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[[File:Bentoncounty-wa.png|Bentoncounty-wa|thumb]] [[File:I-82.svg|I-82|thumb|left]] [[File:I-182.svg|I-182|thumb|left]] [[File:US_12.svg|US 12|thumb]] [[File:US_395.svg|US 395|thumb]] [[File:WA-14.svg|WA-14|thumb]] '''Benton County, Washington''' is a [[county]] located in the south-central part of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Washington]]. As of the [[2020 United States Census]], its population was approximately 204,390. The county seat is [[Prosser, Washington|Prosser]], and its largest city is [[Kennewick, Washington|Kennewick]]. Benton County is part of the [[Tri-Cities, Washington|Tri-Cities]] metropolitan area, which also includes the cities of [[Richland, Washington|Richland]] and [[Pasco, Washington|Pasco]].

==History==
Benton County was created on March 8, 1905, from parts of [[Klickitat County, Washington|Klickitat]] and [[Yakima County, Washington|Yakima]] counties. It was named after [[Thomas Hart Benton]], a [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] from [[Missouri]] who was a strong advocate for the [[Oregon Territory]]. The area has a rich history, with significant growth and development stemming from the construction of the [[Hanford Site]] during [[World War II]], which played a crucial role in the [[Manhattan Project]].

==Geography==
Covering an area of 1,760 square miles, Benton County is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes parts of the [[Columbia River]], agricultural lands, and semi-arid regions. The county's proximity to the river has been instrumental in its agricultural development, particularly in the cultivation of [[wine grapes]], making it a significant part of the [[Washington wine]] industry.

===Adjacent counties===
* [[Franklin County, Washington|Franklin County]] (north)
* [[Walla Walla County, Washington|Walla Walla County]] (east)
* [[Umatilla County, Oregon|Umatilla County, Oregon]] (southeast)
* [[Morrow County, Oregon|Morrow County, Oregon]] (south)
* [[Klickitat County, Washington|Klickitat County]] (west)
* [[Yakima County, Washington|Yakima County]] (northwest)

==Demographics==
As of the 2020 census, Benton County had a diverse population with a significant percentage of residents identifying as [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]]. The economy is supported by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with the [[Hanford Site]] still being a major employer due to its focus on environmental cleanup and research.

==Government and politics==
Benton County operates under a three-member [[Board of County Commissioners]], which is the governing body responsible for county ordinances and budgets. The county has a history of leaning towards the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] in both state and federal elections.

==Economy==
The economy of Benton County is largely driven by agriculture, particularly the production of wine grapes, apples, cherries, and hops. The presence of the Hanford Site has also contributed to a significant technology and research sector. Additionally, the Tri-Cities area has seen growth in healthcare, education, and retail services.

==Education==
Benton County is served by several [[public school districts]], including Kennewick School District, Richland School District, and Prosser School District, among others. Higher education institutions include [[Washington State University Tri-Cities]] and [[Columbia Basin College]], which offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

==Culture and recreation==
The county is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and hiking, thanks to its rivers and natural landscapes. The [[Tri-Cities]] area hosts several cultural events and festivals, such as the [[Washington State Wine Festival]] and the Tri-City Water Follies, featuring hydroplane races on the Columbia River.

[[Category:Benton County, Washington]]
[[Category:Counties of Washington (state)]]
[[Category:1905 establishments in Washington (state)]]

{{Washington-geo-stub}}

Benton County, Washington - Revision history

Prab: CSV import