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West Richland, WA

Frequently asked questions

West Richland, WA

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 (the Tri-Cities) are Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco.

The original people of the region were the Chemnapum Indians (closely related to the Wanapum tribe), living near the mouth of the Yakima River. Lewis and Clark passed through the area in 1805, and an expedition of the Army Corps of Topographical Engineers headed by Robert E Johnson mapped the Yakima Valley in 1841.

In 1853, a road was authorized by Congress to pass through the Yakima Valley, and passed through present-day West Richland; however, settlement did not properly begin until the late 1870s. The first schoolhouse was built in 1896 on the Van Horn Property just south of what is now Van Giesen Street. Benton County was created in 1905, Richland was incorporated in 1906, and the West Richland area was known as 'Lower Yakima'.

Carl Heminger purchased some 80 acres (320,000 m²) in 1948 and laid out plans for a city. It was proposed that it be named Heminger City (presumably after himself), but in 1949 the townspeople chose the name Enterprise instead. Heminger moved a mile down the road in protest and platted a small community there called Heminger City. This was eventually incorporated into the West Richland City limits. When the time came in 1955 to incorporate the town, it was decided to rename it West Richland, taking advantage of the already well-known status of nearby Richland.  West Richland was officially incorporated on June 17, 1955, combining the two towns of Heminger City and Enterprise. 

West Richland is located at 46°17′32″N 119°21′16″W (46.292085, -119.354417). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.12 square miles (57.29 km²), of which, 21.92 square miles (56.77 km²) is land and 0.20 square miles (0.52 km²) is water.

As of the 2020 census, there were 16,295 people and 4,640 households in the city. The population density was 731.4 per square mile (282.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.9% White, 1.3% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 3.5% from other races, and 6.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.4% of the population. Non-Hispanic Whites comprised 80.3% of the population.

There were 4,640 households with an average number of 3.2 persons per household. The median income for a household in the city was $102,974. The per capita income for the city was $36,735. About 7% of persons were below the poverty line. There were 933 Veterans in the city and 6.2% of the population was foreign born.

West Richland places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Kadlec Clinic West Richland offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Gold's Gym offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Lustig Health & Wellness Center provides comprehensive healthcare services focusing on both acute and chronic conditions, emphasizing preventative medicine and personalized care. Embody Massage & Wellness offers restorative massage therapy aimed at relaxation and therapeutic relief, perfect for anyone needing to unwind and rejuvenate. For chiropractic care, Family Chiropractic Wellness Center is renowned for its experienced practitioners who specialize in various treatments, including sports medicine and functional medicine. Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access to a well-equipped gym, ensuring fitness enthusiasts can work out at their convenience. For a holistic approach, Trinity Hot Yoga offers yoga and meditation classes designed to enhance mental and physical well-being​.

Top sites in West Richland WA include Howard Amon Park, REACH Museum, Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery, and Fairchild Cinemas - Queensgate 12.

Population: 18,456 (2023). ZIP code: 99353. Area code: 509. Elevation: 413 ft (126 m). Area: 22.28 sq mi (57.71 km²).

FAQs

What is West Richland, WA known for?

West Richland's abundant parks, bicycling, and jogging paths, and the Bombing Range Sports Complex have become the home for many activities. Events include the popular Summer Outdoor Concert Series in Flat Top Park, National Night Out, Harvest Festival, and the Hogs and Dogs Family Festival. Each November, Veterans, and enthusiasts participate in the engaging Veterans Day Parade. Nature enthusiasts enjoy the Yakima River which is a great fishing location and also fun for floating and kayaking; enhancements in 2015 provided improved public access. Golf is a favorite at the West Richland Golf Course; enjoy a satisfying meal at the clubhouse overlooking the 18-hole, par 71, links-style course.

Is it expensive to live in West Richland, WA?

West Richland, WA offers a great cost of living to its residents. The area is known for its affordable housing options and pricing that is below the national average. The median home price for West Richland is $230,000, which is considerably lower than the US median of around $300,000. Additionally, there are many rental options available in the area that offer competitive prices compared to other nearby cities. Utilities are also very reasonable in West Richland and the overall cost of living index is 90.8, which is 10% lower than the US national average. All of this combined makes it an attractive and affordable option for people looking to settle down in the Pacific Northwest.

Is West Richland WA a good place to live?

West Richland is in Benton County and is one of the best places to live in Washington. Living in West Richland offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In West Richland, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families live in West Richland and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in West Richland are above average.

Sources

City of West Richland 

Wikipedia

Niche

Best Places

Howard Amon Park

REACH Museum

Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery

Fairchild Cinemas - Queensgate 12

Kadlec Clinic West Richland

Gold's Gym

Lustig Health & Wellness Center

Embody Massage & Wellness

Family Chiropractic Wellness Center

Anytime Fitness

Trinity Hot Yoga

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.