Living in Kennewick, WA
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Kennewick, WA? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Kennewick, WA

As one of the best places to live, local residents can get around the region quickly thanks to Ben Franklin Transit’s bus routes connecting Southeastern Washington cities. The Tri-Cities also have many outdoor amenities, making it easy to get out and enjoy nature – whether it’s hiking Badger Mountain or seeing the wildflowers that freckle the Candy Mountain Trail. Of course, getting out on the water to paddleboard or float is a no-brainer come summer since the Tri-Cities region is located at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers. 

The city also has a noteworthy wine scene with more than 200 wineries within a one-hour radius. Badger Mountain Certified Organic Vineyard is a great place to get an introduction to Washington wine; the winery has been making organic vino since 1990, long before it was trendy.

Compared to other areas in Washington state, living in Kennewick generally is affordable, so your dollar will go further when it’s time to have fun. The city is known for its friendly, community-oriented atmosphere, and this city of 87,790 prides itself on its tight-knit feel. The cherry on top? Because the Tri-Cities area is experiencing growth, there are ample job opportunities to advance your career. 

Top Reasons to Move to Kennewick

• Kennewick is a high-tech anchor and is the commercial heart of the Tri-Cities.
• Kennewick is a destination for wine enthusiasts, and more than 200 wineries are accessible within an hour’s drive.
• With no state income tax and a lower cost of living, Kennewick residents enjoy the tax-friendly advantage.
• With more than 300 days of sunshine, Kennewick is a sunny spot compared to Washington’s rainy reputation.  

Kennewick is a lively city in southeastern Washington, right along the Columbia River, and is part of the Tri-Cities area. It’s accessible via Interstate 82 and U.S. Route 395, keeping it connected. The nearest airport, Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, is just 5 miles north. When you’re ready to roam, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Spokane, WA, is just 140 miles northeast, where you can visit Riverfront Park or the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
• Yakima, WA, sits 80 miles west, known for its wineries and the Yakima Valley Museum.
• Portland, OR, is about 215 miles southwest, home to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

Thanks to its semi-arid climate, the area enjoys four distinct seasons with very low humidity. The city experiences hot, dry summers and cool-to-cold winters, though its location in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains keeps precipitation levels remarkably low year-round.

Kennewick is the largest of the Tri-Cities and boasts a robust economy fueled by its location in the heart of southeastern Washington State. Several significant industries support the local economy, including agriculture and food processing, retail and health care. Tyson Foods and Lamb Weston, major food processing companies, have facilities in the area and are two of the largest employers in town. Other major employers are Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Kennewick School District and Benton PUD.

The cost of living in Kennewick is below the national average. The median home value in Kennewick is $404,489, and the average household income is $81,978.

There is not a state income tax in Washington. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Kennewick is 8.8%.

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Kick back in Kennewick, a city that blends family-friendly activities with arts and culture. Explore the city’s history at the Museum at Keewaydin and the 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial Monument, or enjoy artistic experiences through the Kennewick Public Art Collection and visits to local galleries in Historic Downtown Kennewick. The Toyota Center hosts live events for entertainment. For nostalgic family fun, visit Gesa Carousel of Dreams. Shop till you drop at the Columbia Center Mall or find unique items at the seasonal Kennewick Farmers Market.

Families can enjoy interactive experiences at the Quake Family Fun Center or visit Sandollar Farms & Alpacas for animal encounters. The nearby Pasco Farmers Market, Washington’s largest open-air produce market, offers fresh local goods.

Washington is full of outdoor wonders, and Kennewick is no different. The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, capitalizing on its scenic location along the Columbia River and its mild climate. Columbia Park provides riverfront access with walking trails, picnic areas and picturesque views, while the Zintel Canyon Greenway offers hiking and biking opportunities through natural landscapes. Residents can visit the Southridge Sports Complex Aquatic Playground for water-based activities or enjoy panoramic river views from the Clover Island Lighthouse.

Beyond traditional parks, the city features unique outdoor experiences like the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, where visitors can tour the B Reactor National Historic Landmark. Highlands Grange Park offers a more relaxed setting with gardens and walking paths, and the Columbia Park Golf Tri-Plex features foot golf. The city’s numerous parks and trails and riverfront location make it a destination for outdoor aficionados.

Deeply influenced by its location in the heart of Washington Wine Country, Kennewick offers an ever-expanding culinary landscape. With over 200 wineries within an hour’s drive, the city provides ample opportunities for wine tasting and food pairings, particularly at destinations like the Columbia Gardens Urban Wine & Artisan Village and Badger Mountain Vineyard. The local food scene emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with restaurants embracing farm-to-table concepts and showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty.

Beyond wine, the city has a thriving craft beer culture, with breweries like Ice Harbor Brewing Company and diverse dining options. From authentic barbecue at Porter’s Real Barbecue to international flavors spanning Mexican, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines, the city caters to a variety of palates. Local favorites like Foodies offer comforting American fare, while food trucks provide quick and diverse culinary experiences. The region’s proximity to the Walla Walla Valley and other wine-producing areas further enhances the local appeal to food and beverage enthusiasts.

Kennewick School District is the primary public school district here, with an enrollment of more than 19,000 students. Kennewick Schools offers several different programs and schools, including traditional options, specialized choice schools and dual language programs. Delta High School (STEM-focused) and Phoenix High School (project-based learning) provide different learning options. Private schools are primarily targeted at early education, but families can also find excellent private high schools nearby in Richland.