Cities and Towns in Yakima County, Washington

Founded in 1865, Yakima County is one of 39 counties in the state of Washington. Historically, Yakima County was formed from Ferguson County (defunct). The city of Yakima is the county seat. With FIPS code of 77, Yakima County has a population of 256,728 and area of 4,296 square miles (11,127 km²).

List of all cities in Yakima County, WA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ahtanum, WA	98902	509
Brownstown, WA	98920	509
Buena, WA	98921	509
Cliffdell, WA	98937	509
Cowiche, WA	98923	509
Donald, WA	98951	509
East Selah, WA	98901	509
Fairview, WA	98903	509
Fruitvale, WA	98902	509
Gleed, WA	98904	509
Goose Prairie, WA	98929	509
	98937	509
Grandview, WA	98930	509
Granger, WA	98932	509
Harrah, WA	98933	509
Harwood, WA	98902	509
Mabton, WA	98935	509
Moxee, WA	98936	509
Moxee City, WA	98936	509
Naches, WA	98929	509
Naches, WA	98937	509
Nile, WA	98937	509
Outlook, WA	98938	509
Parker, WA	98939	509
Pomona, WA	98902	509
Rimrock, WA	98937	509
Sawyer, WA	98951	509
Selah, WA	98942	509
South Broadway, WA	98903	509
Sumach, WA	98901	509
	98903	509
Sunnyside, WA	98944	509
Tampico, WA	98902	509
Tieton, WA	98947	509
Toppenish, WA	98948	509
Union Gap, WA	98901	509
Union Gap, WA	98903	509
Wapato, WA	98951	509
Weikel, WA	98902	509
West Side, WA	98902	509
White Pass, WA	98937	509
White Swan, WA	98952	509
Yakima, WA	98901	509
	98902	509
	98903	509
	98904	509
	98907	509
	98908	509
	98909	509
Yakima Firing Center, WA	98901	509
Zillah, WA	98953	509

Major Cities and Towns in Yakima County, Washington

Yakima

Location and History

• Area: 20.0 square miles
• Population: Approximately 98,000
• Zip Codes: 98901, 98902, 98903, 98908, 98909
• Latitude: 46.6021° N
• Longitude: 120.5056° W

Yakima, the largest city in Yakima County, is located in the south-central part of Washington State, nestled within the Yakima Valley. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Yakama Nation, the city was founded in 1885 as a trading post and later incorporated in 1886. Yakima’s economy initially flourished with the rise of the fruit-growing industry, particularly apples, which led to its nickname, the “Fruit Bowl of the Nation.” Over time, the city became a regional hub for agriculture, commerce, and transportation, with irrigation systems helping to sustain its farming industry. Today, Yakima is a diverse city with a mix of urban and rural elements, known for its cultural diversity and rich agricultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Yakima is home to several prominent schools, including Yakima Valley Community College, which serves as an important center for higher education, and A.C. Davis High School, known for its strong academic programs. The city also boasts a range of cultural landmarks, such as the Yakima Valley Museum, which offers insight into the region’s history, and the Yakima Valley Trolleys, a historical streetcar system. Another significant site is the Naches Heights Vineyard, reflecting Yakima’s emerging wine industry. The Capitol Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s theater, provides a cultural venue for performances and events. Yakima is also known for its parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, which offers hiking trails and beautiful vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Ellensburg

Location and History

• Area: 12.9 square miles
• Population: Approximately 20,000
• Zip Codes: 98926
• Latitude: 46.9965° N
• Longitude: 120.5445° W

Ellensburg is located in the central part of Yakima County, at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 97 and 10. Founded in 1871, the city was named after the wife of one of its early settlers, Ellen. Originally a trading post for cattle ranchers and farmers, Ellensburg quickly grew in prominence due to its central location along the Northern Pacific Railway, becoming an important stop on the railroad line. The city’s development also benefited from its proximity to abundant grazing lands and fertile soil, which supported agriculture. By the early 20th century, Ellensburg had become a vital regional center for both business and agriculture, particularly for wheat and livestock. Today, Ellensburg is best known for being the home of Central Washington University, one of the state’s regional universities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ellensburg’s academic offerings are highlighted by Central Washington University (CWU), which is the town’s primary educational institution, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The city’s downtown area features several historic buildings, such as the Kittitas County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival building that dates back to 1909, and The Ellensburg Rodeo Grounds, home to the annual Ellensburg Rodeo, a long-standing tradition since 1923. Thorp Mill and Museum of Culture and History offer insight into the region’s past, while Naneum Canyon provides opportunities for outdoor exploration. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with venues such as the Ellensburg Public Library and the Gallery One community arts center offering cultural programming year-round. The annual Winterhop Brewfest showcases local craft brews, further contributing to the town’s cultural vibrancy.

Selah

Location and History

• Area: 5.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 8,000
• Zip Codes: 98942
• Latitude: 46.6709° N
• Longitude: 120.5206° W

Selah is a small city located just west of Yakima, in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Originally settled as a farming community, the town’s name comes from a Hebrew word meaning “pause” or “rest,” reflecting the tranquil setting of the area. Selah was officially incorporated in 1919, and its early economy was rooted in agriculture, especially fruit production, as the surrounding valley proved fertile for orchards and crops. In the latter half of the 20th century, the city experienced growth as a suburban community, and its proximity to Yakima has made it an attractive place to live for those who work in the larger city but prefer a quieter, more rural environment. Today, Selah is known for its small-town charm and agricultural surroundings.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Selah is served by the Selah School District, which includes the Selah High School and Selah Intermediate School. The city also benefits from its proximity to Yakima Valley Community College, providing access to higher education. Key landmarks in Selah include Mount Rainier National Park, located just to the north, offering hiking, camping, and sightseeing opportunities in one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. The Selah Gap is a dramatic and scenic point where the Yakima River flows through the foothills of the Cascades, creating a picturesque landscape. Other attractions include Fish Lake, a popular spot for fishing and outdoor recreation, and the Selah Civic Center, which serves as a community hub for events and gatherings.

Granger

Location and History

• Area: 2.1 square miles
• Population: Approximately 4,000
• Zip Codes: 98932
• Latitude: 46.2951° N
• Longitude: 120.3765° W

Granger is a small agricultural town located in the western part of Yakima County, near the intersection of State Route 223 and U.S. Highway 97. It was established as a farming community in the early 20th century, with its economy primarily based on agriculture, particularly fruit orchards and hop fields. Granger was officially incorporated in 1946 and has remained a small, close-knit community throughout its history. The town’s rural setting is characterized by sprawling farmlands, and it continues to be a vital part of the Yakima Valley’s agricultural industry. As with many small towns in the region, Granger benefits from its location along major transportation routes, allowing easy access to both the larger cities of Yakima and the agricultural heartland of Washington.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Granger is served by the Granger School District, which includes schools such as Granger High School and Granger Middle School. The town is home to a number of small parks and local landmarks that reflect its agricultural roots, including Granger City Park, which features picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. Rattlesnake Ridge, a nearby geological feature, offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The city also celebrates its rural heritage with annual events such as the Granger Rodeo, which highlights the region’s agricultural traditions. Granger’s central location within the Yakima Valley provides easy access to larger agricultural and recreational destinations, including vineyards and farms that host tours and harvest festivals.

Sunnyside

Location and History

• Area: 4.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 16,000
• Zip Codes: 98944
• Latitude: 46.3202° N
• Longitude: 119.9734° W

Sunnyside is a vibrant city located in the southeastern part of Yakima County, near the border with Benton County. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Yakama Nation, before European settlers arrived in the late 19th century. The city was officially founded in 1888 and incorporated in 1911. Sunnyside’s economy has long been based on agriculture, particularly the production of grapes, hops, and other fruits. The development of irrigation systems in the region helped transform Sunnyside into an agricultural powerhouse, and it remains a key center for farming in the Yakima Valley. Over time, the city has expanded its services and infrastructure, and today it is known as a growing community with a diverse population.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sunnyside is served by the Sunnyside School District, which includes Sunnyside High School and Horizon Middle School. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Sunnyside Historical Museum, which preserves the history of the area and highlights its agricultural roots. The Sunnyside Community Center serves as a gathering space for local events and activities, and Yakima River Canyon provides scenic vistas and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is also known for its annual Sunnyside Raisin Festival, which celebrates the region’s significant role in the raisin industry. The city’s location in the heart of Washington’s wine country has contributed to the rise of local wineries, making it a growing hub for tourism related to wine-tasting and vineyard tours.