Richland Washington Map

About Richland, Washington

Richland is a locality in Benton County, Washington, United States. It has a population of 62,753. The population density is 562.9 people per km². Richland is located at 46.2857°N, 119.2845°W. It observes the Pacific Time (America/Los_Angeles) timezone. ZIP code: 99352.

Richland unfolds across the high desert plateau of southeastern Washington, a landscape defined by arid beauty and the enduring presence of the Columbia River. It lies 3.9 miles east-southeast of West Richland, WA (from West Richland, WA: bearing 109°T), and is situated 8.7 miles northwest of Kennewick. The land here is a study in contrasts: sun-baked earth, often a pale ochre or dusty rose, stretches towards distant, hazy mesas, while the mighty Columbia, a ribbon of deep blue, carves its path through the terrain, its banks occasionally softened by tenacious green scrub and the hardy cottonwoods that thrive in its moisture. The air itself carries a dry, clean scent, particularly potent in the early morning or late afternoon, and the quality of light, especially as the sun dips below the horizon, can transform the ordinary into something quite extraordinary, casting long, dramatic shadows and painting the sky in hues of apricot and violet. This is a place where the elemental forces of water and sun have shaped not only the physical character but also the very spirit of Richland. The genesis of Richland is inextricably linked to the monumental efforts of World War II, when the United States government chose this remote stretch of land for a top-secret project that would forever alter its destiny. The Hanford Site, a sprawling complex established to produce plutonium for the atomic bomb, brought an unprecedented influx of workers and resources, fundamentally transforming a quiet agricultural area into a bustling, purpose-built community. This rapid, government-driven founding created a unique social fabric, one initially characterized by a sense of shared mission and a temporary, yet intense, concentration of scientific and technical talent. The legacy of this singular, urgent creation still resonates, a reminder of the extraordinary circumstances that brought Richland into being. Economically, Richland has evolved significantly from its wartime origins, leveraging its strategic location and the enduring infrastructure of the Hanford Site. While a portion of the Hanford Site remains dedicated to nuclear cleanup and research, the city has successfully diversified its economy, fostering a robust presence in sectors such as scientific research, advanced manufacturing, and technology. The presence of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a leading scientific institution, anchors much of this innovation, drawing talent and investment. Furthermore, Richland benefits from the proximity of world-class educational institutions, including Washington State University Tri-Cities, which contributes to a skilled workforce and a culture of continuous learning. The Columbia River, beyond its scenic beauty, remains a vital artery for transportation and recreation, underpinning the region’s connectivity. The cultural life of Richland is a dynamic blend of academic pursuits and community engagement, reflecting its diverse origins and ongoing evolution. While not a major hub for professional sports, the city embraces collegiate athletics with enthusiasm, particularly through Washington State University Tri-Cities, whose teams foster local pride. The region comes alive annually with a variety of events, from agricultural showcases that celebrate the bounty of eastern Washington to science fairs that highlight the area's intellectual capital. For natural beauty, the Columbia River offers endless opportunities for water-based recreation, and the surrounding desert landscape provides a unique backdrop for exploration. Though Richland may not be synonymous with globally recognized celebrities, its quiet contributions to science and innovation, born from a singular moment in history, have had a profound and lasting impact.

About This Richland Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Richland, Washington — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 46.285691, -119.284462. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Richland and Benton County.

Detailed location data for Richland includes the ZIP code (99352), telephone area code (509), county seat of Benton County (Prosser), and school district assignment (Richland School District). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Richland is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.