The Toppenish City Council reflects the population of this growing city. With a population of nearly 9,000, 82 percent of its population is Latino. Until now, the city has only had one or two Latino council members. Now, four Latinos make up the entire council - a record number. The new council members join longtime member Clara Jimenez and serve as an example of diversity in government.
The median household income in Toppenish is $37,768. Approximately 53.8% of households in the city are headed by a woman. In addition, the median age is 36.4. One-fourth of the population has a high school education, and the rest has a bachelor's degree or higher. Approximately 15.6% of residents are employed by the government, and 38.9% live below the federal poverty line. Of the local population, 67.5% of Toppenish residents are in the labor force and have at least a high school education.
The Toppenish City Police Department is one of 18 grantees in the Washington State Incentive Grant Program, which funds programs that reduce the risks of substance abuse and misuse in youth. The grantees are required to develop a risk and protective factor framework and implement science-based prevention programs. A recent report on Toppenish's alcohol and drug abuse prevention program highlights the need for continued funding.