Tri-Cities is growing faster than WA state. Population tops 316,000

Wendy Culverwell
·3 min read

The Tri-Cities population grew to an estimated 316,600 this spring, a gain of nearly 13,000 people since the 2020 Census.

With a 4.3% growth rate, the Tri-Cities is outpacing Washington state, thanks to job and business development, according to 2023 population estimates released in late June by the Office of Financial Management.

Washington grew to 7.95 million people, the state estimates. That’s a 3.2% gain over the same period.

Population estimates provide a snapshot of the impact of migration and to a lesser degree, births and deaths, on communities throughout the state.

The annual report helps planners map out where roads, schools, parks and other civic infrastructure are needed to serve residents.

The state noted Washington’s annual population growth slowed to 1.1% between 2022 and 2023.

In that period, it added 86,750 people, which is still enough to populate Kennewick. In recent years, Washington has added about 98,000 residents each year.

The agency said Washington’s growth is driven by migration, which measures the number of people moving in minus the number who move out.

Natural growth, the difference between births and deaths, accounted for a smaller slice.

“We are not surprised that we are seeing increased population in the Tri-Cities,” Kennewick city officials said in a statement.

“Growth in all phases of development continues with new homes, new commercial and investment in new schools and other public facilities.”

The Tri-Cities population grew to 316,600 and Benton, not Franklin, was the area’s faster-growing county, according to population estimates released by the Washington Office of Financial Management. Tri-City Herald file
The Tri-Cities population grew to 316,600 and Benton, not Franklin, was the area’s faster-growing county, according to population estimates released by the Washington Office of Financial Management. Tri-City Herald file

Tri-Cities

Nearly 4% of Evergreen State residents live in Benton or Franklin counties, the region on which Tri-City population estimates are tallied.

Benton County grew by just over 8,600 people, compared to the 2020 Census, or 4.2%.

Franklin grew by about 4,350, or 4.5% over the same time.

The biggest spurts was in smaller cities, with Benton City, Prosser and West Richland posting the highest growth rates.

Of the larger cities, Pasco retained the title of fastest-growing city compared to 2020.

Benton County

Benton City added 331 residents, a 9.5% gain that pushed the city’s population to 3,479. West Richland added 1,545 people, or 9.5%. That pushed its population to 17,840.

Prosser added 383 people, a 6.3% gain that pushed the population to 6,445.

Kennewick added 2,549 people, swelling the population by 3%, to 86,470. Richland added 2,760, or 4.4%. Its population stands at 63,320.

Franklin County

Franklin County marked a major milestone in the spring estimates. It topped 101,000.

It added 4,357 people, pushing the population to 101,100, the state said.

Pasco gained 4,172 people or 5.4%, and stands at 81,280.

Unincorporated Franklin County gained 3,694 people for a 4.4% growth rate.

Connell and Kahlotus both saw declines, by 481 people and two people, respectively. Mesa’s five newcomers pushed the population to 390.

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