The Dunes

The Tri-Cities are three closely linked Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland) at the confluence of Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers in the Columbia Basin of Eastern Washington. The cities border one another, making the Tri-Cities seem like one uninterrupted mid-sized city. The three cities center the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, consisting of Benton and Franklin counties.

Regional Industry

Grapes grown in the region are essential to the wine industry. Wineries are a massive draw for the area, and the wine industry accounts for $1B annually in Benton County alone. Often referred to as The Heart of Washington Wine Country, over 160 local and tri-city wineries provide well-attended tours and wine club memberships. The varietals grown throughout the region include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, and Pinot Noir, with famous appellations including the Yakima and Walla Walla valleys, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, and Wahluke Slope.

Tri-Cities’ Farming

The Tri-Cities economy has historically been based on farming and the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. From Pasco’s incorporation in 1891 to today, the Tri-Cities have had a significant degree of agriculture thanks to irrigation by the three nearby rivers. Wheat is the most grown product; however, large amounts of apples, corn, and grapes are also produced, along with potatoes, and other products, including asparagus. Cherries are also grown in the region.

Important Places 

The Tri-Cities Airport is located in Pasco and provides the region with commercial and private air service. Pasco is the seat of Franklin County, while the other two cities are in Benton County. In 2010, Kiplinger rated the Tri-Cities area as one of the top 10 best places to raise a family, and CNN/Money ranked the Tri-Cities area as one of the top 10 best bets for gains in housing value.