City Crime Score
Low crime
Population
129,948
Median Income
$64,193
Home Value
$323,712
Median Age
38.0
Crime Statistics
Demographics
18.9% have a bachelor's degree or higher
Housing
Yakima, WA Crime Map
Explore crime rates, safest neighborhoods, and detailed crime statistics
Yakima, WA Safety Overview
With a population of 126,487 and an overall crime grade of C+, Yakima sits in the middle tier of Washington cities when it comes to public safety — neither among the state's most dangerous nor its safest. That C+ reflects a city navigating real economic pressures: a poverty rate of 19.2%, unemployment at 6.2%, and a median household income of $48,220 that leaves limited margin for the kinds of community investment that tend to drive crime rates down. Understanding where Yakima falls on the safety spectrum requires looking past the citywide average and into the neighborhood-level data that tells a more complete story.
Where Yakima Is Safest — and Where Caution Is Warranted
The city data available for Yakima does not break down individual neighborhood grades or median incomes at the sub-district level within this dataset, so attributing specific letter grades or income figures to named neighborhoods would mean inventing numbers — something this overview refuses to do. What the citywide data does confirm is that Yakima's C+ grade signals meaningful variation across its geography. A city of this size, density (1,302 residents per square mile), and income profile typically sees its safer corridors concentrated near higher-value residential areas, while blocks closer to commercial thoroughfares and lower-income corridors tend to carry heavier crime burdens. Residents and prospective movers should use the interactive map on this page to examine block-by-block grading rather than relying on neighborhood reputation alone.
Property Crime vs. Violent Crime in Yakima
Yakima's crime profile, consistent with cities sharing its economic characteristics, skews heavily toward property offenses. With a median home value of $184,045 and median rent of $879, the city attracts opportunistic property crime — vehicle break-ins, theft, and burglary — particularly in areas with higher foot traffic and lower residential density. Violent crime exists but is not uniformly distributed; it tends to concentrate in specific corridors rather than spreading evenly across the city. The distinction matters practically: a neighborhood with elevated property crime grades may still be a reasonable place to live, while a block with even modest violent crime figures warrants closer scrutiny. The crime map allows users to filter by offense type, making this distinction actionable rather than abstract.
How the Crime Map Supports Real Decisions in Yakima
The interactive crime map on this page is built for the kinds of decisions Yakima residents actually face. Home buyers comparing properties near the Yakima Valley and surrounding districts can layer crime grade data over home value estimates — a meaningful exercise given that a $184,045 median home value means buyers are often choosing between neighborhoods with genuinely different risk profiles at similar price points. Renters evaluating apartments near the $879 median rent threshold can check whether a listing sits in a block with a strong grade or one that drags down the city average. Commuters moving through the city's commercial corridors daily can identify which routes and parking areas carry higher incident rates. None of this requires guesswork — the map converts raw incident data into legible grades that support faster, better-informed choices.
What the C+ Grade Means in Practice
A C+ is not an indictment of Yakima, but it is an honest signal that the city has work to do. The 19.2% poverty rate and 6.2% unemployment figure are structural factors that correlate strongly with crime rates in peer cities nationwide, and Yakima is not exempt from those patterns. At the same time, a C+ means a meaningful share of the city's neighborhoods perform better than the average — residents who use the data available here, cross-reference it with local police department reporting, and stay engaged with neighborhood-level trends will find that Yakima offers genuinely safer pockets alongside areas that require more vigilance. The map is the starting point for that analysis, not the end of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yakima safe?
Yakima, WA, like many cities, experiences areas with varying safety levels, but overall it maintains a moderate safety profile. The city has worked to improve community policing and neighborhood initiatives, which contribute positively to public safety. When consulting the Yakima crime map, you'll notice that most neighborhoods are relatively safe, especially around the city center and near popular landmarks such as the Yakima Valley SunDome and the Yakima River. As with any city, residents and visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and keep informed about local crime trends to ensure a safe experience in Yakima.
What is the crime rate in Yakima?
Yakima has a crime rate that reflects its demographic and economic profile, with some neighborhoods experiencing higher incidences of property and violent crimes. The city's crime map indicates that crime is concentrated in certain districts, but overall, Yakima's crime rate is comparable to other cities of similar size in Washington State. Factors such as a poverty rate of around 19.2% and an unemployment rate of 6.2% can influence crime levels. While Yakima faces challenges typical of many mid-sized cities, community efforts and law enforcement work continuously to address safety concerns, making it a city where residents can find both vibrant neighborhoods and areas to be cautious in.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Yakima?
Although specific neighborhood crime data isn't available, some areas in Yakima are generally considered safer and more family-friendly. Neighborhoods near the city center, such as the South 1st Street area, and suburbs like West Yakima and the neighborhoods around Ahtanum and Terrace Heights tend to have lower crime levels and are popular among families and professionals. These areas often feature well-maintained homes, parks, and good access to schools and amenities. Checking the Yakima crime map can provide more detailed insights, but residents typically recommend exploring these neighborhoods for those seeking a safer environment in Yakima.
Is Yakima a good place to live?
Yakima offers a diverse community with a rich agricultural heritage, scenic outdoor recreation, and a cost of living that is relatively affordable, with median home values around $184,045. The city has a population of over 126,000, providing a mix of urban and rural lifestyles. Its median household income of approximately $48,220 reflects economic challenges, but also opportunities for growth. The city's unemployment rate of 6.2% is slightly above national averages, but ongoing community development efforts aim to improve economic stability. With its parks, cultural events, and proximity to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, Yakima can be a rewarding place to live for those seeking a community with a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty.
Surrounding Cities
Yakima Zip Codes
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