Pasco, WA

Pasco, Washington

Introduction to Pasco, Washington

Pasco is situated in the southeastern portion of the state of Washington in Franklin County. The rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains has produced a desert climate, with hot summer months and cold winters. The Columbia River runs along the southern portion of Pasco and separates it from the other members of the Tri-Cities, Richland and Kennewick.

Due to extensive irrigation, agriculture is a major part of the economy. The region includes a thriving wine industry. Some of the primary employers are Burlington Northern, Bechtel National Inc., Boise Cascade and Tyson Foods. The region has a basalt and lava landscape which is sprinkled with a vast amount of sage brush.

History

In 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived in the region. Fur trappers as well as gold traders were prominent. The population significantly increased due to the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway. The city was incorporated in 1891. Virgil Bogue, an employee of the NP Railway named the city in tribute to Cerro de Pasco, a town located in the Peruvian Andes where he had been involved in constructing a railroad. In 1941 the Grand Coulee Dam project was completed, which led to a vast irrigation system and a thriving agriculture industry.

During the 1950's the construction of the Hanford Site, a nuclear power facility, brought rapid growth to the Tri-Cities area, but most of the population growth occurred in Richland and Kennewick. However, during the late 1990's, developers anticipated another growth spurt and acquired a large amount of farm land and turned it into residential and commercial areas. Since then, Pasco has become the highest populated municipality in the Tri-Cities.

Activities

The Sacagawea Heritage Trail is an educational path which is utilized for bicycle riding, hiking and bird watching. Several waterfront parks are located near the Columbia River. Boating, fishing, camping, hiking and water skiing are popular activities at the Columbia River. Badger Mountain is a notable location for hikers and offers great views of the Yakima and Columbia River valleys.

Due partially to the climate, especially the mild winters, golf is a popular activity. Visitors enjoy the region's wine tours. There are more than 100 wineries. Boat tours take visitors to the Hanford Reach which features the notable White Bluffs and a variety of wildlife. River cruises along the Columbia River are also available.

Attractions

• Pasco's Farmers Market attracts visitors from all over the region.
• Fiery Foods Festival showcases the flourishing Hispanic culture.
• The Tri-City Dust Devils play baseball in the Northwest League.
• The Trade Recreational Agricultural Center is utilized for conventions, concerts and various sports events.
• Tri-City Americans play hockey.
• Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science & Technology Museum is a notable venue.
• The Sacagawea State Park marks the location where the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped at the convergence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers.
• The Washington State Railroad Society's museum offers a look at the early history of Pasco.
• Tri-Cities Water Follies features exciting hydroplane racing.

Transportation

The city is home to the Tri-Cities Airport.

High Points

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

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 1%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 12%

Comparative Profile of Pasco, WA

Comparing Pasco 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
Racial Diversity
Senior Citizens
Well-Paid Single Men
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
People Above Poverty
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better

Commute & Sprawl

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

Housing

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

Crime

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

Pasco Almanac

Pasco Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

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

Pasco Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Pasco 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, Pasco, 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

Pasco Hospitals

LOURDES MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Church)
520 N FOURTH AVENUE
(509) 546-2278
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Pasco

Pasco High Schools (2004)

PASCO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
1108 N 10TH AVENUE
509-547-5581
A Title I school.
Serves 2,532 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 19.5

NEW HORIZONS HIGH SCHOOL
3110 ARGENT ROAD
509-543-6796
A Non-traditional School
A Title I school.
Serves 182 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 16.5

Pasco Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Clare's Beauty College Inc

Columbia Basin College

(List of All Washington Colleges)

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