Firstly why Kennewick, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Kennewick
• State: Washington
• Population: 87,116 people
• Kennewick’s quick summary would be known for its beautiful riverside parks and vibrant arts scene this city is perfect for those who appreciate culture and the outdoors.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 1,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 512 annually
• Net Migration: 488 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,174
• Number of Homeless people: 90

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a strong sense of community and access to outdoor recreation appealing to families

Perk #1: Kennewick Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 66%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $73,601
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Kennewick is $80,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6399 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Kennewick’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 110 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,100
• Property Tax %: 1.17%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,900
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Kennewick
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Kennewick, Richland, and probably could include Pasco
• Avg. Age of Homes in Kennewick: 35 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Kennewick’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Kennewick are  Technology, Healthcare, and Retail
• Kennewick Job Scene: moderate job market mainly in agriculture and manufacturing
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech community primarily focused on agriculture and local industries , ,
• Kennewick Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Kennewick: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 220 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 4

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Kennewick

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $118 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-82 connects Kennewick to the Tri-Cities area
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on I-82
• Transportation Score: 32 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Kennewick: 42,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Kennewick: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Tri-Cities

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Kennewick’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfire
• General Weather in Kennewick is best described as hot summers mild winters with low precipitation
• Winter Weather in Kennewick i’d describe as cold with some snow
• Spring Weather in Kennewick can be described as mild with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Kennewick are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Kennewick is usually mild with dry conditions
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 39 days in summer
• Days in a row in Kennewick below Freezing: 1
• Average Annual Rainfall: 7 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally preserved with few issues
• Kennewick Winter Air generally good air quality limited pollution impacts

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Kennewick Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Kennewick 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Kennewicks’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Kennewick Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Kennewick Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 13 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Kennewick only Doctors is about 70
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Kennewick only Police Officers is about 70
• Crime Rate Index: 34/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Kennewick’s Monthly utility bill average is $200
• Kennewick’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Kennewick’s Water Quality Score: 74

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Kennewick

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city known for agriculture and outdoor activities
• You might enjoy concerts at the Three Rivers Convention Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Kennewick  features friendly local bars and dining venues perfect for after-work relaxation and community entertainment

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Kennewick

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local eateries and a mix of casual dining
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 80 scattered around Kennewick
• The Popular Sports Team is Tri-City Dust Devils
• Top Level Political Climate in Kennewick can be described as politically mixed with agricultural influences
• Kennewick’s Longer standing religious establishment is Kennewick First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Kennewick Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Kennewick has 7 Parks?
• Kennewick Parks is Kennewick’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Kennewick Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Kennewick Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Kennewick can be described as steady urban pace focused on agriculture and community engagement
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Kennewick visiting parks hiking local trails community picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Kennewick are Seattle 9 miles away Renton 7 miles away Kent 10 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Kennewick or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups on I-82. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Kennewick’s Wildfire risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Kennewick is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Kennewick are Seattle 9 miles away Renton 7 miles away Kent 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 34 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Kennewick has 1 days in a row below freezing and 39 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Kennewick people have an average (positive or negative) $6399 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   90 homeless people living in Kennewick. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed with agricultural influences could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Kennewick.

Retiree & Senior Life in Kennewick

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access property tax reductions assisting in financial security
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• Kennewick Senior Center features community engagement activities recreational programs and health resources

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Kennewick, Washington?

If Kennewick, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Kennewick, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!