Courtesy Tri-City Development Council

The population of the Richland-Kennewick-Pasco metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is expected to reach 233,212 by 2008.This growth can be attributed to a relatively low cost of living, affordable housing, excellent access to health care, as well as the presence of national retailers and technology companies.

The community boasts a well-rounded workforce and a strong labor pool. In addition to two-year Columbia Basin College in Pasco, students can earn a four-year degree from Washington State University’s Richland campus. And Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Richland operations help the area enjoy high-tech growth more than three times that of the rest of Washington state. The Richland-Kennewick-Pasco MSA has phenomenal access to transportation, with a strong network of barge, rail, roads and air services. On top of all of these reasons that make the area a great place to live and do business, residents enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine every year and can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including water sports on the three rivers which converge here.