Kennewick, WA

Kennewick, Washington

Introduction to Kennewick, Washington

Kennewick is located in Benton County, situated along the banks of the Columbia River in the state of Washington. Kennewick along with Pasco and Richland are known as the "Tri-Cities." The area has a desert climate, with a small amount of rain falling each year. Due to the water flowing in the nearby three rivers and rich soil, the economy is bolstered by agriculture including wheat, potatoes, grapes, apples and corn. The area has a thriving wine industry.

The Hanford Nuclear Reservation is a major employer for the Tri-Cities. Kennewick serves as the primary center for retail business for the southeast Washington region. The Kennewick Man is the name given to the remains of a human discovered in the region who experts believe lived approximately 9000 years ago.

History

The city was incorporated in 1904. In 1903 the railroad, constructed an irrigation canal in order to transport water to the arid region. Due to the irrigation the acreage was converted to farmland and agriculture became a significant factor for the economy. Due to the short winter season grape production thrived. During World War I the region was involved in wartime projects which caused the population to experience significant growth.

Activities

The Sacagawea Heritage Trail, situated next to the Columbia River provides a hiking trail that runs through parks and the Tri-Cities. Badger Mountain and the Yakima River Delta region are popular locations for hiking enthusiasts. Numerous parks are located along the Colombia River. Noteworthy tours are available in the large wine region. Quality golf courses can be enjoyed most of the year due to the mild weather. Fishing opportunities are available in the three local rivers and numerous lakes. A national bass fishing tournament occurs along the Columbia River annually. The region is known for hunting of big game, waterfowl and birds.

The city is home to an arena football team. The Tri-City Dust Devils is a minor league baseball team associated with the Colorado Rockies. The Tri-City Americans play in the Western Hockey League.

Attractions

• Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science & Technology
• Sacagawea State Park & Interpretive Center
• Columbia Park
• Three Rivers Toyota Center
• Three Rivers Convention Center
• Benton-Franklin County Fairgrounds
• Lampson Stadium
• The Washington State Railroads Historical Society Museum
• Highlands Grange Demonstration Garden
• Marmes Rockshelter
• East Benton County Historical Museum

Events

• The Benton-Franklin County Fair is the biggest event in the region and features a rodeo, concerts, a parade and a carnival.
• The Tri-Cities Waterfollies is home to the Unlimited Hydroplane races which bring in visitors from the western portion of the country and Canada.
• Cool Desert Nights is a popular car show and also includes live music.
• Allied Arts Sidewalk Show is one of the prominent art events in the Pacific Northwest.

High Points

Kennewick strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Washington):

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 19%

Comparative Profile of Kennewick, WA

Comparing Kennewick to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Washington (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Racial Diversity
Well-Paid Single Women
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Female Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Rents
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Property Taxes
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Kennewick Almanac

Kennewick Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Kennewick Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Kennewick residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Kennewick, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Kennewick Hospitals

KENNEWICK GENERAL HOSPITAL
(Government - Hospital District or Authority)
900 SOUTH AUBURN STREET
(509) 586-6111
Emergency Service: No

Starbucks in Kennewick

Wal-Mart in Kennewick

Kennewick High Schools (2004)

KENNEWICK HIGH SCHOOL
500 SOUTH DAYTON STREET
509-585-3200
Serves 1,644 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 20.6

SOUTHRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
3320 SOUTH UNION LOOP
509-734-3800
Serves 1,441 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 22.2

KAMIAKIN HIGH SCHOOL
600 NORTH ARTHUR STREET
509-734-3502
Serves 1,386 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 21.7

TRI CITY AREA VOC SKILLS CENTER
5929 WEST METALINE AVENUE
509-734-3600
A Vocational School
Serves 455 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 35

RIVER VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
36509 S LEMON DR
509-582-2158
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 338 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 18.8

KENNEWICK ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
200 SOUTH FRUITLAND
509-585-3026
A Non-traditional School
Serves 115 students.

BENTON/FRANKLIN JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER
5606 WEST CANAL DRIVE
509-783-2151
Serves 48 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12

Kennewick Colleges

(List of All Washington Colleges)

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