Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sunnyside, WA
Thinking about moving to Sunnyside, WA? This welcoming city of 17,200 offers affordable living with median home prices around $284,000 and average rents near $1,050. Residents enjoy a sunny climate with 68% sunny days and short 19-minute average commutes. While the community is youthful and vibrant, with a large Hispanic/Latino population and strong bilingual culture, note that education rates are below state averages and property crime is somewhat higher than national norms. If you value affordability and a warm, diverse atmosphere, Sunnyside is worth considering for your next move.
Demographics - Sunnyside, WA
Demographics - Sunnyside, WA
Sunnyside is a youthful, diverse city of 17,200 residents, where the median age is just under 28 and over 85% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. The community has a balanced gender ratio and a strong bilingual presence, as 63% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its high population density and multicultural environment create a vibrant, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
17,200
Density:
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.8
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
63%

Ethnic Composition
White:
12.8%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
85.4% (primarily Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sunnyside, WA?
Living in Sunnyside is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $284,000 and average rents around $1,050 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, and residents benefit from no state income tax but should plan for a 9% sales tax. Essentials like utilities and groceries are moderately priced, making the city budget-friendly for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$284,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
9.0% (sales tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
92.1
Grocery:
97.4
Housing:
81.9
Utilities:
92.5
Transportation:
101.2
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Sunnyside, WA a safe place to live?
Sunnyside experiences moderate crime rates, with about 330 violent crimes and 2,120 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. While the chance of being affected by violent crime is relatively low (1 in 303), property crime is more common, with a 1 in 47 chance. Residents should take standard precautions but can enjoy a generally safe community environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
330
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,450
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 303
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Sunnyside, WA year-round?
Sunnyside enjoys a sunny, semi-arid climate with about 68% of days each year featuring sunshine. Summers are warm and dry, reaching highs near 89°F, while winters are cold but manageable, with lows averaging 23°F. With just 7.5 inches of annual rainfall, outdoor activities are accessible most of the year.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Sunnyside residents have a median household income of $54,600, though about a quarter live below the poverty line. The community is predominantly bilingual and maintains a friendly, family-oriented culture, with low public transportation use and an average commute of just 19 minutes. Educational attainment is lower than average, with fewer than 10% holding a bachelor’s degree, but neighbors are known for their strong community ties.
Median Income:
$25,300
Household Income:
$54,600
Family Income:
$58,900
Per Capita Income:
$18,100
Income Male:
$29,800
Income Female:
$22,600
Poverty Rate:
24.4%
Non English Speakers:
63%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
19.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
57.0%
Bachelors or More:
9.3%
Education
How are the schools in Sunnyside, WA?
Sunnyside offers a range of public and private educational options, including Sunnyside High School and Chief Kamiakin Elementary, with relatively high student-to-teacher ratios. St. Joseph Catholic School serves families seeking private education, and higher education is accessible nearby at Yakima Valley College’s Grandview Campus just 10 miles away. While educational attainment in the adult population is lower than average, local schools provide foundational learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Sunnyside High School
Street:
1801 E Edison Ave
Phone:
509-837-2601
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.7
Name:
Chief Kamiakin Elementary
Street:
1700 E Lincoln Ave
Phone:
509-837-7218
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.6

Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
901 Zillah Ave
Phone:
509-837-5601
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Yakima Valley College – Grandview Campus
City:
Grandview
State:
WA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Healthcare in Sunnyside is anchored by Astria Sunnyside Hospital, which provides general and emergency services locally. With 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and 77% of the population covered by health insurance, basic health needs are met, though specialized care may require travel to nearby cities. The overall healthcare index suggests services are accessible but not as extensive as in larger urban areas.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Astria Sunnyside Hospital
Address:
1016 Tacoma Ave, Sunnyside, WA 98944
Phone:
(509) 837-1500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
77.2%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sunnyside, WA?
Sunnyside’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $284,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 57%. Rents for a two-bedroom average $1,050, and vacancy rates remain low, indicating steady demand. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, making the area attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$284,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Local vehicle and licensing services are provided by the Washington State Department of Licensing at 405 E Lincoln Ave in Sunnyside. Residents can access driver's license, registration, and other DMV services both in person and online via the state’s official website. The office offers convenient services for new arrivals and long-time residents alike.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 E Lincoln Ave, Sunnyside, WA 98944
Phone:
(360) 902-3900
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.