Pasco, WA, United States

Capital City

With a population of 77,108 as of 2020, Pasco is a rapidly growing agricultural hub in the heart of Washington's Tri-Cities region. However, the city's desert climate and history of racial segregation present persistent challenges for newcomers. Farming continues to drive Pasco's economy, with large food processors like Lamb Weston and Reser's Fine Foods as major employers. While the area has seen an influx of new residents and development in recent years, bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of public services in certain neighborhoods remain a headache. For those drawn to the region's wine industry and outdoor recreation along the Columbia River, Pasco may be worth considering, but the city's harsh climate and uneven growth pose real trade-offs.