South Yakima, South Central Washington, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
35,204
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,759/yr
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,342
1.6% year-over-year change

South Yakima population

How many people live in South Yakima

South Yakima is home to 35,204 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.5% of South Yakima locals are male, and 48.5% are female.

Total population
35,204
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.5%
18,140
Female
48.5%
17,064
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,140 51.5% -1.5%
Female 17,064 48.5% -1.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in South Yakima is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.6% are children under 15, then 18.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.5% of the population, while another 20.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
31
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.6%
15 to 24
18.7%
25 to 44
23.5%
45 to 64
20.5%
Over 65
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,002 25.6% -1.8%
15 to 24 6,577 18.7% -2.5%
25 to 44 8,264 23.5% -2.6%
45 to 64 7,223 20.5% -0.8%
Over 65 4,138 11.8% 3.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In South Yakima, 72.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 18.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 20.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. Another 13.9% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 28.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 34.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.7%
Non-citizens
18.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,583 72.7% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,054 8.7% 7.1%
Non-citizens 6,567 18.6% -4.6%
Racial breakdown
White
20.5%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
13.9%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
34.8%
Other
28.8%
Value Percent
White 7,214 20.5%
Black or African American 107 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4,907 13.9%
Asian 532 1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 71 0.2%
Two or more races 12,239 34.8%
Other 10,135 28.8%

Households in South Yakima

A peek inside South Yakima households

South Yakima has 9,801 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 79.2% are families, while the remaining 20.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,801
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
2,035
Family households
7,766
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,035 20.8% 5.1%
Family households 7,766 79.2% -0.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in South Yakima

The housing landscape of South Yakima

South Yakima's housing consists of 10,342 units, with 70% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 15.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,342
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,244 70%
1 unit, attached 268 2.6%
2 units 212 2%
3 or 4 units 284 2.8%
5 to 9 units 368 3.6%
10 to 19 units 164 1.6%
20 to 49 units 95 0.9%
50 or more units 89 0.9%
Mobile home 1,615 15.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
72
24.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Yakima

In South Yakima, the median construction year is 1976. About 14.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,466 14.2% 0.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 828 8% -2.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,045 10.1% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,494 14.4% -0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,678 16.2% 5.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 974 9.4% -2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,241 12% 2.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 937 9.1% 6.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 606 5.9% 11.4%
Built in 2020 or later 72 0.7% 24.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

South Yakima occupancy rates

Out of the 9,801 occupied housing units in South Yakima, 59.5% are owner-occupied, while 40.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,801
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,965
Owner occupied
5,836
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,965 40.5% -0.9%
Owner occupied 5,836 59.5% 2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

South Yakima housing costs

Housing costs in South Yakima come to a median of $970 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $980.

Median housing costs per month
$970/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in South Yakima
$980/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in South Yakima

South Yakima education at a glance

About 49.8% of the population in South Yakima went to high school, while 16.4% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 7.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,429 18.4% -5.0%
High school diploma 11,998 49.8% -0.6%
College diploma 3,960 16.4% -1.4%
Associate degree 1,239 5.1% -1.4%
Bachelor's degree 1,710 7.1% 7.6%
Graduate degree 782 3.2% 10.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in South Yakima

How much people earn in South Yakima

The average annual household income in South Yakima was $30,159 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,759, reflecting a +0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Yakima
$30,159/year
-2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Yakima
$65,759/year
0.4% year-over-year change

South Yakima income by age

In South Yakima, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,223 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $62,969, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,963 in earnings. Overall, 80.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $62,969 19.8%
25 - 44 $65,000 3.0%
45 - 64 $84,223 1.3%
Over 65 $52,963 8.5%
Above poverty level
27,491
Below poverty level
6,848
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 27,491 80.1% -3.2%
Below poverty level 6,848 19.9% 6.5%

Employment in South Yakima

Workforce and job types in South Yakima

50.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 49.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 66.6% are employed by private companies, and 17.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,034
Blue collar
6,835
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,034 50.7% -2.0%
Blue collar 6,835 49.3% -4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
66.6%
Governmental workers
17.4%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,234 8.9% 7.3%
Private companies 9,240 66.6% -6.0%
Governmental workers 2,419 17.4% -0.6%
Not for profit companies 976 7% 8.7%

Transportation in South Yakima

How people get around in South Yakima

In South Yakima, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 12,106 97.2% -4.3%
Taxicab 12 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 118 1% 21.6%
Railroad 1 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 14 0.1% 7.7%
Walk 202 1.6% -11.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in South Yakima by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98903 19,445 6,519 $75,343 $93,661
98932 5,742 1,498 $71,806 $80,281
98933 1,230 385 $75,972 $88,151
98935 4,289 1,136 $61,316 $75,667
98939 116 37 $0 $41,270
98948 12,638 3,475 $65,759 $76,997
98951 12,581 3,546 $63,356 $80,627
98952 2,015 496 $50,417 $57,834

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FAQs about South Yakima demographics 

What is the total population of South Yakima?

South Yakima has a total population of 35,204 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Yakima?

The gender ratio in South Yakima is as follows:
  • 51.5% males (18,140 residents)
  • 48.5% females (17,064 residents)

What is the median age in South Yakima?

The median age in South Yakima is 31.

What is the age distribution of the population in South Yakima?

The age distribution in South Yakima is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.6% (9,002 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.7% (6,577 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.5% (8,264 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.5% (7,223 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.8% (4,138 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Yakima?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Yakima is as follows:
  • White: 20.5% (7,214 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (107 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 13.9% (4,907 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (532 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (71 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 34.8% (12,239 residents)
  • Other: 28.8% (10,135 residents)

What percentage of the population in South Yakima are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 72.7% of the population in South Yakima.

How many housing units are there in South Yakima?

There are 10,342 housing units in South Yakima, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in South Yakima and what is the average household size?

South Yakima has a total of 9,801 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Yakima?

South Yakima has a median household income of $65,759, representing a +0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Yakima?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 50.7% (7,034 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 49.3% (6,835 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (1,234 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.6% (9,240 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.4% (2,419 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (976 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025