WashingtonPop. 62,753Smaller cities
Is Richland a Good Place to Live? Richland, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Richland ranks #393 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #186 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20.4 min, #106 of 524) and fast population growth (+1%, #104 of 468), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Richland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Richland'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 Richland?
Richland'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 $1,468/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $466,478, 21% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Richland | 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 | 109 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $466,478#759 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,731/mo#533 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $436,700#866 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,468/mo#697 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.4%#283 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.
Richland 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. Richland is in the Kennewick-Richland, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Richland safe?
Richland recorded 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 31% below the US rate of 373 and 31% below Washington's 372. That ranks #475 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #216 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Richland Police Department. Property crime runs 2,036 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Richland | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 257#475 of 1,083 | 372 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,036#722 of 1,083 | 2,958 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
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 Richland?
The median household in Richland earns $95,813, 25% above the US figure of $76,827 and 6% above Washington ($90,325). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Richland | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $95,813#402 of 1,312 | $90,325 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9%#417 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1%#233 of 1,132 | +1% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
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 Richland?
The median resident of Richland is 36.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 46.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #327 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Richland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 46.6%#327 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.4% | 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 Richland's schools and health?
Richland's 14 public schools graduate 85.1% of students in four years (Washington 82%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $15,984 spent per pupil. 34% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Richland | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85.1%#701 of 1,063 | 82% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 19.4#916 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,984#480 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34%#702 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.4%#313 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.4%#305 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. 10,878 students are enrolled in Richland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Richland?
The average commute in Richland is 20.4 minutes (Washington 23.1); 0.7% of workers take transit and 16.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Richland scores 11.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #485 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 | Richland | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.4 min#378 of 1,312 | 23.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 73.2% | 65.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 4.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 3.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 16.3% | 15.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.9#485 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 | Richland | 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 Richland?
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 | Richland | 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 Richland compare with similar-size cities?
Richland is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #186 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 62,753.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #393 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 | 20.4 min |
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #2 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 | 27.1 min |
| Porterville, CAPop. 63,157 | #1259 | 41.8 | $60,461 | $1,148/mo | 332 | 23.5 min |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #324 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 | 29.7 min |
| Eden Prairie, MNPop. 63,051 | #34 | 71.7 | $130,489 | $1,833/mo | 54 | 21.4 min |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #1154 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 | 18 min |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #876 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 | 17.9 min |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #351 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 | 27.5 min |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #339 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 | 32.1 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 Richland compare with the rest of Washington?
Richland ranks #7 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 60.2 against Washington's statewide 61.4. Its households earn 6% above the Washington median. Violent crime is 31% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #11 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Richland among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $90,325, violent crime 372 per 100,000.
How is Richland's score calculated?
Richland scores 60.2 out of 100, #393 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Richland. Similar-size median 55.5.
60.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Richland's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
75.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Richland. Similar-size median 58.9.
61.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Richland's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
51.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Richland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
61.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Richland. Similar-size median 56.1.
65.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Richland. Similar-size median 42.4.
50.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Richland. Similar-size median 50.0.
54.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Richland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
57.4 - 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: Richland'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 Richland 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 Richland
Is Richland, WA a good place to live?
Richland ranks #393 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #186 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20.4 min, #106 of 524) and fast population growth (+1%, #104 of 468), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Richland?
Richland'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 $1,468/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $466,478, 21% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Richland?
Richland recorded 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 31% below the US rate of 373 and 31% below Washington's 372. That ranks #475 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #216 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Richland Police Department. Property crime runs 2,036 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Richland?
The median household in Richland earns $95,813, 25% above the US figure of $76,827 and 6% above Washington ($90,325). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Richland?
Median rent in Richland is $1,468/mo (Census), #697 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,731/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Richland?
Zillow's typical home value in Richland is $466,478, up 0.3% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $436,700.
How are the public schools in Richland?
Richland's 14 public schools graduate 85.1% of students in four years (Washington 82%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $15,984 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Richland?
The average commute is 20.4 minutes, #378 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.1 minutes across Washington. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Richland?
Richland 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 Richland walkable?
Richland scores 11.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #485 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 Richland 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 Richland?
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 Richland?
Richland has 62,753 residents. The median resident of Richland is 36.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 46.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #327 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Richland compare with the rest of Washington?
Richland ranks #7 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 60.2 against Washington's statewide 61.4. Its households earn 6% above the Washington median. Violent crime is 31% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Richland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Richland's population of 62,753 are Brookline, MA (#2 overall), Porterville, CA (#1259 overall), Hendersonville, TN (#324 overall), Eden Prairie, MN (#34 overall), and Bossier City, LA (#1154 overall). Richland is #393.