Pasco
RANK #214 / 996 NAT · #1 / 21 WA · POP 96,692
1YR FORECAST: +0.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +31%
Franklin County, Washington, stands out as the fastest-growing county in the Pacific Northwest, notably becoming the first in the region with a Hispanic-majority population. Located in south-central Washington, at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the county seat of Pasco is part of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which also includes Richland and Kennewick across the Columbia River. This area offers a mix of urban amenities and access to outdoor recreation, including riverside trails along the Columbia River and the striking Palouse Falls State Park, home to Washington's official waterfall. Commute options within the Tri-Cities are supported by Ben Franklin Transit, offering fixed-route bus services and other transportation solutions.
Life in Franklin County is characterized by a relatively affordable cost of living compared to the state average, though median home values are higher than the national average. The economy, traditionally rooted in agriculture, has diversified to include food processing and manufacturing, with major food processing companies located in Pasco. The county's population growth continues to drive demand for services, including in education and healthcare. Franklin County's public school system serves a large student body across several districts, including Pasco School District and North Franklin School District.
Above national median (4.7x)
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.8x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Gateway Digital Campus & Beltline Energy Data Centers
Undisclosed Developers (supported by L.B. Eckelkamp, Jr. of Bank of Washington)
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Amazon National Inbound Cross Dock
Amazon
|
$107M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 78/100, Franklin County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.9%, and median household income stands at $77,877 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in WA.
Housing in Franklin County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $308,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.25, with rents averaging $1,124/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Franklin County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.4% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.9% clip. Home values shifted -0.6% in the past year.
In significant numbers — 5.25% of Franklin County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.