Is Pasco Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pasco
Pasco, Washington, offers a unique blend of affordability and opportunity, nestled in the southeastern part of the state. This city, part of the Tri-Cities area, provides a distinct lifestyle shaped by its arid climate and proximity to major rivers. As you consider a move, understanding the multifaceted aspects of Pasco, from its safety to its economic landscape and daily living costs, is essential for making an informed decision.
The city’s character is deeply influenced by its geographical setting within the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, resulting in a climate that is markedly different from the western side of Washington. This environment, combined with a growing population and diverse economy, creates a dynamic setting for residents. Exploring the pros and cons of living in Pasco will offer a clearer picture of what life is like in this Pacific Northwest community.
Is it Safe to Live in Pasco?
Pasco’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with overall crime rates being higher than the national average. The total crime rate in Pasco is 20% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents, resulting in approximately 5.63 daily crimes (according to CrimeGrade.org). While violent crimes are slightly lower than the national average, property crime rates are notably higher.
Your chance of being a victim of crime in Pasco is approximately 1 in 40 (according to CrimeGrade.org). Neighborhoods within Pasco vary in safety, with residents generally considering the west and southwest parts of the city to be the safest. Conversely, the south and southeast neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, with chances of being a victim ranging from 1 in 17 in the south to 1 in 43 in the west (according to CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout). The overall safety ranking places Pasco in the 20th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 20% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Pasco presents a more affordable option compared to many other areas, though prices have seen fluctuations. As of March 2026, the median sale price of homes in Pasco was $418,000, a 2.8% decrease from the previous year (according to Redfin). The median listing price was around $485,000 in June 2024, also showing a slight downward trend (according to Realtor.com). Homes in Pasco typically sell after 78 days on the market, a slight increase from the previous year (according to Redfin).
Rentals in Pasco are also generally more affordable than the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Pasco was $1,519 in April 2026, a 2.81% increase from the previous year (according to RentCafe). However, other sources indicate a slightly lower average rent. For instance, the average rent in Pasco was $1,307 per month as of May 2026, which is 20% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Studio apartments can be found for around $921 per month, while two-bedroom apartments average $1,561 (according to Apartments.com).
Cost of Living
Pasco’s overall cost of living is generally lower than the national average. The cost of living in Pasco, WA, is approximately 4.1% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Housing expenses are notably lower, being about 16.2% less than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Utilities are also more affordable, coming in at 18.0% less than the national average (according to Apartments.com).
However, some expenses are higher than the national average. Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are about 20.0% higher (according to Apartments.com). Groceries are also slightly more expensive, at 7.2% higher than the national average (according to Apartments.com). To live comfortably as a single adult with no dependents, an annual salary of around $67,000 before taxes is recommended (according to Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Pasco’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers across various sectors. Key employers include the City of Pasco, offering competitive salaries in administration, law enforcement, and public works, with an average salary of $84,028 (according to ReadySetHire). Other significant employers include McCurley Dealerships, Avalon Health Care Group, and Professional Case Management, providing numerous job opportunities (according to ReadySetHire).
The agricultural sector is also a strong presence in Pasco, with companies like Lamb Weston being major employers. Additionally, the healthcare and education sectors are represented by institutions such as Tri-Cities Community Health and Columbia Basin College, contributing to the city’s employment landscape (according to ReadySetHire). Amazon.com also has a presence, offering employment opportunities within the logistics and retail sectors.
Employment and Unemployment
The employment landscape in Pasco offers varied opportunities, with an average salary of approximately $61,183 per year as of April 2026 (according to ReadySetHire). The job market is dynamic, with salaries ranging from around $33,320 to $148,602 annually, depending on the role and industry (according to ReadySetHire). Top-paying jobs are often found in healthcare and management, with Traveling Nurses earning an average of $102,987 and Registered Nurses earning around $99,500 (according to ReadySetHire).
The unemployment rate for the broader Kennewick-Pasco-Richland area was 5.80% in a recent report, which is lower than the long-term average (according to YCharts). Historically, over 93.77% of the labor force aged 16 and older has been employed in Pasco, with the unemployment rate typically below 6.2% (according to Open Data). The city’s economy benefits from its role as a transportation hub and its proximity to agricultural and industrial centers.
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Rainfall
Pasco experiences an arid continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The hot season typically lasts from mid-June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 83°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 92°F and lows of 59°F (according to Weather and Climate). The cold season spans from mid-November to mid-February, with average daily high temperatures below 50°F, and December is the coldest month, with average lows around 28°F and highs of 40°F (according to Weather and Climate).
The city receives minimal precipitation due to its location in the rain shadow of the Cascade Range. Pasco’s average annual precipitation is about 8 inches (according to Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). December is typically the wettest month, with an average of 1.1 inches of precipitation and about 11 rainy days (according to NOAA and Weather and Climate). August is the driest month, receiving only about 0.2 inches of rain over approximately 1.1 days (according to Weather and Climate).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Pasco’s public schools present a varied landscape in terms of performance. Public schools in Pasco have an average ranking of 2 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Washington public schools (according to Niche). Math proficiency scores average 23%, and reading proficiency scores average 33%, both below the Washington state averages (according to Niche).
However, some schools within the Pasco School District perform better than others. Ruth Livingston Elementary School, Edwin Markham Elementary School, and Maya Angelou Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools (according to Niche and SchoolDigger.com). The Pasco School District serves a large student population, with 95% of K-12 students educated in public schools, and has a significant minority enrollment, predominantly Hispanic (according to Niche).
Demographics
Pasco is a growing city with a diverse population. As of 2026, the population is estimated to be around 83,743, with a growth rate of 1.22% annually (according to Point2Homes). The city’s population has increased by 7.8% since the 2020 census (according to Point2Homes). The median age in Pasco is approximately 30.3 years (according to Point2Homes).
The racial makeup of Pasco is diverse. Caucasian residents constitute about 43.4%, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population making up 58.5% of the residents (according to Data USA and Point2Homes). Other racial groups include African American (1.9%), Asian (1.9%), Native American (1.5%), and Pacific Islanders (0.1%), with a notable percentage identifying with two or more races or other races (according to Point2Homes).