North Yelm is a small, close-knit community situated in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, offering a stunning view of Mount Rainier. With lush evergreen forests, pristine rivers, and sparkling lakes all around it, North Yelm is a haven for outdoor lovers. Opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching are endless. Settlers first arrived in the Nisqually Valley around 150 years ago. North Yelm is known for the nearby Nisqually Indian Reservation is a reminder of the original Native American inhabitants. In fact, the name Yelm is from the Coast Salish (Pacific Northwest Native American) language, meaning “heat waves from the sun,” referring to the heat mirages on hot days.
Due to the moderate climate, a wide variety of crops grow in North Yelm, and farmers markets abound, selling fresh produce at great prices. North Yelm is known for its many cultural events throughout the year, including festivals and fairs that attract locals and visitors alike. North Yelm has safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, excellent schools, a family-friendly atmosphere, and many other services and job opportunities in the nearby cities of Olympia and Tacoma. You’ll love living in North Yelm.
Where Is North Yelm, Washington?
North Yelm is located in the Pacific Northwest. It is a census-designated place (CDP) located in the Yelm Prairie. It’s one of the many cities in Thurston County, along the Nisqually River. North Yelm is about 22 miles from Olympia and 34 miles south of Tacoma. North Yelm borders those residing in Yelm, WA.
Map of North Yelm, WA
North Yelm WA Population and Demographics
North Yelm and the surrounding area were once home to the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the original inhabitants of the Yelm Prairie and South Puget Sound. Today, many of the Nisqually people still live near North Yelm on or close to the Nisqually Reservation, which spans 1,280 acres alongside the Nisqually River. The tribe has more than 650 enrolled members.
In local schools, a Native American education program works closely with schools of the Nisqually Tribe to ensure that their cultural perspectives and practices are integrated into the curriculum and to provide opportunities for Native students to explore and experience their cultural heritage. The City of North Yelm continues to integrate the Nisqually Tribe into local society both educationally and economically.
The North Yelm total population is 2,785. The racial and ethnic demographics of North Yelm are 87% White (86% White alone, not Hispanic or Latino), 9% two or more races, 1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1% Asian, and 1% Hispanic or Latino.
Here’s an overview of North Yelm’s demographics:
- Population density: 825.6 per square mile
- Median age: 36.8
- Sex ratio: 57% Males, 43% Females
- Median household income: $75,489
- Educational attainment: 86.5% high school degree or higher, 6.4% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 2.4%
- Veteran population: 375
The Thurston County Sheriff is committed to serving and protecting its citizens, and the department is committed to the health and safety of the community. North Yelm is a safe place to live. The crime rate in North Yelm is 2,121 per 100,000 people, which is 9% lower than the US average. The violent crime rate is 42% below the national average, at 214 crimes per 100,000 people.
North Yelm WA Cost of Living
The cost of living in North Yelm is 9% higher than the US average, but the cost of living is also 9% lower than the state average. The North Yelm WA real estate market is the most expensive factor to keep in mind when moving to North Yelm. Housing costs in North Yelm are 35% lower than the state average, making housing very affordable in North Yelm as compared to the state and US average. The median sale home price in North Yelm is $385,000, and the current median sale price per square foot in North Yelm is $313. Check out the many homes for sale in North Yelm WA.
According to Rent Cafe, the average rent in North Yelm is $2,130 for a 1,097-square-foot apartment. By comparison, Tacoma rents average $1,683, and Olympia’s average $1,741. There are also many homes for rent. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in North Yelm WA on Rent Cafe.
Typical North Yelm Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $7.50
- Domestic beer: $3.50
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.02
- Dozen eggs: $4.01
- 1 pound of chicken: $3.00
- Average North Yelm monthly utility bill: $226.15
Source: Numbeo, Yelm, WA
The Best Neighborhoods in North Yelm
North Yelm is a tight-knit community made up of mostly single-family, modest-sized homes and mobile homes. Many houses in the neighborhood have garages, and the number of bedrooms generally ranges from 3 to 5. Residents tend to have lots of space between them and their neighbors, giving them lots of privacy and wooded areas around them. Although there are some homes in the community built after 2000, many houses in North Yelm were built between 1970 and 1999. North Yelm is mostly rural and residential, but access to the neighboring city of Yelm, with many parks, community events, trails, shopping, dining, and more, is only minutes away.
Weather North Yelm WA & Climate
The best time of year to visit North Yelm is from mid-July to late August. North Yelm residents enjoy four distinct seasons with moderate temperatures throughout the year. Summer temperatures average from 75-85 degrees with occasional highs in the 90s. In winter, temperatures generally stay between 25-44 degrees.
The warm season lasts close to 3 months in North Yelm, from late June 23 to mid-September. The hottest month of the year in North Yelm is August, with an average high of 79°F and a low of 53°F. The cool season lasts for about 3.5 months, from mid-November to late February. The coldest month of the year in North Yelm is December, which has an average low of 35°F and a high of 45°F.
Spring and fall typically see a lot of rain and wind. North Yelm averages 48 inches of rain per year and about 6 inches of snow. On average, North Yelm has 135 sunny days per year, compared to the US average of 205 sunny days.
Things to Do in North Yelm Washington
You can find many fun and exciting activities near North Yelm that locals and visitors can enjoy. There is also convenient shopping near North Yelm at Nisqually Plaza, Between Sisters Boutique & Gifts, and Funtime Toys and Gifts. Here are some of the best things to do near North Yelm:
Deschutes Falls Park
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Deschutes Falls is a mostly untouched park, making it a great place for nature lovers. See the 25-foot waterfall from the 1,000-foot viewing platform and stroll through 155 acres of pristine natural habitats. The park includes a 70-foot canyon, a 400-foot gorge, natural rock monoliths, and a historic log cabin.
25005 Bald Hill Rd SE, Yelm, WA 98597
Tahoma Vista Fiber Mill and La Vida Alpaca
Take the 1.5-hour guided tour of the alpaca ranch and fiber processing mill. You can pet the alpacas and learn all about them. You will also see the working fiber processing mill and learn how it turns alpaca fiber into luxurious products.
15631 159th Ln SE, Yelm, WA 98597, (360) 894-1273
Cochrane Memorial Park
Cochrane Memorial Park covers 8 acres and offers peace and relaxation while you commune with nature. Stroll along the quiet walking paths, play on beautiful grass fields, or fish for rainbow trout in the catch-and-release fish pond.
750 Mill Rd SE, Yelm, WA 98597, (360) 458-3244
Additional Attractions Near North Yelm, WA:
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The bordering city of Yelm has three parks for North Yelm residents to enjoy, including Yelm City Park and Longmire Community Park, that offer playgrounds, covered picnic areas, a splash pad, walking paths, a catch and release fish pond, and baseball, football, and soccer fields. The Yelm-Tenino/ Prairie Line Trail is a paved walking and biking path that offers miles of scenic exercise through agricultural areas, forests, and wetlands. Yelm also has other amenities, with the Yelm Dog Park and the Yelm SkatePark. You can see more North Yelm Washington events on the Yelm event calendar.
North Yelm WA Restaurants
A variety of dining options are close by in the neighboring city of Yelm, from pizza to burgers to Asian delights. You’ll find something for every taste near North Yelm. Enjoy delicious dishes at popular dining establishments and restaurants such as:
Uptown Lounge
With colorful decorations, freshly prepared dishes, and homemade ingredients, Uptown is a fun place to enjoy food and drinks with friends or family. The menu includes everything from burgers and salads to perfectly cooked steaks. Check out the wide selection of martinis, margaritas, and other specialty drinks.
201 Prairie Park St NE SE, Yelm, WA 98597, (360) 400-3457
Pizzeria La Gitana
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Pizzeria La Gitana is all about friendly service and giving you an unforgettable Italian dining experience. The unique, wood-fired Italian pizza is well-known in the area. Every pizza from this award-winning restaurant is made with the highest quality ingredients, including Italian organic flour, real tomato sauce, and authentic cheeses.
309 E Yelm Ave, Yelm, WA 98597, (360) 400-2929
Pho Yelm Restaurant
Pho Yelm features the best Vietnamese cuisine in town. Their dishes are made with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and vibrant colors. Whether you choose the famous pho noodle soup, the crispy banh mi sandwich, or anything else on the menu, you’re in for a unique experience.
201 E Yelm Ave suite c, Yelm, WA 98597, (360) 400-8888
Jobs in North Yelm WA
Chances are that those living in North Yelm will have to commute; there aren’t many workers inside the town because it is small, and there aren’t any large businesses here. That being said, there are many places to commute to in nearby cities. The median income in North Yelm WA is $75,489.
Major industries in Thurston County include government, hospitals, education, and technology. Many residents work in the cities surrounding North Yelm: Tacoma, Olympia, and Centralia. North Yelm has a large number of current and former military families due to nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
One of the major employers in Thurston County is Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The military base employs nearly 40,000 military personnel and 15,000 civilians and is one of the largest employers in the state. Other major employers in the county include Providence Health & Services, Albertsons/Safeway, and Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel. If you’re moving to North Yelm and still looking for a job, check out Indeed or the nearby City of Yelm job board.
Schools in North Yelm WA
The good news is that the city comes with plenty of amenities for children! Schoolchildren living in North Yelm are zoned to the Yelm School District. The district includes Fort Stevens Elementary, Lackamas Elementary, McKenna Elementary, Millpond Elementary, Southworth Elementary, Yelm Prairie Elementary, Yelm Middle, Ridgeline Middle, Yelm High, and Yelm Extension School.
Yelm High School has one of the most comprehensive “College in the High School” programs in the state, allowing students to work toward an associate or bachelor’s degree through a partnership with Central Washington University and South Puget Sound Community College.
Private school options near North Yelm include Eagle View Christian School, Pope John Paul II High School, and Faith Lutheran School.
For further education near North Yelm, nearby community colleges and universities include Saint Martin’s University, Seattle University, Pierce College, and Highline Community College.
If you want free fun for you, your kids, or your family, check out the Yelm Timberland Public Library, where you and your family can check out books, magazines, digital media, music, and more.
North Yelm WA Statistics & Information
- County: Thurston County
- Area: 3.4 square miles
- Zip code North Yelm WA: 98597
- Area code: 360, 564
- Elevation: 295 feet
- Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
If you’re moving to North Yelm, there are many amenities and fun, safe living options in the future! However, to get there, you’re going to need help. At All Ready Moving, we’re here to help you get to where you need to be quickly and efficiently. We’re the best North Yelm movers in the area. Give us a call at 360-507-2447 for a free quote today!
