Is Kennewick Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kennewick
Kennewick, Washington, situated in the southeastern part of the state along the Columbia River, offers a blend of urban amenities and access to natural beauty. Known for its sunny climate and proximity to wine country, it attracts residents with its growing economy and diverse recreational opportunities. The city provides a range of housing options and a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average.
As a mid-sized city, Kennewick balances a community feel with the services and infrastructure expected of a developing area. Its location within the Tri-Cities area—comprising Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland—enhances its economic and cultural offerings. This dynamic region is a hub for various industries, contributing to a robust job market and a generally stable economy.
Is it Safe to Live in Kennewick?
Crime Rates
Kennewick’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The city experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Kennewick is approximately 1 in 276, with a property crime rate of 1 in 29 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Overall, Kennewick has a crime rate that is 81% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes).
This means that the city’s overall crime rate is 41.09 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade). While the overall statistics indicate a higher risk, the safety can vary significantly by neighborhood. Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest, with a much lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to the northeast neighborhoods (as reported by CrimeGrade).
Safety Perceptions
Community perceptions of safety in Kennewick show a mixed outlook. A significant portion of residents feel generally safe, with 58% reporting that they feel safe despite some concerns (as indicated by Niche user polls). Another 27% believe the area is very safe with no safety concerns.
However, a smaller percentage of residents express more significant safety concerns. About 13% of users feel somewhat safe, noting noticeable safety issues, while 2% report feeling unsafe regularly due to high safety concerns (as indicated by Niche user polls). These differing perspectives highlight the importance of researching specific neighborhoods when considering a move to Kennewick.
Cost of Living in Kennewick
Overall Affordability
The cost of living in Kennewick, Washington, is generally considered more affordable than the national average. Overall living expenses are approximately 4.1% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com and PayScale). This affordability extends to housing, which is typically 16.2% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
While some everyday expenses might be slightly higher, such as groceries being about 7.2% more than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com), other costs are lower. Utility prices are notably less expensive, falling about 18% below the national average (as reported by Apartments.com and PayScale). Transportation costs, however, are about 20% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com and PayScale).
Housing Costs
Housing is a significant factor in Kennewick’s cost of living, and it remains relatively affordable. The median listing price for a home in Kennewick was $458,000 (as reported by Redfin). Another report indicates the median sale price of a home in Kennewick was $435,000 last month, showing a slight increase of 3.9% since last year (as reported by Redfin).
For renters, the market also presents various options. The average apartment rent in Kennewick is around $1,469 per month (as reported by RentCafe). This breaks down to approximately $1,160 for a studio, $1,293 for a one-bedroom, $1,545 for a two-bedroom, and $1,839 for a three-bedroom apartment (as reported by RentCafe). These rental prices have seen a slight decrease of 0.71% over the past year (as reported by RentCafe).
Job Market and Economy
Employment Landscape
Kennewick, as part of the Tri-Cities area, benefits from a diverse and growing economy. The unemployment rate in Kennewick, WA, was reported at 5.40% (as of April 2026, according to YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average for the area, indicating a stable job market.
Workers in the Kennewick-Richland, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average hourly wage of $34.43 in May 2024, which is higher than the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Key sectors contributing to employment include management, architecture and engineering, and computer and mathematical occupations, which are among the higher-paying fields.
Major Employers
Several major employers contribute significantly to Kennewick’s economy and provide employment opportunities across various sectors. In the broader Tri-Cities area, large employers include Battelle/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory with approximately 5,300 employees, and Kadlec Regional Medical Center, a significant healthcare provider with around 3,800 employees (as reported by TRIDEC). Kennewick School District also plays a vital role, employing approximately 3,043 individuals in the education sector (as reported by TRIDEC).
Other key employers in the region include Lamb Weston in food processing with 3,000 employees, and Washington River Protection Solutions in environmental remediation with 2,336 employees (as reported by TRIDEC). Trios Health is another substantial healthcare employer in the area, with about 1,100 employees (as reported by TRIDEC). Major retail companies like Walmart, Costco Wholesale, and Amazon also have a significant presence, providing numerous job opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com).
Climate in Kennewick
Temperature and Seasons
Kennewick experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The summers are short, hot, dry, and mostly clear, typically ranging from late June to mid-September. During this period, average daily high temperatures exceed 83°F, with July being the hottest month, often seeing highs around 92°F and lows of 59°F (as reported by World Weather Online). The temperature typically varies from 27°F to 93°F throughout the year.
The winter season in Kennewick is characterized by cold, snowy, and partly cloudy conditions, lasting from mid-November to mid-February. The coldest month is December, with average lows around 28°F and highs of 40°F (as reported by World Weather Online). The temperature rarely drops below 13°F or exceeds 102°F.
Precipitation and Sunshine
Kennewick is known for its sunny weather, receiving abundant sunshine throughout the year. The clearest part of the year generally runs from early June to early October, with July being the clearest month, featuring clear, partly cloudy, or mostly clear skies 79% of the time (as reported by World Weather Online). This makes it an attractive location for outdoor activities during the warmer months.
Precipitation levels are relatively low, consistent with its dry summer climate. While specific monthly rainfall data is not detailed here, the overall pattern suggests a dry environment for much of the year, with more precipitation likely occurring during the winter months. The city’s climate is conducive to agriculture and outdoor recreation, particularly during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Education in Kennewick
School District Overview
The Kennewick School District serves the city’s educational needs, offering a range of public schooling options. The district has been rated with a B overall by Niche. It encompasses 31 schools and serves approximately 18,805 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio within the district is 18 to 1.
According to state test scores, 33% of students in the Kennewick School District are proficient in math, and 50% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). These scores provide a snapshot of academic performance within the district.
School Performance and Ratings
Within the Kennewick School District, individual schools receive varying ratings. Some elementary schools, such as Amon Creek Elementary School, have received an A- rating (as reported by Niche). Middle schools like Leona Libby Middle School have earned an A rating, indicating strong performance (as reported by Niche).
High schools in the district also offer diverse educational experiences. Richland High School, which serves students in the broader area, has a rating of 3.84 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). While many schools are well-regarded, the district as a whole is considered above average, providing a solid educational foundation for its students.
Demographics of Kennewick
Population and Diversity
Kennewick, Washington, is a growing city with a population of approximately 85,295 residents as of 2024, making it the 15th most populated city in Washington (according to the US Census Bureau). The city’s population is projected to reach 86,893 by 2026 (as reported by the US Census Bureau). The median age of Kennewick residents is 35.7 years (as reported by the US Census Bureau).
The racial and ethnic composition of Kennewick shows a diverse population. The largest racial/ethnic groups are White residents, making up 58.2% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 33% (as reported by the US Census Bureau). Other groups include those of Two or More Races (3.3%), Black (2.2%), Asian (2.0%), and Native American/Other (1.2%) (as reported by Census Dots).
Income and Household Statistics
The median household income in Kennewick was $73,576 in 2024 (as reported by the US Census Bureau). This income level is slightly higher than some neighboring cities but also comes with a poverty rate of 11.2% for families in Kennewick (as reported by the US Census Bureau). For single adults aiming to live comfortably in Kennewick, a pre-tax salary of around $67,000 is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com).
Housing costs are a significant factor, with the median property value in Kennewick being $370,700 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate stands at 61.3%, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The average commute time for residents is 21.3 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Kennewick
Advantages of Kennewick
Kennewick offers several advantages for its residents, including a cost of living that is lower than the national average, particularly in housing (as reported by Apartments.com). The city also boasts a sunny climate, making it appealing for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a generally pleasant weather pattern throughout much of the year (as reported by World Weather Online). The job market is stable, with an unemployment rate that is lower than the long-term regional average (as reported by YCharts).
Furthermore, Kennewick provides access to recreational opportunities, including parks and proximity to Washington’s wine country. The median household income is relatively strong, and the average wages in the Kennewick-Richland area are higher than the national average (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The diverse demographic makeup also contributes to the city’s unique character.
Disadvantages of Kennewick
Despite its advantages, Kennewick does present some drawbacks. Crime rates are higher than the national average, which is a concern for safety-conscious individuals (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes). While some neighborhoods are considered safer, the overall statistics suggest a need for awareness and caution.
Some residents also note concerns regarding the homeless population and the community’s response to it (as indicated by Niche user reviews). Additionally, while generally affordable, certain costs like groceries and transportation can be higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). The educational system, while having some highly-rated schools, shows average proficiency rates in math and reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche).