Kennewick, WA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Kennewick, WA

Is Kennewick, WA safe?

Kennewick earns an overall crime grade of B, which places it in a favorable position compared to many U.S. cities of similar size. With a population of approximately 240,876 and a population density of just 1,162 residents per square mile, Kennewick is a relatively spread-out community where crime tends to be concentrated in specific pockets rather than distributed evenly. Neighborhoods like Southridge and Canyon Lakes consistently report fewer incidents, while areas closer to high-traffic commercial corridors see a higher share of property-related calls. For most residents — particularly those in established suburban neighborhoods — day-to-day life feels secure and routine.

What is the crime rate in Kennewick, WA?

Kennewick's composite crime grade is a B, reflecting a city that outperforms a significant portion of Washington State communities on safety metrics. Property crimes — including theft, vehicle break-ins, and shoplifting — account for the large majority of reported incidents, a pattern typical of cities with active retail corridors like Columbia Center. Violent crimes represent a smaller share of overall activity and are disproportionately concentrated in a handful of ZIP codes rather than spread citywide. The city's 12.5% poverty rate and 5.5% unemployment rate are contextual factors that researchers commonly associate with localized crime clusters, but they do not define the experience of most Kennewick residents.

Which neighborhoods in Kennewick have the lowest crime?

Based on incident distribution patterns visible in the Kennewick crime map, the Southridge, Canyon Lakes, and Highlands areas consistently show lower incident densities. These neighborhoods feature newer housing stock, active homeowners associations, and greater distance from the highest-traffic commercial zones. The Westgate corridor and portions of the Columbia Center vicinity tend to record more property crime activity due to retail concentration — a common pattern in any city with major shopping infrastructure. Families and newcomers who prioritize safety metrics often find the southwestern and southern quadrants of Kennewick most aligned with their goals.

How does Kennewick's crime compare to other cities?

Kennewick's B overall crime grade puts it ahead of many comparably sized U.S. cities. Within the Tri-Cities metro area, Kennewick's safety profile is competitive. Its median household income of $62,283 and median home value of $238,153 reflect a middle-income community where economic stability helps moderate crime pressures. Cities with similar population sizes but higher poverty rates or denser urban cores often score in the C or D range. Kennewick's relatively low density of 1,162 people per square mile also reduces the friction that drives crime in more congested environments.

What types of crime are most common in Kennewick?

Property crimes dominate Kennewick's incident reports, consistent with the city's B crime grade. Theft — including shoplifting and vehicle-related theft — represents the most frequently reported category, largely tied to the commercial density around the Columbia Center retail district. Burglary and malicious mischief (vandalism) are the next most common property crime subcategories. Violent crimes such as assault make up a meaningfully smaller share of total incidents and are concentrated in specific areas rather than distributed across the whole city. Drug-related offenses appear in incident logs as well, particularly in neighborhoods with higher poverty rates, which in Kennewick's case aligns with its 12.5% poverty figure.

Is Kennewick a good place to live for families?

Yes — Kennewick's B crime grade, affordable housing (median home value of $238,153), and median rent of $955 make it an attractive option for families seeking value without sacrificing safety. The city's 240,876 residents support a robust school system, numerous parks, and recreational access along the Columbia River. Neighborhoods like Southridge and Canyon Lakes are particularly family-oriented, with lower incident rates and strong community engagement. The 5.5% unemployment rate is slightly above the national average, but the local economy — anchored by healthcare, agriculture, and government sectors — provides stable employment for a broad range of households. Taken together, the data profile supports Kennewick as a solid, practical choice for families at various income levels.