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Is Kennewick a Good Place to Live? Kennewick, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kennewick ranks #741 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #320 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.5%, #68 of 468), and trails on low graduation rates (80%, #365 of 437).
Kennewick by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kennewick's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Kennewick?
Kennewick's cost of living index is 100.1, in line with the US level of 100 and #649 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,240/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $431,000, 27% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Kennewick | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 100.1#649 of 1,308 | 107 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $431,000#693 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,676/mo#480 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $370,700#713 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,240/mo#476 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.2%#480 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Kennewick housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Kennewick is in the Kennewick-Richland, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Kennewick safe?
Kennewick recorded 318 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 12% above Washington's 284. That ranks #585 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #260 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kennewick Police Department. Property crime runs 2,679 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kennewick | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 318#585 of 1,085 | 284 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,679#899 of 1,085 | 1,975 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Kennewick?
The median household in Kennewick earns $73,576, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kennewick | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $73,576#734 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.3%#813 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.5%#153 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Kennewick?
The median resident of Kennewick is 35.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #929 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kennewick | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 26.2%#929 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 61.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Kennewick's schools and health?
Kennewick's 25 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 18 students per teacher and $15,202 spent per pupil. 37.4% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Kennewick | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 80%#880 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18#837 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,202#566 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37.4%#971 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.1%#967 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,707 students are enrolled in Kennewick's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kennewick?
The average commute in Kennewick is 21.3 minutes (Washington 27.2); 1.7% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kennewick scores 13.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 35.7°F, with 7.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kennewick | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.3 min#448 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.9%#558 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.9% | 65.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.7% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.9% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.7% | 16.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.1#310 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41.4 | 27.8 | 1 |
| Feb | 48.6 | 28.2 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 58.6 | 33.1 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 67 | 38.4 | 0.7 |
| May | 76.5 | 46.3 | 0.7 |
| Jun | 83.1 | 52.6 | 0.6 |
| Jul | 92.5 | 56.9 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 90.7 | 55.7 | 0.3 |
| Sep | 80.9 | 47.6 | 0.3 |
| Oct | 65.8 | 38.4 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 49.9 | 31.9 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 41 | 27.3 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pasco Tri Cities Airport.
| Measure | Kennewick | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 35.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 7.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pasco Tri Cities Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kennewick?
Benton County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Benton County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 51% of US counties.
| Measure | Kennewick | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#677 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Benton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Benton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.016% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.016% | 84% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 71% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Kennewick compare with similar-size cities?
Kennewick is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #320 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 85,295.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick, WAPop. 85,295 | #741 | 54.3 | $73,576 | $1,240/mo | 318 | 21.3 min |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #1021 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 | 16.6 min |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #723 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 | 17.5 min |
| Town 'n' Country, FLPop. 85,928 | #1067 | 48.5 | $73,538 | $1,734/mo | no data | 28 min |
| Baytown, TXPop. 85,205 | #1232 | 43.5 | $59,910 | $1,307/mo | 399 | 25.4 min |
| Hawthorne, CAPop. 85,191 | #1236 | 43.2 | $75,848 | $1,782/mo | 571 | 28.3 min |
| Lehi, UTPop. 85,173 | #297 | 62.1 | $131,299 | $1,964/mo | part year | 23.7 min |
| Brooklyn Park, MNPop. 83,876 | #320 | 61.6 | $89,891 | $1,325/mo | 348 | 21.3 min |
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #753 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 | 25.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Kennewick compare with the rest of Washington?
Kennewick ranks #19 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 54.3 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 26% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 12% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Washington home.
| City | Rank in WA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #1 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #2 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #3 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #4 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #5 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #6 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 |
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #7 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #8 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #9 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #10 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | … #15 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #16 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 |
| Burien, WAPop. 51,513 | #17 | 55.6 | $91,318 | $1,782/mo | 342 |
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | #18 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 |
| Kennewick, WAPop. 85,295 | #19 | 54.3 | $73,576 | $1,240/mo | 318 |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #20 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #21 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 |
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | #22 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #23 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Kennewick among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Kennewick's score calculated?
Kennewick scores 54.3 out of 100, #741 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Washington's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Kennewick. Similar-size median 55.5.
47.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kennewick's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
67.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kennewick. Similar-size median 58.9.
50.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kennewick's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
47.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kennewick's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
67.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kennewick. Similar-size median 56.1.
45.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kennewick. Similar-size median 42.4.
53.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kennewick. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kennewick's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
63.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
58.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kennewick's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Kennewick has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Kennewick
Is Kennewick, WA a good place to live?
Kennewick ranks #741 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #320 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.5%, #68 of 468), and trails on low graduation rates (80%, #365 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Kennewick?
Kennewick's cost of living index is 100.1, in line with the US level of 100 and #649 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,240/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $431,000, 27% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Kennewick?
Kennewick recorded 318 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 12% above Washington's 284. That ranks #585 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #260 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kennewick Police Department. Property crime runs 2,679 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kennewick?
The median household in Kennewick earns $73,576, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kennewick?
Median rent in Kennewick is $1,240/mo (Census), #476 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,676/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kennewick?
The typical home value in Kennewick is $431,000, up 0.6% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $370,700.
How are the public schools in Kennewick?
Kennewick's 25 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 18 students per teacher and $15,202 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kennewick?
The average commute is 21.3 minutes, #448 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 4.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kennewick?
Kennewick averages 53.3°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 35.7°F in winter, with 7.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kennewick walkable?
Kennewick scores 13.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Kennewick at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Benton County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 51% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Kennewick?
Benton County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Kennewick?
Kennewick has 85,295 residents. The median resident of Kennewick is 35.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #929 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kennewick compare with the rest of Washington?
Kennewick ranks #19 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 54.3 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 26% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 12% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Kennewick?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kennewick's population of 85,295 are Medford, OR (#1021 overall), Sioux City, IA (#723 overall), Town 'n' Country, FL (#1067 overall), Baytown, TX (#1232 overall), and Hawthorne, CA (#1236 overall). Kennewick is #741.