Let the numbers do the talking.
Kennewick, WA vs Spokane, WA
Kennewick, WA vs Spokane, WA: What the data shows
Kennewick, WA is in Kennewick, WA while Spokane, WA is in Spokane, WA — both in the same state. On home prices, Kennewick, WA is the more affordable option at $274,100 median — $65,900 less than Spokane, WA's $340,000. WYLT rates Kennewick, WA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Spokane, WA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Spokane, WA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Kennewick, WA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Spokane, WA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Kennewick, WA has Low flood risk and Spokane, WA has Low flood risk.
Kennewick, WA is the more walkable neighborhood. Kennewick, WA scores 32/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Spokane, WA's 8/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Spokane, WA has the higher school rating — Kennewick, WA rates 6.7/10 and Spokane, WA rates 7/10.
| Category | Kennewick, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $274K ✓ Lower price | $340K |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $60K | $85K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 32/100 ✓ More walkable | 8/100 |
| Transit Score | 39/100 ✓ Better transit | 24/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | 31/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | N/A | 322 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | A ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.7/10 | 7/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | familiesaffordable_buyersremote_workers | Families with young childrenHomeowners who value comfortable neighborhoodsThose seeking a mix of suburban and urban amenities |
Bottom line
For a quiet, family-friendly lifestyle at an affordable price, Kennewick might be the better choice, despite its car dependency and limited public transit. However, if you prioritize a mix of suburban and urban amenities with relatively good schools, Spokane Valley comes out on top. If you can balance Kennewick's drawbacks with your needs, it could still offer a solid, if unspectacular, living experience.
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