symphony Orchestra. TheYakima Area Arboretum is a botanical garden featuring species of both native and adapted non-native plants. Popular music tours, trade shows, and other large events are hosted at theYakima SunDome in State Fair Park.
Yakima is one of the tenfirst class cities, those with a population over 10,000 at the time of reorganization and operating under a home rule charter.
The Yakima City Council operates under thecouncil–manager form of government. The city council has seven members, elected by district and the mayor is elected by the council members.[1] Yakima's city manager serves under the direction of the City Council, and administers and coordinates the delivery of municipal services. The city of Yakima is a full-service city, providing police, fire, water and wastewater treatment, parks, public works, planning, street maintenance, code enforcement, airport and transit to residents.
The city council was electedat-large until a 2012 lawsuit filed by theAmerican Civil Liberties Union was ruled in the favor of Latino constituents on the grounds of racial discrimination.[41] The council's four district-based and three at-large seat arrangement was also removed in favor of seven districts—of which two have a Latino majority.[1] The city manager position has been vacant since January 2024, when the new city council removed incumbent Bob Harrison.[1] Several attempts were made in the early 2020s to move Yakima to amayor–council form of government.[1]
West Valley High School, in the West Valley School District, is a division 4A school with a student population of around 1,500.
East Valley High School, just east of Terrace Heights on the city's eastern side, is in the East Valley School District. It is a 2A school with about 1,000 students.
Yakima Valley College is one of the oldest community colleges in the state of Washington. Founded in 1928, the college is a public, four-year institution of higher education, and part of one of the most comprehensive community college systems in the nation. It offers programs in adult basic education, English as a Second Language, lower-division arts and sciences, professional and technical education, transfer degrees to in-state universities, and community services.[42] The campus is also home to the Yakima Campus ofCentral Washington University.[43]
Perry Technical Institute is a private, nonprofit school of higher learning located in the city since 1939. Perry students learn trades such as automotive technology, instrumentation, information technology, HVAC, electrical, machining, office administration, medical coding, and legal assistant/paralegal.
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences opened in the fall of 2008,[44] and graduated its first class ofosteopathic physicians (D.O.) in 2012. The first college on the 42.5-acre (172,000 m2) campus is home to the first medical school approved in the Pacific Northwest in over 60 years, and trains physicians with an osteopathic emphasis. The school's mission is to train primary-care physicians committed to serving rural and underserved communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. It is housed in a state-of-the-art 45,000 sq ft (4,200 m2) facility.[45]
Interstate 82 is the main freeway through the Yakima Valley, connecting the region toEllensburg and theTri-Cities, with onward connections toSeattle andOregon.U.S. Route 12 crosses northern Yakima, joining I-82 andU.S. Route 97 along the east side of the city.State Route 24 terminates in Yakima and is the primary means of reaching Moxee City and agricultural areas to the east.State Route 821 terminates in northern Yakima and traverses theYakima River canyon, providing an alternate route to Ellensburg that bypasses the I-82 summit atManastash Ridge.
Yakima is served by theYakima Air Terminal, a municipal airport located on the southern edge of the city and is used forgeneral aviation and commercial air service. The FAA identifier is YKM. It has two asphalt runways: 9/27 is 7,604 by 150 feet (2,318 x 46 m) and 4/22 is 3,835 by 150 feet (1,169 x 46 m). Yakima Air Terminal is owned and operated by the city.
Yakima is served by one scheduled air carrier (Alaska Airlines) and two non-scheduled carriers (Sun Country Airlines and Xtra Airways). Alaska Airlines provides multiple daily flights to and fromSeattle-Tacoma International Airport, Sun Country Airlines provide charter flights to Laughlin, NV and Xtra Airways provide charter flights to Wendover, NV. DuringWorld War II the airfield was used by theUnited States Army Air Forces.
The airport at is home to numerous private aircraft, and is a test site for military jets andBoeing test flights.
^Low temperature record from February 1, 1950 has been hidden byNOAA[18]
^Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the expected highest and lowest temperature readings at any point during the year or given month) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.
^"Hop Economics Working Group". Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. RetrievedOctober 19, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^"2010 Demographic Profile Data".Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010. US Census Bureau. Archived fromthe original on February 12, 2020. RetrievedJuly 20, 2012.
^"Mourners honor Alex Deccio".nbcrightnow.com. November 3, 2011. Archived from the original on September 19, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 19, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)()
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