WashingtonPop. 230,293Mid-size cities
Is Spokane a Good Place to Live? Spokane, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Spokane ranks #767 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #129 of 256 mid-size cities and #20 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,215/mo, #58 of 256) and short commutes (20.6 min, #58 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (613 per 100,000, #186 of 235).
Spokane by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Spokane's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Spokane?
Spokane's cost of living index is 100.3, in line with the US level of 100 and #676 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,215/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $396,121, 33% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Spokane | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 100.3#676 of 1,308 | 107 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $396,121#621 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,507/mo#337 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $363,500#693 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,215/mo#451 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.2x#881 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.8%#547 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Spokane housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Spokane is in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Spokane safe?
Spokane recorded 613 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 87% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Washington's 284. That ranks #919 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #186 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Spokane Police Department. Property crime runs 4,392 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Spokane | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 613#919 of 1,085 | 284 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 4,392#1063 of 1,085 | 1,975 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Spokane?
The median household in Spokane earns $70,064, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Spokane | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $70,064#815 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13.8%#789 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Spokane?
The median resident of Spokane is 37.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Spokane | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 33.9%#653 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 58.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Spokane's schools and health?
Spokane's 58 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 15 students per teacher and $18,193 spent per pupil. 35.3% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Spokane | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15#464 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,193#329 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.3%#796 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.2%#400 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 27,797 students are enrolled in Spokane's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Spokane?
The average commute in Spokane is 20.6 minutes (Washington 27.2); 2.7% of workers take transit and 15% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Spokane scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.9°F and winters 30.5°F, with 16.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Spokane | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.6 min#389 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 67.2% | 65.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.7% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.8% | 3.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 15% | 16.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.1#142 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34.5 | 24.7 | 2 |
| Feb | 39.5 | 26.3 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 48.6 | 31.5 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 56.9 | 37 | 1.3 |
| May | 67.1 | 44.9 | 1.6 |
| Jun | 73.7 | 50.8 | 1.2 |
| Jul | 84.4 | 57.6 | 0.4 |
| Aug | 83.8 | 56.7 | 0.5 |
| Sep | 73.6 | 48.6 | 0.6 |
| Oct | 57.7 | 38 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 42.3 | 30.3 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 33.8 | 24.3 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Spokane International Airport.
| Measure | Spokane | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 48.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 67.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 30.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 16.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Spokane International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Spokane?
Spokane County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Spokane County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Spokane | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.07%#38 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Spokane County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Spokane County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.0066% | 81% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0028% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.054% | 15% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Spokane compare with similar-size cities?
Spokane is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #129 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 230,293.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #767 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 | 20.6 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #488 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 | 30.5 min |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #651 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 | 34.1 min |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #609 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 | 21.7 min |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 min |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 min |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #141 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 | 28.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Spokane compare with the rest of Washington?
Spokane ranks #20 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 30% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Washington home.
| City | Rank in WA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #1 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #2 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #3 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #4 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #5 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #6 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 |
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #7 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #8 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #9 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #10 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | … #16 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 |
| Burien, WAPop. 51,513 | #17 | 55.6 | $91,318 | $1,782/mo | 342 |
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | #18 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 |
| Kennewick, WAPop. 85,295 | #19 | 54.3 | $73,576 | $1,240/mo | 318 |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #20 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #21 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 |
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | #22 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #23 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data |
| Lakewood, WAPop. 62,937 | #24 | 47.9 | $74,720 | $1,525/mo | 514 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Spokane among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Spokane's score calculated?
Spokane scores 53.8 out of 100, #767 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Washington's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Spokane. Similar-size median 52.9.
48.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Spokane's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
36.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Spokane. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Spokane's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
61.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Spokane's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
67.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Spokane. Similar-size median 51.2.
45.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Spokane. Similar-size median 42.1.
42.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Spokane. Similar-size median 50.1.
59.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Spokane's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
76.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Spokane's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Spokane has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Spokane
Is Spokane, WA a good place to live?
Spokane ranks #767 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #129 of 256 mid-size cities and #20 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,215/mo, #58 of 256) and short commutes (20.6 min, #58 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (613 per 100,000, #186 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Spokane?
Spokane's cost of living index is 100.3, in line with the US level of 100 and #676 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,215/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $396,121, 33% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Spokane?
Spokane recorded 613 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 87% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Washington's 284. That ranks #919 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #186 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Spokane Police Department. Property crime runs 4,392 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Spokane?
The median household in Spokane earns $70,064, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Spokane?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,215/mo (Census), #451 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,507/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Spokane?
The typical home value in Spokane is $396,121, down 0.3% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $363,500.
How are the public schools in Spokane?
Spokane's 58 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 15 students per teacher and $18,193 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Spokane?
The average commute is 20.6 minutes, #389 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Spokane?
Spokane averages 48.6°F over the year, 67.9°F in summer and 30.5°F in winter, with 16.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Spokane walkable?
Spokane scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Spokane at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Spokane County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Spokane?
Spokane County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Spokane?
Spokane has 230,293 residents. The median resident of Spokane is 37.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Spokane compare with the rest of Washington?
Spokane ranks #20 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 30% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Spokane?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Spokane's population of 230,293 are Enterprise, NV (#616 overall), Boise, ID (#200 overall), Port St. Lucie, FL (#488 overall), Santa Clarita, CA (#651 overall), and Richmond, VA (#609 overall). Spokane is #767.