Burbank WA Zip Code: Why Everyone Gets the Tri-Cities Borders Wrong

Burbank WA Zip Code: Why Everyone Gets the Tri-Cities Borders Wrong

Burbank is weird. Not "Portland weird," but geographically confusing. Most people driving through the intersection of US-12 and SR-124 think they are still in Pasco or maybe just on the outskirts of Kennewick. They aren't. They’ve crossed the river, entered Walla Walla County, and landed smack in the middle of the Burbank WA zip code, 99323.

It’s a tiny slice of the Pacific Northwest that acts as a gateway.

If you are looking for 99323, you’re looking at a community that thrives on the water but lives in the shadow of its bigger Tri-Cities neighbors. Honestly, the post office here handles more than you’d think for a "unincorporated" spot. It’s the kind of place where you can see the grain silos from miles away, reminding you that while the tech-heavy Hanford site is just up the road, Burbank stays rooted in agriculture and river transport.

The 99323 Breakdown: More Than Just a Number

The Burbank WA zip code covers a surprisingly strategic piece of land. It’s bounded by the Snake River to the north and the Columbia River to the west. This creates a peninsula effect. Because it's unincorporated, the zip code is the primary identifier for the roughly 3,300 people who live here.

People move here for the lots. Big lots. You can actually breathe.

In Pasco or Kennewick, you might be looking at your neighbor’s siding through your kitchen window. In 99323, you’re more likely to be looking at their horse or a parked boat. The zip code technically extends south toward the Wallula Gap, but the heart of it is the residential cluster near Hood Park.

Is Burbank actually in the Tri-Cities?

Technically? No. Culturally? Absolutely.

Walla Walla County claims Burbank on the tax maps. That means if you live in the Burbank WA zip code, your property taxes and sheriff's deputies come from Walla Walla, which is a good 45-minute drive east. It’s a strange administrative quirk. You shop in Kennewick, you work in Pasco, but you vote in Walla Walla. Most residents just accept the identity crisis as the price of living near the confluence.

Real Estate Reality in the Burbank WA Zip Code

If you’re checking Zillow for 99323, prepare for a shock. It isn't cheap anymore.

A decade ago, Burbank was the "affordable" alternative. Now, the proximity to the rivers has turned it into a premium destination for custom builds. You’ll find 1970s ranch homes sitting right next to $800,000 modern estates with views of the McNary Pool.

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The market here moves slowly because people don't leave.

Inventory is usually tight. When a house hits the market in the Burbank WA zip code, it’s often a "pocket listing" or sold via word of mouth before the sign even hits the yard. Why? Because you can’t easily find 0.5 to 2-acre lots with irrigation rights anywhere else this close to the Tri-Cities core.

  • Average Home Price Trends: Expect to pay a premium over West Pasco for comparable land size.
  • School District: Burbank has its own district—Columbia School District No. 400. It's small. Like, "everyone knows your name" small.
  • Utility Quirks: Some areas rely on community wells, while others are on Columbia PUD.

Why Logistics Companies Love 99323

It’s all about the barges and the rails.

The Burbank WA zip code isn't just a residential sleepy town. It’s a massive logistical hub. The Port of Walla Walla’s Burbank properties host companies like Northwest Grain Growers and various fertilizer distributors.

If you’ve ever eaten bread in the United States, there’s a decent chance the wheat passed through 99323.

The Union Pacific railroad runs right through here. You’ll hear the whistles. You’ll see the massive grain elevators dominating the skyline. It’s a blue-collar engine that keeps the regional economy humming while the scientists in Richland do their thing with carbon dating and nuclear vitrification.

Hood Park and the Snake River Draw

Nature is the biggest flex for this zip code.

Hood Park is the crown jewel of the Burbank WA zip code. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it’s where everyone in the Tri-Cities goes when they want to launch a boat without the chaos of the Columbia Park ramps.

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It has:

  1. Massive shade trees (rare in this desert landscape).
  2. A swimming beach that actually feels like a beach.
  3. Hookups for RVs that stay booked months in advance.

Living in 99323 means you are five minutes from some of the best bass fishing in Washington State. The Ice Harbor Dam is just upstream. The water is colder, the currents are predictable, and the sunsets over the blue bridge in the distance are unbeatable.

The "Hidden" Problems Nobody Mentions

I’m going to be real with you: it’s windy.

The Wallula Gap acts as a giant funnel for the wind coming off the Cascades. When the Tri-Cities gets a breeze, Burbank gets a gale. If you are planning to build in the Burbank WA zip code, you better secure your shingles and plan your landscaping around windbreaks.

Also, the smell.

Depending on which way the wind is blowing, you might get a "fragrance" from the Tyson Fresh Meats plant or the Boise Cascade paper mill down in Wallula. It’s the smell of money to some, but to a newcomer, it’s a surprise they didn't mention in the real estate brochure. You get used to it. Mostly.

How to Navigate the 99323 Area

If you are visiting or moving, keep these spots on your radar:

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The Burbank Tavern: It’s a classic. Don't expect a gastropub. Expect cold beer, local talk, and a vibe that hasn't changed much in thirty years. It’s the unofficial town hall.

Charbonneau Park: A bit further out but still within the orbit of the Burbank WA zip code. It’s quieter than Hood Park and offers a great escape if you want to avoid the weekend crowds.

The McNary Wildlife Refuge: This is huge. It’s one of the best bird-watching spots in the Western US. Thousands of Canadian geese and various duck species winter here. If you’re a photographer, this is your mecca. The trails are flat, easy, and usually empty on weekdays.

Actionable Steps for 99323 Residents and Hunters

If you are looking to engage with the Burbank WA zip code, here is how to do it right:

  1. Check the Zoning: Walla Walla County has strict rules about "Accessory Dwelling Units" and livestock. Don't assume you can start a goat farm just because you have an acre.
  2. Water Rights Matter: When buying property, verify your irrigation allotment. In this desert, land without water rights is just a very expensive sand pit.
  3. Join the Community Groups: Since there’s no "City of Burbank" government, the local Facebook groups and the School Board meetings are where the real decisions happen.
  4. Prepare for the Commute: You’ll be crossing the bridge every single day. The "Blue Bridge" (Pioneer Memorial Bridge) is notorious for traffic during morning rush hour. Factor an extra 15 minutes into your commute if you’re heading to Kennewick.
  5. Get a Discovery Pass: Even though 99323 has plenty of Corps land, having your state passes ready for nearby Lyons Ferry or Palouse Falls is a must for any local.

The Burbank WA zip code is a contradiction. It’s a quiet rural escape that sits at the busiest intersection of river, rail, and road in Eastern Washington. It’s Walla Walla’s distant child and the Tri-Cities’ favorite neighbor. Whether you're there for the fishing or the quiet lifestyle, just remember to stake down your patio furniture.