Cities and Towns in Benton County, Washington

Founded in 1905, Benton County is one of 39 counties in the state of Washington. Historically, Benton County was formed from Yakima and Klickitat Counties. The city of Prosser is the county seat. With FIPS code of 5, Benton County has a population of 206,873 and area of 1,700 square miles (4,403 km²).

List of all cities in Benton County, WA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Benton City, WA 99320 509
Finley, WA 99336 509
Hanford Works, WA 99352 509
Kenn, WA 99336 509
Kennewick, WA 99336 509
99337 509
99338 509
Kiona, WA 99320 509
North Prosser, WA 99350 509
Paterson, WA 99345 509
Plymouth, WA 99346 509
Prosser, WA 99350 509
Richland, WA 99352 509
99353 509
99354 509
West Richland, WA 99352 509
99353 509

Major Cities and Towns in Benton County, Washington

1. Kennewick

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 27.96 square miles
  • Population: Approx. 86,000
  • Zip Codes: 99336, 99337, 99338
  • Latitude: 46.2113° N
  • Longitude: 119.1373° W

Location and History:

Kennewick is located in the southeastern part of Washington State, at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers. It is one of the largest cities in Benton County and part of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which includes Pasco and Richland. The city’s history dates back to the late 19th century, initially serving as a port town for the region’s thriving agricultural industry. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s boosted Kennewick’s growth. The area has significant historical importance, as it is near several Native American burial sites, including the famous “Kennewick Man” discovered in 1996, which provided insights into early human migration to North America. Today, Kennewick is known for its diverse economy, which includes manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Kennewick is served by the Kennewick School District, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools, such as Kennewick High School and Southridge High School. The city is home to the Columbia Basin College, which offers a range of academic programs. In terms of landmarks, Kennewick is home to the Columbia Park, a large green space along the Columbia River offering walking trails, picnic areas, and access to water recreation. The Hanford Reach National Monument is located nearby, preserving the area’s natural beauty. The city also boasts the Benton County Historical Museum, which highlights local history, and the popular Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail, which draws visitors interested in the area’s ancient geological history.

2. Richland

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 20.79 square miles
  • Population: Approx. 62,000
  • Zip Codes: 99352, 99354
  • Latitude: 46.2850° N
  • Longitude: 119.2785° W

Location and History:

Richland is situated on the southern bank of the Columbia River and is part of the Tri-Cities area along with Kennewick and Pasco. The city’s modern history is closely tied to the development of the Hanford Site, a key location during the Manhattan Project, where plutonium for nuclear weapons was produced during World War II. Following the war, Richland’s economy shifted towards science and technology, with many former scientists and engineers from the Hanford Site settling in the area. Richland incorporated in 1958 and has since developed into a thriving city with a high-tech economy, thanks to institutions like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the growth of research and development in the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Richland is served by the Richland School District, which operates several schools, including Richland High School, Hanford High School, and Chief Joseph Middle School. The city is also home to Washington State University Tri-Cities, a prominent institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Richland is known for its beautiful parks, such as the Howard Amon Park, which is situated along the Columbia River, providing recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and picnicking. The Richland Library is another significant landmark, offering community programs and events. Additionally, the Hanford Reach National Monument is a vital natural area for outdoor enthusiasts, and the city has a number of art galleries and public sculptures celebrating local culture.

3. Pasco

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 34.14 square miles
  • Population: Approx. 77,000
  • Zip Codes: 99301, 99302
  • Latitude: 46.2405° N
  • Longitude: 119.1006° W

Location and History:

Pasco is located in the southwestern corner of Benton County, at the intersection of the Columbia and Snake rivers. It is the third-largest city in the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, following Kennewick and Richland. Originally a railroad town founded in the late 19th century, Pasco grew rapidly due to its position as a major transportation hub for the region. The city played a key role in the development of the area’s agricultural industry, with crops such as grapes, apples, and asparagus driving the economy. Today, Pasco is a growing urban center, with a population that is diverse due to its proximity to agricultural and industrial jobs. It continues to benefit from its location as a regional trade and transportation center.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Pasco is served by the Pasco School District, which includes several schools such as Pasco High School, Chiawana High School, and McLoughlin Middle School. The city is home to Columbia Basin College, offering a variety of higher education programs. As for landmarks, Pasco has several parks, including the popular Sacajawea State Park, which is a historic site and offers a range of recreational activities. The Pasco Farmers Market is another popular spot, where local produce and crafts are sold. Additionally, the nearby Tri-Cities Airport connects Pasco to other parts of the country, and the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers provides scenic views and opportunities for water activities.

4. West Richland

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 11.12 square miles
  • Population: Approx. 15,000
  • Zip Codes: 99353
  • Latitude: 46.2672° N
  • Longitude: 119.2800° W

Location and History:

West Richland is located to the west of the city of Richland, in the southwestern part of Benton County. The city’s development accelerated in the 1980s as it became a popular residential area for those working in the nearby Tri-Cities, especially in Richland and the Hanford nuclear complex. West Richland offers a more suburban lifestyle with easy access to the amenities and job opportunities of the larger cities in the region. Historically, the area was used for agriculture, and many of its residents still work in farming and related industries. The city incorporated in 2001 and has continued to grow as a desirable place to live, offering quiet residential neighborhoods and proximity to outdoor recreation areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

West Richland is part of the Richland School District, with schools such as Tapteal Elementary and Richland High School serving the area. The city offers a number of parks and recreational areas, including the popular Badger Mountain, which is a favorite for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The city is also known for its proximity to wine country, with numerous wineries in the surrounding area. West Richland is home to several annual events, including the West Richland Days, which celebrate the community’s agricultural heritage. Other nearby landmarks include the Columbia River and the Hanford Reach National Monument, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating.