Editing Yelm, Washington

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2012}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Yelm, Washington
|settlement_type          = [[City (Washington)|City]]
|nickname                 = Pride of the Prairie
|motto                    =
<!-- Images --------------->
|image_skyline            = File:City Hall in Yelm, Washington.jpg
|imagesize                = 
|image_caption            = Yelm City Hall
|image_flag               =
|image_seal               =
<!-- Maps ----------------->
|image_map                = Thurston County Washington Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Yelm Highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of Yelm, Washington
|image_map1               =
|mapsize1                 =
|map_caption1             =
<!-- Location ------------->
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Washington|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Thurston County, Washington|Thurston]]
<!-- Government ----------->
|government_footnotes     =
|government_type          = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor-Council]]
|leader_title             = Mayor
|leader_name              = Joe DePinto<ref>{{cite web|title=Mayor's Office|url=https://www.yelmwa.gov/connect/mayor_s_office/index.php|publisher=City of Yelm|access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref>
|leader_title1            =
|leader_name1             =
|established_title        =
|established_date         =
<!-- Area ----------------->
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_53.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
|area_magnitude           =
|area_total_km2           = 14.81
|area_land_km2            = 14.79
|area_water_km2           = 0.02
|area_total_sq_mi         = 5.72
|area_land_sq_mi          = 5.71
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.01
<!-- Population ----------->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           = 10707
|pop_est_as_of            = 2021
|pop_est_footnotes        = <ref name="USCensusEst2021"/>
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|population_total         = 10617
|population_density_km2   = 639.23
|population_density_sq_mi = 1655.75
<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[Pacific Time Zone|PST]]
|utc_offset               = -8
|timezone_DST             = PDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -7
|elevation_footnotes      =
|elevation_m              = 108
|elevation_ft             = 354
|coordinates              = {{coord|46|56|29|N|122|36|23|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code              = 98597
|area_code                = [[Area code 360|360]]
|area_code_type           = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 53-80220
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 1512817<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=October 25, 2007}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://ci.yelm.wa.us/|ci.yelm.wa.us}}
|footnotes                =
}}
[[File:Yelm Fire Station.jpg|thumb|Yelm Fire Station]]
'''Yelm''' ({{IPAc-en|j|ɛ|l|m}}) is a city in [[Thurston County, Washington]], United States. Its population was 10,617 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US5380220 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 15, 2022}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Cochrane Memorial Park, Yelm, Washington - On the dock.jpg|thumb|right|Cochrane Memorial Park]]

The word "Yelm" is said to come from the [[Coast Salish languages|Coast Salish]] word ''shelm'' or ''chelm'', meaning "heat waves from the sun",<ref name="Bright2004">{{cite book|last=Bright|first=William|author-link=William Bright|title=Native American placenames of the United States|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5XfxzCm1qa4C&pg=PA580|access-date=April 11, 2011|year=2004|publisher=University of Oklahoma Press|isbn=978-0-8061-3598-4|page=580}}</ref> referring to heat [[mirage]]s.<ref name="History" />

The Yelm Prairie was originally inhabited by the [[Nisqually people|Nisqually]] and provided good pasture for their horses. The first permanent non-indigenous settlers came in 1853 to join the [[Hudson's Bay Company]] sheep farmers who already conducted business in the area.

[[James Longmire]], one of the first American settlers, said upon arriving in Yelm:
{{blockquote|Having received due notice from the Hudson Bay company not to settle on any lands north of the Nisqually River we crossed the river and went to Yelm prairie, a beautiful spot. I thought as it lay before us covered with tall waving grass, a pretty stream bordered with shrubs and tall trees, flowing through it, and the majestic mountain standing guard over all, in its snowy coat, it was a scene fit for an artist. Herds of deer wandered at leisure through the tall grass.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diary of James Longmire|url=http://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/00.ar.longmire.html|date=October 10, 1853|access-date=September 27, 2009}}</ref>}}

With the coming of the [[Northern Pacific Railway]] in 1873, Yelm began to prosper, having found an outlet for its agricultural and forestry products. Its economic base was further enhanced when an irrigation company created the [[Yelm Ditch]] in 1916, making Yelm a center for commercial production of beans, cucumbers and berries.<ref name=History />

Yelm was incorporated on December 8, 1924.<ref name=History>''[http://www.ci.yelm.wa.us/history_of_yelm/ History of Yelm.]'' City of Yelm. Accessed on July 14, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.sao.wa.gov/auditreports/auditreportfiles/ar1002188.pdf "City of Yelm: Thurston County."] ''Financial Statements and Federal Single Audit Report.'' Washington State Auditor's Office. January 21, 2009. Report No. 1002188. Page 27. Accessed on July 14, 2010.</ref>

During the [[Great Depression]], high maintenance costs and an unstructured water distribution plan bankrupted the Yelm Irrigation Company.{{Citation needed|reason=Interesting and potential notable fact but needs sourcing|date=January 2023}}

At the beginning of the 21st century, Yelm was the 10th fastest growing city in the state in regard to population.<ref name="Industry">{{cite web |title=City of Yelm Industrial District |url=https://yelmwa.gov/uploads/library/other/IndustrialAreaStudy.pdf |website=The City of Yelm |access-date=July 24, 2018}}</ref>

==Geography==

Yelm is located in southeastern Thurston County, adjacent to its border with [[Pierce County, Washington|Pierce County]], along the [[Nisqually River]]. The city is near the [[Nisqually Indian Reservation]] (located to the northwest on [[Washington State Route 510|State Route 510]]), and [[Joint Base Lewis–McChord]] on the northeast side of the river. Another major highway, [[Washington State Route 507|State Route 507]], connects Yelm to [[Centralia, Washington|Centralia]] and [[Spanaway, Washington|Spanaway]] near [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]].<ref name="WSDOT-Map">{{cite map |author=Washington State Department of Transportation |year=2014 |title=Washington State Highways, 2014–2015 |url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2006/06/13/TouristMapFront_withoutHillshade.pdf |inset=Puget Sound |location=Olympia |publisher=[[Washington State Department of Transportation]] |access-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-date=February 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221194441/https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/2D10703F-9ADF-4A95-A14E-2A36FEAF1C20/0/Statewide2014NoHillshade.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|5.69|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which, {{convert|5.68|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.01|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=December 19, 2012}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1930= 384
|1940= 378
|1950= 470
|1960= 479
|1970= 628
|1980= 1294
|1990= 1337
|2000= 3289
|2010= 6848
|2020= 10617
|estyear=2021
|estimate=10707
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2021">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |date=June 21, 2022|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020–2021|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=June 21, 2022}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|author-link=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 11, 2013}}</ref><br>2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
}}

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]],<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=December 19, 2012}}</ref> there were 6,848 people, 2,299 households, and 1,712 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1205.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 2,523 housing units at an average density of {{convert|444.2|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 81.6% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 3.3% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.8% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 2.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.9% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 2.8% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 7.3% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 9.4% of the population.

There were 2,299 households, of which 53.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.5% were non-families. 20.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 3.40.

The median age in the city was 29 years. 36% of residents were under the age of 18; 8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 32.3% were from 25 to 44; 16.1% were from 45 to 64; and 7.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]], there were 3,289 people, 1,216 households, and 807 families residing in the city. The population density was 584.4 people per square mile (225.6/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 1,323 housing units at an average density of 235.1 per square mile (90.7/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the city was 86.2% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.8% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 2.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.7% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 1.2% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.6% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 5.4% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 5.35% of the population.

There were 1,216 households, out of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 32.0% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 31.4% from 25 to 44, 16.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,453, and the median income for a family was $45,475. Males had a median income of $32,037 versus $24,474 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,865. About 7.9% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

==Economy==
To a large extent, Yelm acts as a bedroom community for residents working in the surrounding cities of [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]], [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]] and [[Centralia, Washington|Centralia]]. It also hosts a large number of military families currently or formerly stationed at nearby [[Joint Base Lewis-McChord]].

Yelm experienced significant expansion in the decades surrounding the turn of the 21st century. On February 14, 2017, in consultation with city residents, the city council adopted the Yelm Comprehensive Plan update, which clarifies plans and policies for the city's physical, economic and community development over the next 20 years, including utilities, public transportation and parks.<ref name="Plan">{{cite web |title=City of Yelm Comprehensive Plan |url=http://www.ci.yelm.wa.us/comprehensive_plan/%20Yelm%20Comprehensive%20Plan |website=The City of Yelm |access-date=July 24, 2018}}</ref>

==Parks and recreation==
[[File:Yelm City Park in Yelm, Washington.jpg|thumb|Yelm City Park]]
[[File:Community Center in Yelm, Washington.jpg|thumb|left|Yelm Community Center]]
Yelm City Park was donated by Chuck and Wilma Demich in 1950. Located at the corner of [[Washington State Route 507|SR 507]] and Mosman Avenue, it is about one city block in size. It has a kitchen, covered facilities, a playground area, picnic tables, public restrooms and a softball backstop. A number of community events are held there each year, including Prairie Days, Christmas in the Park, Family Fun Day, an annual car show, and the Yelm Lions Easter Egg Hunt.<ref>[http://www.ci.yelm.wa.us/publicworks/yelmpark.htm Yelm Park.] City of Yelm. Accessed on July 14, 2010.</ref>

Yelm has the first Class A Water Reclamation Facility and distribution system in [[Washington (state)|Washington]],<ref>Skillings, Thomas. [http://www.djc.com/news/ae/11116031.html "Little Yelm sets big environmental goals – and meets them."] November 16, 2000. Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce. Accessed on July 14, 2010.</ref><ref>''[http://www.ci.yelm.wa.us/publicworks/sewer.htm Reclaimed Water Facility.]'' City of Yelm. Accessed on July 14, 2010.</ref> which [[reclaimed water|reclaims]] all [[wastewater]] for local irrigation and recharge streams. The water is also used in Cochrane Park, an {{convert|8|acre|m2|adj=on}} [[wetland]] park that includes a [[catch-and-release]] pond for [[rainbow trout]].<ref>''[http://www.ci.yelm.wa.us/publicworks/cochrane.htm Cochrane Memorial Park.]'' City of Yelm. Accessed on July 14, 2010.</ref>

==Government==
Yelm has an elected [[mayor-council government]] and is a non-charter [[Municipal ordinances|code city]]. The city council, the policy-making branch of Yelm's government, consists of seven members elected [[at-large]] to staggered, four-year terms. The mayor is elected at-large and serves as the city's chief executive officer. The mayor and council are supported by the city administrator and several advisory boards and commissions. The city administrator, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council, serves as the mayor's chief administrative officer. As described in the [[Local ordinance|Yelm Municipal Code]] and [[Revised Code of Washington]], certain responsibilities are vested in the [[city council]] and the mayor.<ref name="Mayor">''[http://www.ci.yelm.wa.us/default.asp?dept=mayor Mayor Ron Harding.]'' City of Yelm. Accessed on February 8, 2012.</ref>

Yelm offers a full range of municipal services, provided by seven departments. Sales tax, 8.7% per dollar spent, is distributed as follows:
* Washington State: 6.5%
* Thurston County: 1.4%
* Yelm: 0.8%

===Mayor===

The current mayor of Yelm is Joe DePinto.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.yelmwa.gov/connect/mayor_s_office/index.php | title=Welcome to Yelm, Washington }}</ref>

===City Council===
The seven-[[councillor|member]] Yelm City Council represents the needs and interests of Yelm's citizens.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rosane |first1=Eric |title=Former Council Member EJ Curry Appointed to Fill Vacant Yelm City Council Seat |url=http://www.yelmonline.com/news/article_c4154d90-b029-11ea-8101-cbadb25dad1d.html |work=[[Nisqually Valley News]] |date=June 16, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> The council establishes policy for the city, adopts the annual budget, and represents Yelm's interests on regional boards and commissions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yelm City Council |url=https://www.ci.yelm.wa.us/connect/city_council/index.php |website=www.ci.yelm.wa.us |publisher=City of Yelm |access-date=June 28, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

===City administration===
The Yelm post office serves the surrounding unincorporated [[Thurston County, Washington|Thurston County]] residential communities in [[Lake Lawrence]], Clearwood, and other communities in the Bald Hills area.

Firefighting services for the cities of Yelm, Rainier and surrounding unincorporated areas are provided by the Southeast Thurston Fire Authority.

==Education==
Public schools in Yelm belong to the [[Yelm School District]].  Its elementary schools are Fort Stevens, Lackamas, McKenna, Millpond, Southworth and Yelm Prairie. Its secondary school system includes Yelm Middle School, Ridgeline Middle School, Yelm High School, and Yelm Extension School.<ref name="School">[http://www.schooldigger.com/go/WA/city/Yelm/search.aspx "Yelm Schools."] SchoolDigger.com. Accessed on June 29, 2012.</ref> The private Eagle View Christian School is also in Yelm.<ref name="School" />

==See also==
* [[North Yelm, Washington]]
* [[Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail]]
* [[Ramtha's School of Enlightenment]]
* [[Nisqually Valley News|''Nisqually Valley News'']]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Yelm, Washington}}
* {{Official website|http://www.ci.yelm.wa.us/}}
* [http://www.yelmchamber.com/index.htm Yelm Chamber of Commerce]

{{Thurston County, Washington}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Cities in Thurston County, Washington]]