When Yakima makes the news it always catches our eye. Too often, though, the stories are like this one.
The website MSN Lifestyle posted a recent article about the Least Healthy City In Each State. Guess who came out last in Washington?
The article says Yakima is the least healthy city based on comparing the numbers
Premature death rate (per 100,000): Yakima - 362.4 vs State avg - 288.7 Adult obesity rate: �� Yakima - 32.1% vs State avg 27.6% Adult smoking rate: Yakima - 5.2% vs State avg 13.9% Median household income: Yakima - $47,402 vs State avg $70,979
Self reporting paints shows that in Yakima 21.2% of adults report being in fair or poor health compared to 13.9% of adults across the state.
The disparity in income between Yakima and the rest of the state is significant, too. Access to health care options as well as the ability to make healthier lifestyle choices come with greater income, which Yakima lacks.
The state poverty rate is 11% while Yakima's rate is 18.1%.