Yakima County, situated in the south-central part of Washington state, is home to approximately 257,001 residents as of 2022. The county boasts a median household income of $61,012 and a poverty rate of 14%, both of which fall below the national averages. Nevertheless, not all areas within the county share the same level of economic prosperity. Here are the five least affluent neighborhoods in Yakima County, identified by the percentage of residents living below the poverty line, as reported by Census Reporter.
5. Buena
Buena, a census-designated place (CDP) in Yakima County, is inhabited by roughly 1,096 individuals. The poverty rate here stands at 44.9%, surpassing the county average by more than threefold. Median household income in Buena is $32,500, which lags behind both the county and national benchmarks. Furthermore, the CDP contends with a high unemployment rate of 9.8%, compared to the county-wide rate of 6.3%.
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4. Wapato
Wapato, a city within Yakima County, counts a population of around 5,066 residents. The poverty rate in this city reaches 33%, which is more than double the county average. Median household income in Wapato sits at $36,800, again lower than the county and national averages. The city also grapples with a high unemployment rate of 8.7%, compared to the county rate of 6.3%.
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3. Union Gap
Union Gap, another city in Yakima County, has approximately 6,161 inhabitants. The poverty rate in this area stands at 29.4%, more than twice the county average. Median household income in Union Gap amounts to $40,900, which trails both the county and national standards. The city also faces a high unemployment rate of 8%, in contrast to the county rate of 6.3%.
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2. Toppenish
Toppenish, a city within Yakima County, boasts a population of roughly 8,976 people. With a poverty rate of 29%, it surpasses the county average by more than twofold. The median household income in Toppenish is $41,400, which falls short of both the county and national averages. The city contends with a high unemployment rate of 7.9%, compared to the county rate of 6.3%.
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1. Granger
Granger, another city within Yakima County, is home to approximately 3,772 residents. The poverty rate here reaches 28.9%, more than twice the county average. Median household income in Granger stands at $42,000, which is lower than the county and national benchmarks. The city also grapples with a high unemployment rate of 7.8%, in contrast to the county-wide rate of 6.3%.
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In Conclusion:
Yakima County, known for its diversity, also contains areas that face challenges related to poverty and unemployment. Many of these areas are situated in rural or small-town settings, where economic opportunities and resources are limited. Most of these neighborhoods have sizable Hispanic or Latino populations, who encounter obstacles such as lower educational attainment, language barriers, discrimination, and restricted access to healthcare and social services.
To enhance their quality of life and economic prospects, these communities require increased support and investment from local and state governments, as well as from non-governmental organizations and community groups.
