Living in Kennewick, WA
Kennewick is the 409th-largest city in the US, home to about 88,000 people in 2025. It has grown 5.3% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (100.1 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 88,366+5.3% since 2020
- Median home value
- $370,7005.0 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,240/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $73,576median, per year
- Price level
- 100.1US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 41° / 93°lows 28° / 57°
- Average commute
- 21 min10% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: Benton County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 407 ft
Metro area: Kennewick-Richland, WA
Cost of living in Kennewick
The median home in Kennewick is worth $370,700 and the median household earns $73,576 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.0 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,240 a month, about 20% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Kennewick-Richland, WA metro area at 100.1, with housing at 94.8 and goods at 105.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $75,100 here. Washington has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Washington is 9.57%.
What would my salary be worth in Kennewick?
Kennewick weather
Average highs run from 41°F in January to 92°F in July, and January nights average 28°F. It gets 8 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 2 inches of snow. Expect about 55 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 112 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to June and September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Kennewick
People and work
The median resident is 35.7 years old, and 26% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 61% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 21 minutes; 10% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 35.7227th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 26%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 61%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,10028.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%1% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.1%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 14.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1979median year
Who moves to Kennewick, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Seattle (King County), Spokane (Spokane County) and Tacoma (Pierce County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Seattle (King County), Spokane (Spokane County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Benton County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, ice storm.
Home prices
+1.9% in a year
Up 33% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Kennewick-Richland, WA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
79% good days
2 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Kennewick-Richland, WA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Kennewick
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Columbia Basin College 5 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Kennewick
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Tri-Cities Airport PSC | 6 mi | 476,639 |
| Eastern Oregon Regional Airport PDT | 37 mi | 6,579 |
| Walla Walla Regional Airport ALW | 43 mi | 36,873 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Kennewick
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Basin College | 5 mi | 4,640 | $13,813 | n/a |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Wildfire smoke in Kennewick
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Kennewick on about 78 days a year, including about 31 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Kennewick
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 31,372 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Kennewick
Downtown Kennewick is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick School District | Pre-K to 12 | 18,826 | 33 | 18.0 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Pasco School District (18,913 students), Richland School District (14,410 students), Kiona-Benton City School District (1,395 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Kennewick's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Kennewick's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Medford, OR73% matchCompare
- Greeley, CO69% matchCompare
- Sparks, NV69% matchCompare
- Reno, NV68% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Kennewick
- Spout Springs Ski Area 61 miles
- Ski Bluewood 63 miles
- Anthony Lakes 95 miles
- Mission Ridge Ski Area 96 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Kennewick
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Washington has no state income tax on wages.
Cons
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.57% on average with local taxes.
Kennewick report card from locals
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Cities near Kennewick
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pasco, WA | 6 mi | 82,848 | $376,300 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Yakima, WA | 73 mi | 97,458 | $297,600 | 95.5 | Compare |
| Spokane, WA | 131 mi | 230,783 | $363,500 | 100.3 | Compare |
| Spokane Valley, WA | 137 mi | 108,405 | $382,300 | 100.3 | Compare |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 153 mi | 58,179 | $483,500 | 98.3 | Compare |
| Gresham, OR | 163 mi | 111,513 | $458,700 | 105.4 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Kennewick with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Kennewick a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population, no state income tax on wages, short commutes. Compare Kennewick side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Kennewick?
The Census Bureau estimates Kennewick had 88,366 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 83,957 in April 2020 (+5.3%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Kennewick?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $75,100 in the Kennewick area. The median household here earns $73,576.
When is the best time to visit Kennewick?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to June and September are the most comfortable months. July averages 92°F and January 41°F for daytime highs.
What county is Kennewick in?
Kennewick is in Benton County, Washington. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Kennewick in?
Kennewick is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Kennewick?
About 407 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
No. Washington does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Kennewick. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Kennewick-Richland, WA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Pasco Tri Cities Airport, WA station; snowfall from Ice Harbor Dam, WA. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.