What are the hidden costs of living in Kennewick?

Higher property tax rates compared to the national average Potential for increased water bills due to regional water scarcity Insurance premiums may be higher in some areas due to local crime rates

What is the median home price in Kennewick?

The median home price in Kennewick is approximately $274,100.

Is Kennewick walkable?

Kennewick has a Walk Score of 32 out of 100. Most errands require a car.

Kennewick, WA

Updated May 1, 2026 · Would You Live There?

Good for now

Verdict

$274K

Median Price

32/100

Walk Score

6.7/10

Schools

Score Breakdown

FWalkability

32/100

D+Safety

55/100

CQuietness

60/100

CAffordability

63/100

C+Schools

67/100

ACommute

100/100

WYLT Score63/100

Our Take

Kennewick offers affordable housing and decent schools, but it's very car‑dependent with limited public transit and a moderate crime rate. If you need a quiet, family‑friendly place and are okay with driving, it can work, but it’s not a nightlife or high‑speed commute hub.

Map

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The Good

✓Median home price under $300k, making it one of the cheaper big cities in Washington
✓Good school ratings (average 6.7) and plenty of local schools
✓Abundant parks and outdoor recreation along the Columbia River
✓Lower cost of living compared to Seattle, especially in groceries and utilities

Real Talk

!You’ll need a car; Walk Score is 32, so walking to most places is impractical
!Public transit exists but is infrequent and covers a limited area, so it’s not reliable for commuting to larger cities
!Crime is moderate—there are some violent and property crimes in certain pockets
!The area has a mix of political views and occasional controversies, which may affect community atmosphere
$Higher property tax rates compared to the national average
$Potential for increased water bills due to regional water scarcity
$Insurance premiums may be higher in some areas due to local crime rates

Best For

familiesaffordable_buyersremote_workerssmall_town_lifestyle

Risk Snapshot

Flood riskLow

Violent crimeModerate

Property crimeModerate

Air qualityModerate

Price volatilityModerate

Crime & Safety

Kennewick, WA

D+

Safety grade

Safety score55 / 100

High riskVery safe

⚠️Violent Crime

Moderate

3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr

0Natl avg (3.7)11+

5% higher than the national average

🔒Property Crime

Moderate

19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr

0Natl avg (19.5)59+

2% higher than the national average

Verify with real-time data

AreaVibes crime →City-Data stats →NeighborhoodScout →

Rates are estimated from neighborhood characteristics using national FBI baselines. Actual figures vary by block — always verify with local sources before making decisions.

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From Residents

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