WashingtonPop. 106,365Mid-size cities
Is Spokane Valley a Good Place to Live? Spokane Valley, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Spokane Valley ranks #619 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #98 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20.8 min, #64 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Spokane Valley by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Spokane Valley'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 Valley?
Spokane Valley'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 $1,353/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $410,897, 31% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Spokane Valley | 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 | $410,897#650 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 | $1,547/mo#377 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $382,300#744 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,353/mo#591 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% | 21.9%#669 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 Valley 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 Valley is in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Spokane Valley safe?
Spokane Valley recorded 233 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% below the US rate of 328 and 18% below Washington's 284. That ranks #421 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #66 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Spokane Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 3,337 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Spokane Valley | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 233#421 of 1,085 | 284 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,337#992 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 Valley?
The median household in Spokane Valley earns $74,042, 11% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Spokane Valley | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $74,042#727 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.9%#725 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 Valley?
The median resident of Spokane Valley is 38.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #922 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Spokane Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 26.5%#922 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 58.2% | 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 Valley's schools and health?
Spokane Valley's 28 public schools graduate 86.6% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17.4 students per teacher and $16,123 spent per pupil. 35.1% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Spokane Valley | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 86.6%#630 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.4#782 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,123#465 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.1%#777 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.5%#500 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 7.7%#334 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. 13,576 students are enrolled in Spokane Valley's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Spokane Valley?
The average commute in Spokane Valley is 20.8 minutes (Washington 27.2); 1.3% of workers take transit and 13.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Spokane Valley scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.3°F and winters 32.6°F, with 17.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Spokane Valley | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.8 min#406 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.6%#311 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74.6% | 65.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 3.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.3% | 16.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.8#355 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 | 37.8 | 25.8 | 2 |
| Feb | 42.5 | 26.7 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 51.3 | 31.7 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 59.6 | 36.6 | 1.5 |
| May | 69.7 | 44.1 | 1.7 |
| Jun | 75.8 | 50.4 | 1.5 |
| Jul | 87.1 | 56 | 0.7 |
| Aug | 86.2 | 54.5 | 0.5 |
| Sep | 76 | 46.8 | 0.7 |
| Oct | 60.3 | 38 | 1.5 |
| Nov | 45.1 | 30.7 | 2 |
| Dec | 36.9 | 25.7 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Spokane Felts Fld.
| Measure | Spokane Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 49.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 68.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 17.4 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 Felts Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Spokane Valley?
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 Valley | 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 Valley compare with similar-size cities?
Spokane Valley is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #98 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 106,365.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #619 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 | 20.8 min |
| Goodyear, AZPop. 107,645 | #392 | 60.2 | $103,319 | $1,956/mo | 236 | 29.6 min |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #706 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 | 21.7 min |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #108 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 | 25.8 min |
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #447 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 | 18.1 min |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #592 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 | 19.2 min |
| El Monte, CAPop. 106,109 | #1060 | 48.7 | $68,030 | $1,736/mo | 410 | 27.8 min |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #859 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 | 31.5 min |
| New Braunfels, TXPop. 104,643 | #401 | 60.0 | $86,021 | $1,654/mo | 223 | 27.1 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 Valley compare with the rest of Washington?
Spokane Valley ranks #15 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 56.4 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 26% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 18% below the statewide rate. Homes are 31% 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 |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #11 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 |
| Kent, WAPop. 135,603 | #12 | 56.8 | $92,302 | $1,909/mo | 283 |
| Auburn, WAPop. 85,676 | #13 | 56.7 | $97,884 | $1,786/mo | 300 |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #14 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #15 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Spokane Valley 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 Valley's score calculated?
Spokane Valley scores 56.4 out of 100, #619 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Valley. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Spokane Valley's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
67.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Spokane Valley. Similar-size median 53.8.
52.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Spokane Valley's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
56.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Spokane Valley's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
65.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Spokane Valley. Similar-size median 51.2.
48.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Spokane Valley. Similar-size median 42.1.
41.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Spokane Valley. Similar-size median 50.1.
51.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Spokane Valley's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
62.1 - 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 Valley'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 Valley 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 Valley
Is Spokane Valley, WA a good place to live?
Spokane Valley ranks #619 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #98 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20.8 min, #64 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Spokane Valley?
Spokane Valley'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 $1,353/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $410,897, 31% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Spokane Valley?
Spokane Valley recorded 233 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% below the US rate of 328 and 18% below Washington's 284. That ranks #421 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #66 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Spokane Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 3,337 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Spokane Valley?
The median household in Spokane Valley earns $74,042, 11% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 12.9% 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 Valley?
Median rent in Spokane Valley is $1,353/mo (Census), #591 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,547/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Spokane Valley?
The typical home value in Spokane Valley is $410,897, up 0.4% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $382,300.
How are the public schools in Spokane Valley?
Spokane Valley's 28 public schools graduate 86.6% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17.4 students per teacher and $16,123 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Spokane Valley?
The average commute is 20.8 minutes, #406 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 3.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Spokane Valley?
Spokane Valley averages 49.8°F over the year, 68.3°F in summer and 32.6°F in winter, with 17.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Spokane Valley walkable?
Spokane Valley scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 Valley 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 Valley?
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 Valley?
Spokane Valley has 106,365 residents. The median resident of Spokane Valley is 38.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #922 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Spokane Valley compare with the rest of Washington?
Spokane Valley ranks #15 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 56.4 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 26% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 18% below the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Spokane Valley?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Spokane Valley's population of 106,365 are Goodyear, AZ (#392 overall), Dearborn, MI (#706 overall), Sandy Springs, GA (#108 overall), Boulder, CO (#447 overall), and Green Bay, WI (#592 overall). Spokane Valley is #619.