Yakima, Washington

Yakima is a city located in Yakima County, Washington, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 71,845. Yakima is a medium-sized city located in the eastern section of state of Washington in the United States. Yakima is, more specifically, in the Yakima Valley, located in what is referred to by those in the Pacific Northwest as Central Washington. The Yakima Valley is noted for being one of the best apple producing areas in the world as well as a prime location for hops production.

Geography Yakima is located at 46°35'48" North, 120°31'47" West (46.596728, -120.529657)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 53.4 km² (20.6 mi²). 52.1 km² (20.1 mi²) of it is land and 1.2 km² (0.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.33% water.

Demographics As of the census¹ of 2000, there are 71,845 people, 26,498 households, and 16,826 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,378.0/km² (3,569.9/mi²). There are 28,643 housing units at an average density of 549.4/km² (1,423.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 68.77% White, 1.99% African American, 2.00% Native American, 1.20% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 21.97% from other races, and 3.92% from two or more races. 33.70% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 26,498 households out of which 34.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% are married couples living together, 14.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% are non-families. 30.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.63 and the average family size is 3.29.

In the city the population is spread out with 29.4% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $29,475, and the median income for a family is $34,798. Males have a median income of $29,647 versus $23,629 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,920. 22.4% of the population and 17.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 32.3% are under the age of 18 and 12.0% are 65 or older.