You're driving through the desert-like expanse of Eastern Washington, the sun is beating down on your windshield, and suddenly, you're crossing a bridge into a city that feels like a massive agricultural hub. You know you’re in Pasco. But if you had to mail a letter or pay a property tax bill, would you know where it’s actually going? Honestly, most people get this mixed up because Pasco is part of the "Tri-Cities," and that three-headed monster of a metro area makes it hard to tell where one jurisdiction starts and another ends.
Basically, Pasco, WA is located in Franklin County. It isn't just a random fact. Pasco is the county seat of Franklin County, which means it’s the brain of the whole operation for that specific slice of Washington. If you’re looking for the historic courthouse or need to talk to the county auditor, you’re headed to downtown Pasco.
Why Everyone Gets the County Confused
The confusion is real. You've got the Tri-Cities—Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland—all huddled together at the confluence of the Snake, Yakima, and Columbia Rivers.
Here is the kicker: Kennewick and Richland are in Benton County. Pasco is the outlier sitting across the river in Franklin County.
Because the three cities function like one giant urban sprawl, people often assume they share a county. They don't. This creates some "fun" quirks for locals. You might live in Pasco (Franklin) but work in Richland (Benton). Your kids might play a soccer game that starts in one county and ends in another just by driving ten minutes over the Blue Bridge or the Cable Bridge.
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Quick Stats You Actually Need
- Total Land Area: Franklin County covers about 1,242 square miles.
- Growth: It is one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire Pacific Northwest.
- The Vibe: Heavily agricultural, significantly diverse, and incredibly sunny.
Life in Franklin County: More Than Just Dirt
If you think Franklin County is just empty sagebrush and onion fields, you're missing out on the actual soul of the place. Pasco is the biggest city in the county, and it has a culture that’s distinct from its neighbors across the river.
The history here is deep. Before it was a railroad town, this area was a massive meeting point for Indigenous tribes who fished the confluence of the rivers. Later, Lewis and Clark camped here in 1805. You can actually stand where they stood at Sacajawea State Park. It’s at the very tip of Pasco where the Snake River pours into the Columbia. It's a surreal spot where you can see the different colors of the water mixing.
The Railroad and the "Big Pasco" Legacy
Pasco exists because of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Back in the day, it was the primary hub for shipping cherries, grapes, and wheat. Then World War II hit, and the town exploded. They built "Big Pasco," one of the largest military freight depots in the country.
Today, that industrial DNA is still there. If you fly into the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), you’re landing in Pasco. You’re landing in Franklin County. That airport is a huge economic engine, and the Port of Pasco is currently turning old industrial land into "Osprey Pointe," a massive waterfront development that’s going to change the face of the city.
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The "Taco Crawl" and Local Flavor
You can't talk about Pasco without talking about the food. Because Franklin County has such a strong agricultural base, it has attracted a massive Hispanic population that has shaped the city's identity.
The Pasco Farmers Market is legendary. It’s the largest in the region. We’re talking stacks of peppers, corn picked three hours ago, and smells that will make you forget your diet.
Then there’s the Pasco Taco Crawl. If you haven't done it, you're failing at life in Washington. It’s an annual event where you buy a booklet and hit up twenty or so different taco trucks and "taquerias" around town. Most of these are in Franklin County, tucked away in spots that don't look like much from the outside but serve the best al pastor you’ve ever had.
Moving to Pasco? Here’s the Franklin County Reality
If you're thinking about moving here, you need to understand how the county government affects your daily life.
- Taxes: Your property taxes are paid to the Franklin County Treasurer.
- Law Enforcement: If you’re in the city limits, it’s Pasco PD. If you’re out in the "doughnut holes" or rural areas, it’s the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
- The Court System: The Franklin County Justice Center in Pasco handles everything from marriage licenses to jury duty.
One thing to watch out for: water. Franklin County is a desert. It gets about 7 inches of rain a year. The city is currently working on a massive upgrade to the Butterfield Water Treatment Plant. It’s a $200 million+ project because the old one, built in 1946, just can't keep up with the thousands of people moving into New Pasco (the west side of town).
Where to Go Next
If you're just visiting or recently moved to the area, don't just stay in the suburban pockets of West Pasco.
- Hit the Waterfront: Walk the Sacajawea Heritage Trail. It’s a 23-mile loop that connects all three Tri-Cities, but the Franklin County side has some of the best river views.
- Visit the Museum: The Franklin County Historical Museum is inside an old Carnegie Library. It sounds nerdy, but they have artifacts from the "Republic of Franklin" (a short-lived attempt to create a new state) that are actually pretty wild.
- Check the Calendar: If it’s May, you have to hit the Cinco de Mayo Festival. It’s one of the biggest in the Northwest.
Franklin County is often the "forgotten" twin of the Tri-Cities compared to the tech-heavy Benton County side, but it's the one with the most room to grow and the deepest roots in the soil. Whether you're there for the sunshine, the tacos, or the booming job market, now you know exactly where you are on the map.
Actionable Steps for New Residents or Visitors
- Confirm Your Jurisdiction: If you’re buying a home, check the Franklin County Assessor's website to verify your tax district, as some "Pasco" addresses are actually in unincorporated county land.
- Register to Vote: Head to the Franklin County Auditor’s office on North 4th Avenue; they handle all voter registrations and election ballots for the county.
- Explore the Confluence: Spend an afternoon at Sacajawea State Park to understand the geography of the Snake and Columbia rivers, which defines the southern border of the county.
- Support Local Growers: Visit the downtown Pasco Farmers Market on Saturday mornings (May through October) to get a true taste of the county's agricultural output.