Kennewick | USA Washington

Kennewick, located in southeastern Washington State, is the largest of the Tri-Cities, which also include Pasco and Richland. Situated along the Columbia River in Benton County, Kennewick has grown from a small railroad town into a major agricultural, scientific, and commercial center. It is known for its sunny climate, proximity to wine country, and key role in Washington’s high-tech and energy sectors.

Geography and Location

Kennewick lies on the south side of the Columbia River, directly across from Pasco and downstream from Richland. The Yakima River merges with the Columbia just to the west, shaping a broad, fertile basin that supports extensive agriculture and viticulture. The city sits within a semi-arid desert plain, bordered by the Horse Heaven Hills to the south and the Columbia Plateau to the north and west.

The surrounding area is rich in geological history, with basalt canyons, wind-carved hills, and remnants of the Ice Age floods. Its geographic positioning gives it wide views and access to both water and desert landscapes.

Climate

Kennewick is one of the sunniest cities in Washington, receiving over 300 days of sunshine annually. The region has a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers and cool to cold winters. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F (32°C), while winter temperatures can dip below freezing but are generally milder than in the rest of the state.

Precipitation is low, averaging only about 7–9 inches per year, mostly in the winter and early spring. Snowfall is light and usually short-lived.

Historical Overview

Kennewick was long inhabited by the Wanapum, Walla Walla, and Umatilla peoples, who used the Columbia River for fishing and trade. The area was part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s route in 1805–1806.

Modern Kennewick was settled in the late 19th century and grew rapidly after the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway. Its development accelerated with the arrival of irrigation canals, making agriculture viable in the arid land.

The most transformative period came in the 1940s during the Manhattan Project, when nearby Hanford Site in Richland became a center for plutonium production. This brought a wave of scientists, engineers, and workers to the region and shaped its economy and identity for decades.

Economy and Industry

Kennewick has a diversified economy rooted in:

Agriculture: Thanks to the Columbia Basin Project, Kennewick supports production of apples, cherries, grapes, hops, asparagus, and wheat. Irrigated farming has made the region one of the most productive agricultural zones in the U.S.

Wine Industry: Kennewick is at the heart of Washington Wine Country, with over 200 wineries within a short drive. Nearby AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) include Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, and Walla Walla Valley.

Energy and Research: Although Hanford is technically in Richland, Kennewick benefits economically from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and ongoing environmental cleanup and energy research contracts.

Retail and Services: Kennewick is the commercial center of the Tri-Cities, with the Columbia Center Mall, auto dealerships, restaurants, and office developments.

Healthcare: Major providers like Kadlec Regional Medical Center and Trios Health operate here, serving a regional population of over 300,000.

Urban Layout and Development

Kennewick has a more suburban and expansive layout compared to dense urban areas. Development tends to be low-rise, with residential neighborhoods spreading across flat plains and hillsides. The Southridge District, Downtown Kennewick, and Canyon Lakes are key areas of residential and commercial growth.

The Downtown area has undergone revitalization with boutique shops, cafes, art galleries, and riverfront improvements. Suburbs like Badger Canyon and Vista Field are growing rapidly with newer housing developments and mixed-use projects.

Recreation and Outdoor Life

Kennewick’s sunny weather and river access make it ideal for year-round outdoor activities:

Columbia Park: A 400-acre park along the river with sports fields, walking trails, boat launches, and scenic picnic areas. It also hosts major events such as the Hydroplane Races (HAPO Columbia Cup).

Clover Island: A redeveloped marina area with a lighthouse, walking paths, and restaurants.

Badger Mountain: Located just west of town, offering popular hiking and panoramic views of the region.

Golf Courses: Multiple courses, including Canyon Lakes and Zintel Creek, serve recreational and tournament golfers.

Fishing and Boating: The Columbia River provides excellent fishing for salmon, sturgeon, and bass, while the calm waters are popular for boating and paddleboarding.

Culture, Events, and Community

Kennewick’s cultural life reflects its blend of rural heritage and modern growth. Key cultural highlights include:

Three Rivers Convention Center and Toyota Center: Host concerts, conferences, sports games (including the WHL’s Tri-City Americans hockey team), and expos.

Downtown Art Walks and seasonal festivals, including Farmers Markets, Harvest Fairs, and Winter Wonderland light displays.

Annual Tri-City Water Follies: A major summer event featuring hydroplane races, air shows, and community gatherings.

Local Museums: The East Benton County Historical Museum showcases the area's pioneer and agricultural history.

The city supports a range of civic clubs, youth sports, and educational events, with strong community engagement around schools, churches, and service organizations.

Education and Institutions

Kennewick is served by the Kennewick School District, which includes several high schools (Kamiakin, Southridge, and Kennewick High), middle schools, and elementary schools. The district emphasizes STEM education, athletics, and vocational training.

Columbia Basin College in nearby Pasco and Washington State University Tri-Cities in Richland offer higher education options. These institutions contribute to regional research, teacher education, nursing, and energy-related fields.

Transportation

Kennewick is well-connected regionally and nationally:

Highways: Intersected by I-82 and US Route 395, with connections to I-84 and Spokane.

Tri-Cities Airport (PSC): Located in Pasco, offering flights to Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, and other cities.

Benton-Franklin Transit: Operates buses between the Tri-Cities and surrounding suburbs.

Amtrak and freight rail pass through the area, though local train service is centered in Pasco.

Kennewick is car-centric, though bike paths, walking trails, and growing public transit routes support alternative transportation.

Demographics and Lifestyle

Kennewick has a population of around 85,000, with steady growth due to migration from western Washington, other U.S. states, and Latin America. It has a large Hispanic/Latino community, which contributes to its agricultural workforce and cultural vibrancy.

The cost of living remains lower than in western Washington, attracting families, retirees, and professionals. The housing market has grown significantly since the 2010s, with a mix of affordable housing and higher-end developments.

Kennewick's lifestyle is family-oriented, outdoorsy, and community-focused, with a strong sense of regional pride and cooperation among the Tri-Cities.

Summary

Kennewick is a dynamic and fast-growing city that anchors the southeastern region of Washington. With its mix of sunshine, outdoor activities, wine culture, and economic opportunity, it offers an appealing lifestyle for those looking to avoid the congestion of major metro areas. Its balance of agriculture, science, and recreation creates a unique identity-one rooted in hard work, natural beauty, and steady innovation.