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City Report · WA

Yakima

Pop. 96,961·106th most expensive in Washington·Yakima rents are up 18.4% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,369/mo
Year-over-Year
+18.4%
Month-over-Month
+6.5%
vs US Median
-$596
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Yakima · $1,369
More affordable than 84% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
27/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% above what Yakima's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$1,369/mo
Expected by trend
$1,227/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Yakima's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,027
1 BR
$1,040
2 BR
$1,367
3 BR
$1,917
4 BR+
$2,103
Research median
$1,367/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,428/yr
At $1,369/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 18.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+18.4% YoY, +6.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Yakima, WA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 20.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
96,961
Median income
$62,815
Median age
34.3
Renters
46.2%
Age distribution
27.8%
23.1%
22.9%
16.6%
Under 1827.8%
18–3423.1%
35–5422.9%
55–649.7%
65+16.6%
Gender
49.2%
50.8%
Male49.2%
Female50.8%
Race & ethnicity
48.3%
49.4%
White48.3%
Black1.1%
Hispanic49.4%
Asian1.5%
Education (25+)
20.4%
29.3%
29.6%
20.8%
No HS diploma20.4%
HS diploma29.3%
Some college29.6%
Bachelor's+20.8%
Housing tenure
53.8%
46.2%
Owner53.8%
Renter46.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2022 vs 2026

How Yakima, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,001 → $1,369
up 36.8%
Income
$50,673 → $62,815
up 24.0%
Population
96,266 → 96,961
up 0.7%
Renter share
46% → 46.2%
+0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
19% → 20.8%
+1.8 pts
Median age
33.6 → 34.3
+0.7 yrs

Since 2022, the typical rent in Yakima, WA has climbed from $1,001 to $1,369, a 36.8% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Yakima, WA now reports about $62,815, up from $50,673 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Yakima, WA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Yakima rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Yakima on your salary?

At $1,369/mo, how Yakima rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Yakima rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Yakima. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Yakima

About renting in Yakima, WA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Yakima is $1,369/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,027/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,367/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,040/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,917/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($62,815/yr), Yakima ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 18.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Yakima an affordable city for renters?

Yakima is considered affordable for renters. At $1,369/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($62,815/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Yakima falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Yakima?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $55,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,369/mo in Yakima. The local median household income is $62,815/yr, meaning the typical Yakima household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Yakima?

Rent in Yakima has increased 18.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Yakima neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Yakima are 98901 ($995/mo), 98902 ($1,309/mo), and 98908 ($1,682/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Yakima is $1,369/mo.

How does Yakima rent compare to other cities in Washington?

Yakima is one of the more affordable cities in Washington for rent, ranking #106 out of 110 tracked cities at $1,369/mo.

What percentage of Yakima residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 46.2% of Yakima households are renters, while 53.8% are owner-occupied. Yakima leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Yakima rent compare to the national average?

Yakima's median rent of $1,369/mo is $596 (30%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #106 out of 110 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,369/mo, rent takes ~26% of Yakima's median household income ($62,815/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Yakima 26%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Yakima affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Yakima, WA

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