Kennewick, Washington
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| Kennewick, Washington | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kennewick, Washington |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Heart of Washington Wine Country |
| Pushpin label | Kennewick |
| Coordinates | 46, 12, 13, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Washington |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Benton |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1904 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | February 5, 1904 |
| Government type | Council–manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | John Hubbard |
| Leader title1 | City manager |
| Leader name1 | Marie Mosley |
| Area total km2 | 74.66 |
| Area total sq mi | 28.83 |
| Area land km2 | 73.20 |
| Area land sq mi | 28.26 |
| Area water km2 | 1.46 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.56 |
| Elevation m | 124 |
| Elevation ft | 407 |
| Population total | 84,347 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 1152.3 |
| Population density sq mi | 2984.5 |
| Timezone | PST |
| Utc offset | −8 |
| Timezone DST | PDT |
| Utc offset DST | −7 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 99336, 99337, 99338 |
| Area code | 509 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 53-35275 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1512347 |
| Website | go2kennewick.com |
Kennewick, Washington. Kennewick is a city in Benton County, Washington and one of the three cities, along with Pasco, Washington and Richland, Washington, that make up the Tri-Cities metropolitan area. Situated on the southern bank of the Columbia River, it is a major hub for agriculture, wine production, and scientific research associated with the nearby Hanford Site. The city is known for its sunny climate, extensive park system, and as the home of the Toyota Center and the Columbia Park.
History
The area's history stretches back millennia, with the discovery of the Kennewick Man in 1996 highlighting its significance to Indigenous peoples, including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Permanent settlement by Euro-Americans began in the late 19th century, with the city officially incorporated in 1904. Its growth was catalyzed by the irrigation projects of the early 1900s and the massive federal investment in the Manhattan Project during World War II, which established the Hanford Site just northwest of the city. Post-war development was further fueled by the Atomic Energy Commission and the expansion of the Bonneville Power Administration's electrical grid.
Geography
Kennewick is located at the confluence of the Columbia River and the Yakima River, within the Columbia Basin region of the Columbia Plateau. The city's topography is characterized by semi-arid shrub-steppe and dramatic river bluffs. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.83 square miles, of which 28.26 square miles is land and 0.56 square miles is water. Major geographic features include the expansive Columbia Park along the riverfront and the Cable Bridge connecting it to Pasco, Washington.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 84,347, making it the most populous of the Tri-Cities. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant growth in the Hispanic or Latino community. The city has consistently been one of the fastest-growing in Washington, driven by employment opportunities at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Hanford Site, and in the healthcare and agriculture sectors. The median household income is above the state average, with a lower median age than the national figure.
Economy
Kennewick's economy is anchored by agriculture, advanced scientific research, and healthcare. The surrounding region is a leading producer of wine, hops, apples, and potatoes, with the city serving as a major commercial and distribution center. Key employers include the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Trios Health hospital system, and Amazon, which operates a large fulfillment center. The Port of Kennewick facilitates commerce, while tourism related to the over 200 nearby wineries and the Toyota Center arena contributes significantly.
Culture and recreation
The city hosts numerous annual events, including the Tri-Cities Water Follies featuring hydroplane races and the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo. Cultural institutions include the East Benton County Historical Museum and the Cavanaugh's Car Museum. Outdoor recreation is centered on the Columbia River, with Columbia Park offering boating, fishing, and trails. The Toyota Center is the premier venue for concerts and is home to the Western Hockey League's Tri-City Americans. The area's AVA status has established it as a destination for enotourism.
Government
Kennewick operates under a council-manager system. The city council consists of seven members, including the mayor, all elected at-large to four-year terms. The council appoints a professional city manager to oversee daily operations. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including its own police and fire departments. It is part of Washington's 4th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Dan Newhouse, and in the Washington State Legislature by members of the 8th Legislative District.
Category:Cities in Washington (state) Category:Benton County, Washington Category:Tri-Cities, Washington