Summary of Kennewick
Three cities, Kennewick, Pasco and Richland situated in Washington are collectively called the Tri-Cities. Of the three, Kennewick in the Benton County in southeastern Washington is the most populous. According to 2004 census estimates, Kennewick has a total population of 60,118. It is located along the southwest bank of the Columbia River, northeast of the Walla Walla River and towards the south of the point where the Columbia and Yakima Rivers converge.
Origin of 'Kennewick'
Kennewick was previously known by many other names, including one of which the origin is attributed to a native girl's laughter when she was asked the name of the region. 'Kennewick' supposedly means 'grassy place' in the native language. The place has also been called 'winter paradise' thanks to the mild winters that the area is known to have. The official incorporation of Kennewick, WA was on February 5, 1904. James Beaver is the current mayor of Kennewick, WA.
The city is known for its 'Kennewick Man' - the remains of a prehistoric man who supposedly had Caucasian features despite being indigenous, that was found on the bank of the Columbia River. Numerous controversies have occurred over the ownership of these remains that are said to date back to 9000 years ago.
Specialties
Besides being the host city of the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League, Kennewick also hosted the 2005 National Indoor Football League champions, the Tri-Cities Fever. The games are played at the Toyota Center that also plays host to quite a few regional events. Hydroplane racing that happens every year at the Water Follies event on the Columbia River every summer is another attraction of Kennewick. The place is also a shoppers paradise as residents from all over southwestern Washington come here to shop in its commercial district, the major attraction of which is Columbia Center Mall.
Geographical Details
As per the United States Census Bureau, the total area of Kennewick is 63.0 km, of which 59.4 km is land and 3.6 km is water. The city is located at 46'12'13'n, 119'9'33'W (46.203475, -119.159270).
Demographics
The findings of the 2000 census were as follows:
Kennewick had at least 54,693 people, 20786 households and 14,176 families and the population density was 920.9/km. The racial makeup of the city was as follows: 82.93 percent White, 1.14 percent Black or African American, 2.12 percent Asian, 0.93 percent Native American, 0.11 percent Pacific Islander, 9.40 percent other races and 3.37 percent from two or more races. 15.55 percent was Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The population distribution was as follows: 29.6 percent under 18 years, 10.3 percent 18-24 years, 29.3 percent 25-44 years, 20.6 percent 45-64 years and 10.2 percent 65 years and above. There were 98.3 males for every 100 females and 94.3 males for every 100 females of over 18 years of age.
The median income for a household in Kennewick, WA was $41,213 while that of a family was $50,011. The median income of males was $41,589 against $26,022 for females. The city had a per capital income of $20,152. Around 9.7 percent of families and 12.9 percent of the population were positioned below the poverty line. This included 18.8 percent of those below 18 years and 8.7 percent of people of 65 years and more.
Educational Institutions
Kennewick's public schools are part of the Kennewick Wa School District that has thirteen elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools. The elementary schools are Amistad, Canyon View, Cascade, Eastgate, Edison, Hawthorne, Lincoln, Ridge View, Southgate, Sunset View, Vista, Washington and Westgate. Middle schools are Desert Hills, Park, Highlands and Horse Heaven Hills; and high schools are Kennewick High School (the Lions), Kamiakin High School (the Braves) and Southridge High School (the Suns).
Related Kennewick Resources:
Related Resources for Along the River's Path:
- Land of Three Rivers
- Kennewick Rivers
- The Columbia River
- The Snake River
- River Recreation
- Port of Pasco
- Richland Steelhead Fishing
- Kennewick Water Follies
- Hydroplane Races
- Naturalist's Paradise
