What to know when moving to Pasco, WA
TL;DR: Pasco at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 30.1% of residents rent and the median household income is $82,517.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,195, making it relatively affordable.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 13.1% indicates notable economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0.3% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- With 36 rainy days a year, invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Pasco has a population of 86,467, with a median household income of $82,517, which supports a mix of renters and homeowners. About 30.1% of residents rent, meaning housing options cater to a variety of preferences. The educational landscape shows that only 21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which may shape community engagement and amenities.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for strong public transit options, as only 0.3% rely on it for commuting.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,195, while the median home value is $353,300.
- 21.5% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting the educational background of the community.
- The poverty rate sits at 13.1%, indicating economic challenges for some residents.
- With 30.1% of the population renting, there are diverse housing options available.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Washington, the overall crime rate is trending down, with significant reductions in both property and violent crime over recent years.
- Violent crime: 282.2 per 100,000 residents, down 26.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,940.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 25.4% higher than the national average.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have dropped 46.1% since 2022, now at 2.8 per 100,000 residents.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Washington).
Schools & Higher Ed
Pasco has access to several educational institutions, with a total of 5 schools nearby or within the region.
- Columbia Basin College in Pasco.
- Pacific Northwest Christian College in Kennewick.
- Washington State University-Tri Cities in Richland.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Franklin County enjoys a dry climate, averaging only 4.2 inches of precipitation annually, with 36 rainy days. Summers can get hot, with average highs reaching 91°F.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Howard Amon Park - 4.7 stars (4,065 reviews)
- Leslie Groves Park - 4.6 stars (1,605 reviews)
- Columbia Point Marina Park - 4.6 stars (979 reviews)
- Sacajawea Historical State Park - 4.5 stars (577 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.