Benton County

Benton County is located in the south-central portion of the state. The Columbia River makes up the north, south, and east boundaries of the county. In 2017, the estimated population was 198,171. The county seat is Prosser, and its largest city is Kennewick. It was named after Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton.

The area of south-central Washington occupied by Benton County has been known primarily as an agricultural hub since its settlement by white Americans. The rise of viticulture has had a profound impact on the agricultural and tourism industries over the past two decades, and has in many ways reshaped the reputation of the region. Prominent wineries and tasting rooms located in the area.

Benton County was created out of Klickitat County on March 8, 1905.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,760 square miles, of which, 1,703 square miles of it is land and 57 square miles of it (3.24%) is water. The population density is 83 per square mile.

Principal Communities:

• Benton City
• Finley
• Highland
• Kennewick
• Prosser (County Seat)
• Richland
• West Richland