With the constant construction and tech powerhouses that Seattle has, it would seem like a no-brainer that it’s Washington’s fastest-growing city. Not to mention it was just ranked as one of the best cities in the nation. But it turns out neither Seattle nor Bellevue is the state’s fastest-growing city. Instead, it’s a city in Benton County in Southern Washington.

That city is Kennewick-Richland. Are you surprised? Well, 24/7 Wall St checked out the data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population and Housing Estimates Program and it looks like Southern Washington is where it’s at. Between 2010 and 2020, the city experienced a population growth of 19.8% while the state experienced a population growth of 14.4%.

Related posts:
Washington needs your help naming the next ferry — here’s how to submit your pick
This spectacular driving tour will take you through several Washington ghost towns

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @t.c531

Not to mention the area has done pretty well with its 11.4% employment growth between 2010-2020 as compared to the state average of 15.8%. That leaves the area with a median household income of $68,283 as compared to the state median which is $78,687. And finally, a 5.8% unemployment rate as of May 2021 as compared to the states 5.2%.

Now, what’s in the area? Well, the area is right along the Columbia River and just under an hour away from the Yakima Valley. It’s also relatively close to Portland, OR with it located just over 3 hours away. So if you’re looking to move South, Kennewick-Richland could be the spot for you.

If you’d like to check out more data you can click here.