Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wapato, WA
Considering a move to Wapato, WA? This small, family-friendly city of 4,640 residents is known for its affordable housing, with median home prices around $200,000 and average rents at $940. Enjoy a sunny climate with 70% sunny days and short commutes averaging 19 minutes. While the cost of living is lower than average, note that property crime rates are higher and educational attainment is below the state average. Wapato offers a close-knit, diverse community—perfect for those seeking a rural lifestyle with easy access to regional amenities.
Demographics - Wapato, WA
Demographics - Wapato, WA
Wapato is a small city of 4,640 people, featuring a youthful median age of 27.8 and a diverse population where nearly three-quarters identify as Hispanic or Latino. The community is densely populated and more than half of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
4,640
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.8
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
56.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
24.3%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
74.8% (primarily Hispanic or Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wapato, WA?
Wapato offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $200,000 and average rent at $940 per month. The overall cost of living is below the national average, making it attractive for budget-minded families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$200,000
Gross Rent:
$940
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0% (sales tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
98.4
Housing:
72.1
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
104.0
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Wapato, WA a safe place to live?
While violent crime rates in Wapato are moderate, property crime is more common, with residents facing a 1 in 47 chance annually. Prospective residents should consider local safety measures and neighborhood vigilance when moving to the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
282
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,140
Crime Index:
2,422
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 355
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Wapato, WA year-round?
Wapato experiences four distinct seasons, with warm, sunny summers reaching up to 89°F and mild winters rarely dipping below 22°F. The area enjoys about 70% sunny days each year and receives a low average rainfall of 8.6 inches, ideal for those who prefer a dry climate.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
8.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
The local community has a median household income of $38,400 and a relatively high poverty rate of 32.5%. Residents benefit from short average commutes of under 19 minutes, though educational attainment and public transportation use are lower than state averages.
Median Income:
$18,200
Household Income:
$38,400
Family Income:
$40,600
Per Capita Income:
$11,800
Income Male:
$23,000
Income Female:
$18,400
Poverty Rate:
32.5%
Non English Speakers:
56.0%
Rent:
$940
Unemployment Rate:
8.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
46.2%
Bachelors or More:
6.1%
Education
How are the schools in Wapato, WA?
Wapato offers public K-12 education with favorable student-teacher ratios, though higher education attainment is below the state average. For those seeking post-secondary options, Yakima Valley College is conveniently located just 12 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Wapato High School
Street:
1200 S. Camas Ave
Phone:
509-877-3133
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Simcoe Elementary School
Street:
1401 S. Camas Ave
Phone:
509-877-4181
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Colleges
Name:
Yakima Valley College
City:
Yakima
State:
WA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
7,800
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are met by a local primary and dental clinic, with additional full-service hospitals available in nearby Yakima. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and there are 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring basic healthcare access within the region.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic – Wapato Medical-Dental Clinic
Address:
620 W 1st St, Wapato, WA 98951
Phone:
(509) 877-6134
Type:
Primary & Dental Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital
Address:
2811 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98902
Phone:
(509) 575-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.2%
Health Care Index:
66.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wapato, WA?
Wapato's housing market is affordable with a median home price of $200,000 and nearly half of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are accessible, vacancy rates are low, and home values have seen modest annual appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$200,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$940
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in nearby Sunnyside. The DMV provides standard services and resources both in-person and online for Wapato residents.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 S. 7th St., Sunnyside, WA 98944
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
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.