Benton County, Washington

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Benton County
County
Prosser Court House.jpg
Benton County Courthouse
BentonCounty-01.jpg
Seal
Map of Washington highlighting Benton County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Washington
Washington in United States.svg
Washington's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 46°15′N119°30′W / 46.25°N 119.5°W / 46.25; -119.5
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Washington.svg  Washington
FoundedMarch 8, 1905
Named for Thomas Hart Benton
Seat Prosser
Largest city Kennewick
Area
 • Total
1,760 sq mi (4,600 km2)
 • Land1,700 sq mi (4,000 km2)
 • Water60 sq mi (200 km2)  3.4%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
206,873
 • Estimate 
(2023)
215,219 Increase2.svg
 • Density110/sq mi (40/km2)
Time zone UTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district 4th
Website bentoncountywa.gov
Benton County, Washington Bentoncounty-wa.png
Benton County, Washington

Benton County is a county in the south-central portion of the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, its population was 206,873. [1] The county seat is Prosser, [2] and its most populous city is Kennewick. The Columbia River demarcates the county's north, south, and east boundaries.

Contents

Benton County was created from what were then larger versions of Klickitat County and Yakima County on March 8, 1905, [3] and was named after Missouri statesman Thomas Hart Benton.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,760 square miles (4,600 km2), of which 1,700 square miles (4,400 km2) is land and 60 square miles (160 km2) (3.4%) is water. [4] The highest point of land elevation within the county is the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain at 3,527 feet; and the lowest point of land elevation is along the southwestern shore of Crow Butte at 265 feet (fluctuates due to level of Columbia River).

Waterways

Mountains and ridges

Adjacent counties

National Protected Areas

Major highways

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1910 7,937—
1920 10,90337.4%
1930 10,9520.4%
1940 12,05310.1%
1950 51,370326.2%
1960 62,07020.8%
1970 67,5408.8%
1980 109,44462.0%
1990 112,5602.8%
2000 142,47526.6%
2010 175,17723.0%
2020 206,87318.1%
2023 (est.)215,219 [5] 4.0%
U.S. Decennial Census [6]
1790–1960 [7] 1900–1990 [8]
1990–2000 [9] 2010–2020 [1]

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 175,177 people, 65,304 households, and 45,699 families residing in the county. [10] The population density was 103.0 inhabitants per square mile (39.8/km2). There were 68,618 housing units at an average density of 40.4 per square mile (15.6/km2). [11] The racial makeup of the county was 82.4% white, 2.7% Asian, 1.3% black or African American, 0.9% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 9.0% from other races, and 3.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 18.7% of the population. [10] In terms of ancestry, 22.3% were German, 13.4% were English, 12.5% were Irish, and 7.9% were American. [12]

Of the 65,304 households, 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.0% were non-families, and 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.17. The median age was 35.6 years. [10]

The median income for a household in the county was $57,354 and the median income for a family was $69,834. Males had a median income of $57,496 versus $36,575 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,161. About 9.3% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over. [13]

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 142,475 people, 52,866 households, and 38,063 families residing in the county. The population density was 84 people per square mile (32 people/km2). There were 55,963 housing units at an average density of 33 per square mile (13/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 86.2% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 7.0% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. 12.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 18.1% were of German, 11.0% English, 9.1% United States or American and 8.4% Irish ancestry. 86.4% spoke English and 10.3% Spanish as their first language.

There were 52,866 households, out of which 38.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.60% were married couples living together, 10.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.00% were non-families. 23.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 29.70% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 28.50% from 25 to 44, 22.90% from 45 to 64, and 10.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 98.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $47,044, and the median income for a family was $54,146. Males had a median income of $45,556 versus $27,232 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,301. About 7.80% of families and 10.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.30% of those under age 18 and 6.90% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Benton County is one of the 33 counties in Washington that operates under the non-chartered "commission" or "plural executive" form of government. Three commissioners share administrative aegis with several other partisan officials independently elected to four-year terms of office. Judges of the superior court are also independently elected. In Benton County, the commissioners appoint a county administrator to oversee all departments that do not fall under other elected officials.

The County government is seated in Prosser, with many departments having satellite and auxiliary offices and facilities in Richland, Kennewick, and elsewhere.[ citation needed ] An attempt to move the county seat from Prosser to Kennewick resulted in a November 1984 ballot measure, which had 54.4 percent approval but failed to meet the required 60 percent threshold. [14]

There are five incorporated cities within Benton County. The two larger cities—Kennewick and Richland—employ the "council-manager" form of government where the mayor is elected from the city council and serves a more ceremonial role, whereby direct administration of the city is the responsibility of the city manager. The three smaller cities—Benton City, Prosser, and West Richland—use the "mayor-council" form of government where the mayor is the chief administrator of the city and is directly elected by the citizens. In Washington, a majority of cities use the mayor-council form, but the council-manager structure is common among medium-sized municipalities.

Numerous special purpose districts with varying degrees of taxing and administrative authority such as port authorities and school districts oversee local responsibilities that are not a part of county or city governance.

Politics

United States presidential election results for Benton County, Washington [15]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No. %No. %No. %
2024 59,55559.15%37,66237.40%3,4763.45%
2020 60,36558.59%38,70637.57%3,9623.85%
2016 47,19456.46%26,36031.53%10,03812.01%
2012 49,46161.66%28,14535.09%2,6113.25%
2008 45,34561.83%26,28835.84%1,7082.33%
2004 44,35066.30%21,54932.21%9931.48%
2000 38,36764.18%19,51232.64%1,9003.18%
1996 26,66449.56%20,78338.63%6,35611.81%
1992 22,88343.50%16,45931.29%13,26025.21%
1988 28,68865.18%14,81733.66%5111.16%
1984 32,30769.28%13,78429.56%5401.16%
1980 28,72864.68%11,56126.03%4,1249.29%
1976 22,13563.95%11,30632.67%1,1703.38%
1972 18,51761.02%9,82432.37%2,0056.61%
1968 14,65951.29%10,87838.06%3,04210.64%
1964 11,70841.27%16,65058.68%140.05%
1960 13,79752.37%12,51847.52%290.11%
1956 13,80753.99%11,76045.99%40.02%
1952 13,41257.40%9,88942.33%630.27%
1948 5,85240.45%8,45858.46%1571.09%
1944 3,90547.79%4,23351.80%340.42%
1940 2,67051.96%2,41446.97%551.07%
1936 1,61035.56%2,40253.06%51511.38%
1932 1,69436.85%2,63357.28%2705.87%
1928 2,65069.94%1,08028.50%591.56%
1924 1,81245.33%43710.93%1,74843.73%
1920 2,00152.01%97525.34%87122.64%
1916 1,46045.43%1,35142.03%40312.54%
1912 72819.11%1,23832.50%1,84348.39%
1908 89157.74%46530.14%18712.12%

Education

Benton County is serviced by six public school districts and a few smaller private schools.

Public education

Delta High School, located in Pasco, is a public high school specializing in the "STEM" fields of study (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Delta High School is a collaborative venture of the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts, and is located in neighboring Franklin County, Washington. Prosser High School is located much closer to the county seat of Benton County.

Higher education

Two public college branch campuses are located in Benton County, each in Richland:

Recreation

The Tri-City area's favorable climate, generally lower costs of living, and central location within a four-hour drive of the Seattle, Portland, Boise, and Spokane metropolitan areas has made it a popular destination for conferences, sports tournaments, festivals, agri-tourism, and other attractions.

Golf courses

Benton County is home to seven publicly accessible golf courses:

A private golf and country club, Meadow Springs, is also located in Richland.

Museums

Sports

The Tri-City Americans are a major junior hockey team and are a founding member of the Western Hockey League and play at the Toyota Center. The Americans began as the Calgary Buffaloes in 1966, and after stints in Billings, Nanaimo, and New Westminster, moved to the Tri-Cities for the 1988–89 season where they were rebranded as the "Americans". Players are 16–20 years old and are generally considered to have amateur status, though they do receive nominal compensation and the organization is operated as a for-profit business.

Public lands

Exterior of the Hanford B Reactor, 2018 B reactor exterior 2018.jpeg
Exterior of the Hanford B Reactor, 2018

Like many Western counties, Benton County is home to considerable public lands acreage totaling about one-third of the county's total land area. The most significant holding is the United States Department of Energy's Hanford Site, most of which has restricted public access. However, Hanford does have a strong "nuclear tourism" element and certain Site facilities, such as the B Reactor, are a major attraction for history and engineering buffs. Part of the Hanford Site acreage is also part of the Hanford Reach National Monument, which was established in 2000 by presidential proclamation. Like with most of the rest of Hanford, most of the National Monument within Benton County is restricted from general public use. [16] [ page needed ]

Other federal land holdings in the county include small clusters of Bureau of Land Management , notably an aggregation along the Horse Heaven Hills south of Benton City that is popular with hikers; Fish and Wildlife Service-owned islands and shorelands that are parts of the Umatilla and McNary National Wildlife Refugues; and Army Corps of Engineers properties along the Columbia River, most of which are managed for habitat and recreation by the County and cities.

State-owned public lands are minimal[ clarification needed ] in Benton County, with the Department of Fish and Wildlife's Rattlesnake Slope Wildlife Recreation Area north of Benton City being the most significant and a draw for hikers and equestrians.

Benton County and the cities also own numerous parklands and open spaces, most notable the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, a hiking destination managed by the County located south of Richland which draws over 200,000 visits per year.

Viticulture

Kiona Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA looking northwest toward Rattlesnake Mountain. Two varieties of grapes are evident on a crisp autumn day. Red Mountain toward Rattlesnake Mountain.JPG
Kiona Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA looking northwest toward Rattlesnake Mountain. Two varieties of grapes are evident on a crisp autumn day.

The area of south-central Washington occupied by Benton County has been known primarily as an agricultural hub since its settlement. The rise of viticulture has had a profound impact on the agricultural and tourism industries over the past two decades, and has in many ways reshaped the reputation of the region.

The Yakima Valley AVA, part of which is located in Benton County, was the first American Viticultural Area established within Washington state, gaining the recognition in 1983. As the Washington wine industry began to focus more on terroir , three sub-appellations have been created for areas within the Yakima Valley AVA that demonstrate unique microclimates and soil conditions which crafted different wines from their neighboring areas. The Red Mountain AVA, which lies in its entirety on Benton County, was created in 2001. The county also includes part of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA which is part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA.

Sites of interest

Communities

Cities

Census-designated place

Other unincorporated communities

Ghost towns

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yakima River</span> River in Washington state, United States

The Yakima River is a tributary of the Columbia River in south central and eastern Washington state, named for the indigenous Yakama people. Lewis and Clark mention in their journals that the Chin-nâm pam called the river Tâpe têtt, possibly from the French tape-tête, meaning "head hit". The length of the river from headwaters to mouth is 214 miles (344 km), with an average drop of 9.85 feet per mile (1.866 m/km). It is the longest river entirely in Washington state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tri-Cities, Washington</span> Place in Washington, United States

The Tri-Cities are three closely linked cities at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers in the Columbia Basin of Eastern Washington. The cities border one another, making the Tri-Cities seem like one uninterrupted mid-sized city. The three cities function as the center of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which consists of Benton and Franklin counties. The Tri-Cities urban area includes the city of West Richland, the census-designated places (CDP) of West Pasco and Finley, as well as the CDP of Burbank, despite the latter being located in Walla Walla County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richland, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

Richland is a city in Benton County, Washington, United States. It is located in southeastern Washington at the confluence of the Yakima and the Columbia Rivers. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 60,560. Along with the nearby cities of Pasco and Kennewick, Richland forms the Tri-Cities metropolitan area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yakima County, Washington</span> County in Washington, United States

Yakima County is a county in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, its population was 256,728. The county seat and most populous city is Yakima. The county was formed out of Ferguson County in January 1865 and is named for the Yakama tribe of Native Americans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franklin County, Washington</span> County in Washington, United States

Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, its population was 96,749. The county seat and most populous city is Pasco. The county was formed out of Whitman County on November 28, 1883, and is named for Benjamin Franklin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kennewick, Washington</span> City in the United States

Kennewick is a city in Benton County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located along the southwest bank of the Columbia River, just southeast of the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers and across from the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers. It is the most populous of the three cities collectively referred to as the Tri-Cities. The United States Census Bureau estimated the population to be 84,750 as of 2022, up from 83,921 at the 2020 United States census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benton City, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

Benton City is a city in Benton County, Washington, United States. It is also included in the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which consists of both Benton and Franklin counties. The population was 3,479 at the 2020 census. The city shares a school district with the adjacent unincorporated community of Kiona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prosser, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

Prosser is a city in and the county seat of Benton County, Washington, United States. Situated along the Yakima River, it had a population of 6,062 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Richland, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

West Richland is a city in Benton County, Washington. The population was 16,295 at the time of the 2020 census. The city is part of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, whose principal cities are Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pasco, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

Pasco is a city in, and the county seat of, Franklin County, Washington, United States. The population was 77,108 at the 2020 census, and 79,315 as of the July 1, 2022 estimate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Pasco, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

West Pasco is a census-designated place (CDP) in Franklin County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,747 at the 2020 census, a significant decrease from 3,739 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interstate 182</span> Interstate Highway in Tri-Cities, Washington

Interstate 182 (I-182) is an east–west auxiliary Interstate Highway in the U.S. state of Washington. It serves as a connector from I-82 to the Tri-Cities region that crosses the Columbia River on the Interstate 182 Bridge between Richland and Pasco. I-182 is 15 miles (24 km) long and entirely concurrent with U.S. Route 12 (US 12); it also intersects State Route 240 (SR 240) and US 395.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inland Northwest</span> Region of the United States

The Inland Northwest, historically and alternatively known as the Inland Empire, is a region of the American Northwest centered on the Greater Spokane, Washington Area, encompassing all of Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Under broader definitions, Northeastern Oregon and Western Montana may be included in the Inland Northwest. Alternatively, stricter definitions may exclude Central Washington and Idaho County, Idaho.

<i>Tri-City Herald</i> Newspaper in Kennewick, Washington

The Tri-City Herald is a daily newspaper based in Kennewick, Washington, United States. Owned by The McClatchy Company, the newspaper serves southeastern Washington state, including the three cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland. The Herald also serves the smaller cities of Benton City, Connell, Prosser and West Richland. It is the only major English-language newspaper in Washington east of Yakima and south of Spokane, and includes local and national news, opinion columns, sports information, movie listings and comic strips among other features.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Washington State Route 240</span> State highway in Benton County, Washington, US

State Route 240 (SR 240) is a state highway in the U.S. state of Washington. It travels diagonally from northwest to southwest within Benton County, serving the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and the Tri-Cities region. The highway begins at a junction with SR 24 and travels around Richland on a limited-access bypass. From there, it briefly overlaps Interstate 182 (I-182) and continues southeast as a freeway along the Columbia River into Kennewick, terminating at an interchange with U.S. Route 395 (US 395). SR 240 is one of the busiest highways in the Tri-Cities region, with a daily average of 76,000 vehicles on a section crossing the Yakima River Delta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Mountain (Benton County, Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Red Mountain is located in the southeast corner of Washington state near the Tri-Cities between Rattlesnake Mountain and Candy Mountain. This region is situated among the Columbia, Snake and Yakima Rivers. The mountain covers an area of approximately 4,040 acres (6.31 sq mi). Its name is derived from the red-wine springtime bloom of the drooping brome or "cheatgrass" on its slopes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rattlesnake Hills</span> Mountain ridge in Washington, United States

The Rattlesnake Hills, also known as Rattlesnake Ridge, is a 16-mile (26 km) long anticline mountain ridge in Yakima County and Benton County in the U.S. state of Washington. It should not be confused with the much smaller Rattlesnake Ridge located near the west end of Ahtanum Ridge just south of Yakima, Washington and west of Union Gap, Washington. The highest point in the hills is the 3,629 feet (1,106 m) Lookout Summit, which surpasses the more well-known Rattlesnake Mountain by approximately 100 ft (30 m). The Rattlesnake Hills are part of the Yakima Fold Belt of east-tending long ridges formed by the folding of Miocene Columbia River basalt flows.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Franklin Transit</span>

Ben Franklin Transit is the operator of public transportation in Franklin and Benton counties in the U.S. state of Washington. Eighteen routes provide local service for the three component urban areas of the Tri-Cities: Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco. Five routes connect the Tri-Cities metro area, as well as extend to the municipalities of Benton City, Prosser, and West Richland. Most routes run six days a week. Bus service runs between 6AM and 10:00PM, Monday-Friday and 7AM and 10:00PM on Saturdays and select holidays. Trans+Plus covers the Tri-Cities portion of the service area 8:30PM to 12:00AM Monday-Saturday and 7:30AM to 6:00pm on Sundays. There is also an ADA Paratransit service Dial-a-Ride for those who are physically unable to use the regular transit bus service. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 3,171,000, or about 23,900 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tri-Cities metropolitan area</span> Metropolitan Statistical Area in Washington, United States

The Kennewick–Pasco–Richland metropolitan area—colloquially referred to as the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, and officially known as the Kennewick–Richland, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area—is a metropolitan area consisting of Benton and Franklin counties in Washington state, anchored by the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. As of July 1, 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the population of the metropolitan area to be 311,469, making it the third-largest metropolitan area located entirely in Washington, after the Seattle metropolitan area and the Spokane metropolitan area. Although it is located outside of the metropolitan area, the CDP of Burbank is part of the Tri-Cities urban area.

The following is a timeline of the history of the Tri-Cities, an area of the U.S. state of Washington encompassing the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland.

References

  1. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  5. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 26, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  9. 1 2 3 "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  11. ↑ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  12. ↑ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  13. ↑ Angel, Jim (December 30, 1984). "Benton fight eclipses No. 2". Tri-City Herald. p. B1.
  14. ↑ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  15. ↑ "Final Hanford Site Solid (Radioactive and Hazardous) Waste Program Environmental Impact Statement, Volume I - Section 4.0 Affected Environment" (PDF). Nuclear Regulatory Commission .

Further reading

46°15′N119°30′W / 46.25°N 119.50°W / 46.25; -119.50

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