City Profile
Kennewick, Washington
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Kennewick is a vibrant and rapidly growing city situated along the scenic Columbia River in southeastern Washington. As one of the core Tri-Cities alongside Pasco and Richland, Kennewick boasts a rich history rooted in agriculture, the Manhattan Project era, and regional commerce. Today, the city is known for its abundant sunshine, beautiful waterfront parks, and a welcoming community atmosphere that attracts families and retirees alike.
Washington, USA, offers a diverse character, split by the Cascade Mountains into a wetter, milder western side and a drier, more extreme eastern side. The economy is robust and varied, with major industries including technology, aerospace, trade, and healthcare in Western Washington, while the eastern half is dominated by agriculture, particularly fruit and vegetable production and dairy farming. Living costs are generally high, especially in the Seattle metropolitan area, though more affordable options exist in Eastern Washington. The climate west of the Cascades features cool, comparatively dry summers and mild, wet, cloudy winters, while the east experiences hotter summers and colder winters. Residents often enjoy an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, balancing urban conveniences with access to diverse natural landscapes.
How this 62/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 30% | 21.0 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 98.0 | 46.3 | 25% | 11.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $71,500 Income needed to live here: $52,000 Unemployment rate: 4.5% | 70.3 | 20% | 14.1 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.3% Job growth rate: 1.8% | 56.8 | 15% | 8.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 69 / 100 | 69.0 | 10% | 6.9 |
| Overall score | 62.0 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Kennewick remains reasonably close to the national average, making it an attractive destination for those seeking affordability in the Pacific Northwest. Housing costs, while having risen in recent years, are still generally more accessible than major metro areas like Seattle or Portland. Everyday expenses such as utilities and groceries hover near national medians, bolstered by regional agricultural production.
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Kennewick features a diverse and stable economy driven by agriculture, healthcare, retail, and nearby federal energy sectors. Major employers include local school districts, healthcare providers, and regional agribusinesses that provide a steady foundation for employment. The growth of small businesses and tech initiatives has also contributed to a resilient local job market.
The average salary in Kennewick is $64,000 per year. You would need approximately $52,000 to live comfortably.
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Kennewick is primarily a car-dependent city, with well-maintained roadways and highways connecting it seamlessly to the rest of the Tri-Cities region. Public transit is provided by Ben Franklin Transit, offering bus services throughout the area. While walkability is concentrated mainly in specific commercial districts or downtown revitalization zones, driving remains the preferred method of commuting.
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