Benton County

Located in southeastern Washington at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers, the county is part of a semi-arid river basin within the rain shadow of the Cascade, Blue, Wallowa, and Rocky mountains. It is the ninth most densely populated county in the state, with 103 residents per square mile, driven by its nuclear-related and research industries. Agriculture remains a significant contributor, while growth centers around Kennewick, Richland, and Prosser. The local economy is diversified, with strong ties to agriculture, food processing, medical equipment manufacturing, energy production, nuclear-fuel fabrication, and the thriving wine industry, which is boosting both recreational industries and tourism.