Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Yakima County, Washington
Yakima County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,313 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,109 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.25 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,313
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 36% less than in Washington
- Typical rent
- $1,109
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 37% less than in Washington
- Wage needed
- $25.25
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $52,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% less than in Washington
Only here
Renting in Yakima County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At 62%, Yakima County ranks 4th among the 39 counties in Washington for the lowest homeownership rate.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Yakima County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Yakima County was $1,362 a month in September 2026: 1.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $997 | $19.17 | $39,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,004 | $19.31 | $40,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,313 | $25.25 | $52,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,818 | $34.96 | $72,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,049 | $39.40 | $81,960 |
HUD area: Yakima, WA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 24 ZIP codes in Yakima County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,240 in 98923 to $1,780 in 98937. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,313).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 98901 | Kittitas County, WA | $940 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,820 | $2,200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98901 | Yakima, WA | $940 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,820 | $2,200 |
| 98902 | Yakima, WA | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,360 | $1,880 | $2,120 |
| 98903 | Yakima, WA | $1,090 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,990 | $2,250 |
| 98908 | Yakima, WA | $1,150 | $1,150 | $1,510 | $2,090 | $2,360 |
| 98921 | Yakima, WA | $1,050 | $1,050 | $1,380 | $1,910 | $2,150 |
| 98923 | Yakima, WA | $940 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,720 | $1,890 |
| 98930 | Kennewick-Richland, WA | $1,010 | $1,150 | $1,390 | $1,870 | $2,150 |
| 98930 | Yakima, WA | $1,010 | $1,150 | $1,390 | $1,870 | $2,150 |
| 98932 | Yakima, WA | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,360 | $1,880 | $2,120 |
| 98933 | Yakima, WA | $990 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,810 | $2,040 |
| 98935 | Klickitat County, WA | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,920 | $2,170 |
| 98935 | Yakima, WA | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,920 | $2,170 |
| 98936 | Yakima, WA | $1,170 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,160 | $2,360 |
| 98937 | Tacoma, WA | $1,290 | $1,450 | $1,780 | $2,460 | $2,800 |
| 98937 | Yakima, WA | $1,290 | $1,450 | $1,780 | $2,460 | $2,800 |
| 98938 | Yakima, WA | $1,040 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,890 | $2,130 |
| 98939 | Yakima, WA | $940 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,720 | $1,890 |
| 98942 | Yakima, WA | $1,210 | $1,220 | $1,590 | $2,200 | $2,480 |
| 98947 | Yakima, WA | $940 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,720 | $1,890 |
| 98948 | Yakima, WA | $950 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,730 | $1,950 |
| 98951 | Yakima, WA | $940 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,720 | $1,890 |
| 98952 | Yakima, WA | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,340 | $1,860 | $2,100 |
| 98953 | Yakima, WA | $1,050 | $1,050 | $1,380 | $1,910 | $2,150 |
- 98901 · Kittitas County, WA $1,310$1,820
- 98901 · Yakima, WA $1,310$1,820
- 98902 · Yakima, WA $1,360$1,880
- 98903 · Yakima, WA $1,440$1,990
- 98908 · Yakima, WA $1,510$2,090
- 98921 · Yakima, WA $1,380$1,910
- 98923 · Yakima, WA $1,240$1,720
- 98930 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,390$1,870
- 98930 · Yakima, WA $1,390$1,870
- 98932 · Yakima, WA $1,360$1,880
- 98933 · Yakima, WA $1,310$1,810
- 98935 · Klickitat County, WA $1,390$1,920
- 98935 · Yakima, WA $1,390$1,920
- 98936 · Yakima, WA $1,550$2,160
- 98937 · Tacoma, WA $1,780$2,460
- 98937 · Yakima, WA $1,780$2,460
- 98938 · Yakima, WA $1,370$1,890
- 98939 · Yakima, WA $1,240$1,720
- 98942 · Yakima, WA $1,590$2,200
- 98947 · Yakima, WA $1,240$1,720
- 98948 · Yakima, WA $1,250$1,730
- 98951 · Yakima, WA $1,240$1,720
- 98952 · Yakima, WA $1,340$1,860
- 98953 · Yakima, WA $1,380$1,910
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Yakima County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Washington, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
33,464 households rent in Yakima County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Yakima 44%
- Washington 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Yakima County
HUD lists 87 properties with homes for low-income households in Yakima County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 69
- HUD-assisted
- 21
- public housing
- 1
3,478 homes in all; 3,372 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Englewood Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 3601 Fairbanks Ave, Yakima 98902 256 low-income homes · 1 bd: 256 · In service since 1992 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Yakima Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1212 S 9th St, Yakima 98901 150 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 56 · 4 bd: 20 · In service since 2014 · For people with disabilities, families
- Sun Tower Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 6 N 6th St, Yakima 98901 142 homes, 141 low-income · Studio: 83 · 1 bd: 59 · In service since 2017 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (509) 248-3191
- Scattered Sites Public housing 1500 Federal Way, Sunnyside 98944 140 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Sunnyside, Washington · Average payment: $529 a month · Average wait: 42 months · Homes at several sites · (509) 837-5454
- Cornerstone Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1210 S 72nd Ave, Yakima 98908 120 low-income homes · 2 bd: 69 · 3 bd: 39 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Mabel Swan Manor HUD-assisted 10 S 8th Ave, Yakima 98902 99 low-income homes · For older adults · (509) 248-5151
- Yakima Affordable Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 15 N 37th Ave, Yakima 98902 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 88 · In service since 2016 · For older adults · (509) 966-9400
- Ynha Tax Credit 6 Tax credit (LIHTC) Larena Lane and S Camas Ave, Wapato 98951 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 38 · 4 bd: 32 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families
- Bicycle Apartments, the Tax credit (LIHTC) 118 N 50th Ave, Yakima 98908 80 homes, 79 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2020 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Sagewood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1604 E Beech St, Yakima 98901 70 homes, 68 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 34 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2013
- Adams View Tax credit (LIHTC) 330 Nukshay Dr, Wapato 98951 68 low-income homes · 3 bd: 34 · 4 bd: 34 · In service since 2012 · For people with disabilities, families
- Adams View Tax credit (LIHTC) 330 Nukshay Dr, Wapato 98951 68 low-income homes · 3 bd: 34 · 4 bd: 34 · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families
- Rivard Central Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1004 S 3rd Ave, Yakima 98902 64 homes, 62 low-income · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Beech Street Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1402 E Beech St, Yakima 98901 60 homes, 59 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2012
- Stonewood I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1205 E Spruce St, Yakima 98901 60 homes, 59 low-income · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2020
- Viola II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1121 E Viola Ave, Yakima 98901 52 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2011
- Blessed Kateri Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Kateri Ln, Wapato 98951 51 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2009
- Cristo Rey Tax credit (LIHTC) 330 N 16th St, Sunnyside 98944 51 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 31 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Grand Hotel, the Tax credit (LIHTC) 310 E Yakima Ave, Yakima 98901 51 homes, 50 low-income · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2002 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Mother Joseph Villa Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 E Ave, Granger 98932 51 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 35 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Naches House HUD-assisted 314 N Naches Ave, Yakima 98901 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (206) 881-0646
- Pheasant Hill Apartments HUD-assisted 600 S Juniper St, Toppenish 98948 50 low-income homes · For families · (509) 865-3898
- Pheasant Hill Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 606 S Juniper St, Toppenish 98948 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2007
- South Hill I Apartments HUD-assisted 410 W South Hill Rd, Sunnyside 98944 48 low-income homes · For families · (509) 837-7652
- Providence House-Yakima HUD-assisted 312 N 4th St, Yakima 98901 48 homes, 47 low-income · For older adults · (509) 452-5017
- Mabel Swan North HUD-assisted 10 S 8th Ave, Yakima 98902 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (509) 248-5151
- Grandview Family Housing Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1200 Carriage Ct, Grandview 98930 41 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 27 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2013
- Meadows Annex Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1010 S 9th St, Yakima 98901 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · In service since 1995 · For older adults · (509) 453-0943
- Rainier Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 S 13th St, Sunnyside 98944 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Rainier Vista Apartments HUD-assisted 310 7th St, Zillah 98953 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (509) 829-5493
- Selah Square Apts HUD-assisted 303 N Wenas Rd, Selah 98942 40 low-income homes · For families · (509) 955-8500
- Sor Juana Ines Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 1200 Carriage Ct, Grandview 98930 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 27 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2013
- Rose of Mary Terrace HUD-assisted 5401 W Walnut St, Yakima 98908 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (509) 965-0540
- Rivard Apartments HUD-assisted 306 S Rivard Rd, Moxee 98936 38 low-income homes · For older adults · (509) 452-9246
- Spruce Street II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1302 E Spruce St, Yakima 98901 36 homes, 35 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2012
- Willows Apartments HUD-assisted 718 N 6th Ave, Yakima 98902 35 low-income homes · For older adults · (509) 457-6463
- Commons, the HUD-assisted 501 W 5th St, Grandview 98930 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (509) 882-2867
- Toppenish Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Guyette Ln, Toppenish 98948 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Wanity Park Apartments - Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Wanity Park Dr, Toppenish 98948 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Willow Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 1328 Saul Rd, Sunnyside 98944 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 1991 · For older adults
- Edison Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2400 E Edison Rd, Sunnyside 98944 28 homes, 27 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Vineyard Apartments, the Tax credit (LIHTC) 405 Nicka Rd, Grandview 98930 28 homes, 27 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Valley Commons II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 McClain Dr, Sunnyside 98944 27 homes, 26 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families
- Maple Leaf Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1205 N 2nd St, Yakima 98901 26 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2000 · For families · (509) 453-3454
- Buena Nueva Agricultural Worker Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Highland Dr, Buena 98921 26 homes, 25 low-income · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Casa del Sol Tax credit (LIHTC) 1410 Ida Belle Ln, Sunnyside 98944 26 homes, 25 low-income · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Chestnut Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 211 S Fair Ave, Yakima 98901 26 homes, 25 low-income · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 14 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- East Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 825 E D St, Yakima 98901 26 homes, 25 low-income · 3 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Juan Pablo II Tax credit (LIHTC) 129 Pleasant Ave, Grandview 98930 26 homes, 25 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Mariposa Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 314 Cherry Ave, Yakima 98902 26 homes, 25 low-income · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 9 · 4 bd: 7 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- New Life Villa I Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 26 homes, 25 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Pear Tree Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2900 Powerhouse Rd, Yakima 98902 26 homes, 25 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- San Isidoro Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 409 D St, Granger 98932 26 homes, 25 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, families
- Spruce Street Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1302 E Spruce St, Yakima 98901 26 homes, 25 low-income · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2010 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Viola Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1121 E Viola Ave, Yakima 98901 26 homes, 25 low-income · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2011 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Wescott, the Tax credit (LIHTC) 421 Harrison Ave, Sunnyside 98944 26 homes, 25 low-income · 3 bd: 13 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Wanity Park Apartments - Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Wanity Park Dr, Toppenish 98948 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2010 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Ynha Tax Credit 1r Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 Adams View Dr, Wapato 98951 25 low-income homes · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Ynha Tax Credit 2r Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 + 4 Marty S Lane, Wapato 98951 25 low-income homes · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- Harvest Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1181 Grandridge Rd, Grandview 98930 25 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 11 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families
- Vineyard II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 810 Grandridge Rd, Grandview 98930 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 8 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, families
- Wapato Gardens Apartments HUD-assisted Wapato Gardens, Wapato 98951 24 low-income homes · For families · (509) 877-6300
- Pioneer Village HUD-assisted 719 W 3rd Ave, Toppenish 98948 25 homes, 23 low-income · For older adults · (509) 765-5242
- Autumn Ridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) 402 W 6th St, Wapato 98951 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Valley Commons Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 725 McClain Dr, Sunnyside 98944 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Parkwood Twinhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 508 Cemetery Rd, Sunnyside 98944 23 low-income homes · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 2008 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Northridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 705 Westwind Dr, Zillah 98953 21 homes, 20 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Sunridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Bagley Dr, Sunnyside 98944 21 homes, 20 low-income · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Sandalwood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 819 Guyette Ln, Toppenish 98948 20 homes, 19 low-income · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Casa de la Mora HUD-assisted 115 N 10th St, Yakima 98901 56 homes, 17 low-income · (509) 938-3134
- Orchard Lane HUD-assisted 501 Orchard Ln, Tieton 98947 17 low-income homes · For older adults · (509) 673-2425
- Heritage Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Washington St, Grandview 98930 17 homes, 16 low-income · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Willows Annex Tax credit (LIHTC) 608 Willow St, Yakima 98902 14 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · In service since 1999 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Vista del Sol Apartments HUD-assisted 111 Parkland Dr, Sunnyside 98944 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (509) 837-2089
- 708 Washington ST BLDG A Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG B Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG C Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG D Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG E Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG F Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG G Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG H Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG J Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG L Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG M Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG N Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 2 homes
- 708 Washington ST BLDG K Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Washington St, Mabton 98935 1 home
4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Yakima County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Yakima County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,400 | $33,950 | $54,350 |
| 2 people | $23,300 | $38,800 | $62,100 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,650 | $69,850 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,500 | $77,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,400 | $83,850 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,300 | $90,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,150 | $96,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,050 | $102,450 |
Area median income: $88,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Yakima, WA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $897 – $1,097
- 1 bedroom $904 – $1,104
- 2 bedrooms $1,182 – $1,444
- 3 bedrooms $1,636 – $2,000
- 4 bedrooms $1,844 – $2,254
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- HA City of Yakima Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,324 vouchers (509) 453-3106 HA City of Yakima: Lowel.Krueger@yakimahousing.org
- Housing Authority of Sunnyside, Washington Public housing · 140 public housing units (509) 837-5454 Housing Authority of Sunnyside, Washington: Elizabeth@sunnysideha.org
Housing agencies in Washington Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Washington
What Washington law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- RCW 59.18.280(1)(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- RCW 59.12.030(3)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 20 days
- RCW 59.18.200(1)(a)
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 30 or 90 days, depending on the case
- RCW 59.18.140(3)(a)-(b)
- Only a court order can remove youRCW 59.18.290(1)
- Protection from retaliationRCW 59.18.240
- Repair and deduct from the rentRCW 59.18.100(2)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Yakima County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Yakima County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Catholic Charities Housing Services
5301 Tieton Dr, Yakima · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Yakima County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Washington, the average home bill was $114 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,626
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,313
- Security deposit
- $1,313
- Total
- $2,626
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Yakima County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $997; 1 bedroom: $1,004; 2 bedrooms: $1,313; 3 bedrooms: $1,818; 4 bedrooms: $2,049. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Yakima County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,313) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.25 an hour full time, or $52,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Yakima County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,500 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Yakima County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,182 and $1,444 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Yakima County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,240 in 98923 to $1,780 in 98937. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Yakima County?
HUD lists 87 properties with homes for low-income households in Yakima County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Yakima County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Yakima County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Washington, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).