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Yakima, WA


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Yakima, Washington

Introduction to Yakima, Washington

Yakima is located in the county and valley named Yakima. It is considered to be one of the premier apple growing regions in the world and is the largest producer of hops in the country. The name of the city comes from the Yakama Indians. Wine tours of the local wine region are popular.

History

The Yakama Indians were the original inhabitants of the valley. In 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived and became aware of the rich soil and the vast amount of wildlife. The discovery led to homesteaders moving to the region. In 1855 the problems between the settlers and the Indians prompted the Yakama Indian War. The U.S. Army prevailed and the Indians were required to live on a Indian reservation. In 1884, due to the Northern Pacific Railroad deciding not to construct a railroad in the county, more than 100 buildings were transported by rollers to the new train station. The new town was named North Yakima and then later changed to Yakima in the year 1918.

Culture and Festivals

The Yakima Valley Museum showcases exhibits of the area's geology and historic events. Theatrical productions are offered at numerous facilities including the historic Capitol Theater and Sessions Performance Hall and the Westside's Warehouse Theater. A wide variety of music and events take place at the Yakima Sundome. Yakima Area Arboretum is a noteworthy attraction. The local symphony orchestra entertains the residents and visitors. Numerous festivals take place in the city including the Central Washington State Fair, Yakima Folklife Festival and the Fresh Hop Ale Festival.

Attractions

  • Central Washington Fairgrounds
  • Yakima County Stadium
  • Marquette Stadium
  • McAllister Museum of Aviation
  • Indian Painted Rock State Park
  • Yakima Sportsman State Park
  • Boulder Cave
  • Yakima Nation Cultural Center

Sports

The city is home to a minor league baseball team, the Yakima Sun Kings of the Continental Basketball Association, the Yakima Speedway and the Central Washington State Fair Raceway.

Transportation

The city is provided air flights by the McAllister Field.

Economy

During the 20th Century agriculture, including a wide variety of fruit crops, was the primary factor for the economy. The downtown area has seen the departure of retail stores and others types of businesses. However, beginning around the year 2000 numerous noteworthy businesses have moved downtown. The soil in the region has been favorably compared to the soil in France, which has resulted in a vast number of wineries being established.

High Points

Yakima strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Washington):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 10%Yakima Racial Diversity
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)
Top 13%Yakima Short Commute Times

Comparative Profile of Yakima, WA

Comparing Yakima to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Washington (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Children Under 5 Years Old109
Senior Citizens77
Male Share of the Population75
Racial Diversity610
Female Share of the Population46
Age of the Population33
Well-Paid Single Men23

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size77
Portion of People Married32

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults35
People Above Poverty22
People in Middle Class or Better12
Median Family Income12

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times99
Walking and Biking to Work87
Working at Home64
Public Transportation Use46

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals910
Affordability of Rents87
Affordability of Property Taxes86
People Living Alone78
Seasonal and Vacation Housing75
Housing Recently Built43

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime32
Low Property Crime12

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