Benton County Public RecordsWashington

Benton County, WA, generally experiences lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 1,600 property crimes and 200 violent crimes, according to Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs data. The overall crime rate was about 2,000 incidents per 100,000 residents, with property crimes making up nearly 85% of reported cases. Local law enforcement encourages community reporting through online portals, maintaining a high case clearance rate. Benton County continues proactive policing and public safety initiatives to sustain its relatively safe environment.

Benton County, WA, had 125,063 registered voters as of 2023. It conducts elections for federal, state, county, city, and school offices, plus initiates and referendums. In the 2020 presidential election, 58.2% voted Republican and 38.5% Democrat. The Auditor’s Office administers elections, with vote centers like the Benton County Voting Center in Kennewick. Key issues include local taxes and school funding. Major parties are Republican and Democratic; minor parties have minimal impact. Voter turnout in general elections averages about 70%. Ballots are mostly mailed, but several accessible drop boxes and in-person options are available.

As of 2022, Benton County, WA, has a population of approximately 212,800. The gender split is nearly even, with about 50.5% male and 49.5% female. The median age is around 36. For racial and ethnic diversity, 71% are White, 2.7% Asian, 1.9% Black or African American, and 1.5% Native American; Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 20.8%. The county is characterized by a relatively young and moderately diverse population.

Benton County, WA, has over 60 public schools, including more than 10 high schools, serving approximately 35,000 students. About 90% of residents have a high school diploma, while 31% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. School district average test scores rank above the state average, with safety ratings typically 7/10. The county offers robust adult education programs, including Columbia Basin College's continued education, and specialized STEM and Advanced Placement programs in select schools, supporting diverse educational needs and career readiness.

As of 2023, Benton County, WA, has an unemployment rate of 5.0%. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (19%), retail trade (11%), and professional, scientific, and technical services (10%). About 38% of workers hold management, business, science, and arts occupations. The median commute time is 20.9 minutes, with over 86% driving alone to work. While many are employed locally in Richland, Kennewick, and nearby Hanford Site, roughly 11% commute from outside the county for work.

Benton County, WA, has a homeownership rate of about 68%, with a median home value around $370,000 in 2024 and median rents near $1,350 per month. The market has seen moderate annual appreciation of approximately 5%. Single-family homes dominate, though apartments and townhomes are found in neighborhoods like South Richland and West Kennewick. Property taxes average 1.09% of assessed value, translating to roughly $4,000 annually for a median-priced home. Popular neighborhoods include Badger Mountain South and Canyon Lakes, offering a mix of new developments and established communities.