Is Spokane Valley Safe, Pros and cons of living in Spokane Valley

Is it Safe to Live in Spokane Valley?

Spokane Valley experiences a crime rate that is higher than many communities across the nation. In Spokane Valley, the chance of becoming a victim of a property crime is one in 28, with a rate of 36 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This rate includes burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The city is noted for having one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft nationally, according to an analysis of FBI crime data.

Violent crime also occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of similar size. The likelihood of an individual becoming a victim of violent crime, such as armed robbery or aggravated assault, is one in 407, equating to a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Overall, Spokane Valley has a crime rate of 38 per one thousand residents, placing it significantly higher than the average for communities of all sizes. Within Washington state, over 92% of communities have a lower crime rate than Spokane Valley (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing Costs

The housing market in Spokane Valley presents a median home price of $420,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This reflects a decrease of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Homes in Spokane Valley are currently taking longer to sell, with an average of 69 days on the market compared to 38 days last year (as reported by Redfin).

The median rental price in Spokane Valley is approximately $1,580 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure represents an increase of $49 month-over-month and $80 year-over-year. The rental price range for properties in Spokane Valley spans from $550 to $5,000 per month, depending on the number of bedrooms and property type (as reported by Zillow).

Cost of Living Index

Spokane Valley’s overall cost of living is approximately 1% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses in Spokane Valley are about 8% lower than the national average, and utility prices are comparable to the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are 19% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Grocery prices in Spokane Valley are about 10% higher than the national average. Healthcare expenses are also slightly higher, by approximately 2% compared to the national average (as reported by Payscale). These factors contribute to the overall cost of living in the area.

Job Market and Economy

Employment and Wages

The average salary for jobs in Spokane Valley is around $66,753 per year, which equates to an hourly rate of approximately $32 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Another report indicates the average annual salary in Spokane Valley is $44,765 as of April 2026, with most salaries ranging between $33,239 and $53,369 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The Spokane-Spokane Valley Metropolitan Statistical Area has an average hourly wage of $31.92, which is slightly lower than the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Higher paying occupations in the area include management, healthcare practitioners, and legal professions (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Major Employers and Industries

Key industries in Spokane Valley include retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, government, manufacturing, and construction (as reported by Keytronicems). Major employers are located in various business and industrial parks, with notable companies including Keytronicems, Skyline Exhibits Inland NW Inc., and Horizon Credit Union (as reported by Keytronicems).

The city is also a hub for manufacturing and distribution businesses, contributing significantly to the local economy. Industries that are experiencing growth include healthcare, transportation, construction, and manufacturing, particularly in metals and aerospace sectors (as reported by Keytronicems).

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Precipitation

Spokane Valley experiences a climate influenced by its location between mountain ranges, leading to more distinct seasons than western Washington. The area averages about 16.5 inches of annual precipitation (as reported by the City of Spokane, Washington). Winter snowfall typically averages around 48 inches, while summer months can reach temperatures of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit (as reported by the City of Spokane, Washington).

The average temperature in Spokane Valley is around 59 degrees Fahrenheit for the high and 38 degrees Fahrenheit for the low (as reported by Livability.com). The average annual rainfall is approximately 18 inches, with an average annual snowfall of 25 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

Public schools in Spokane Valley are generally considered above average (as reported by Niche). Specific schools like STEM Academy at Svt receive high ratings, with Spokane Valley High School having a student-teacher ratio of 25 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

State test scores indicate that 11% of students are proficient in math and 44% are proficient in reading at Spokane Valley High School (as reported by Niche). Niche ranks Spokane Valley as #112 out of 181 for suburbs with the best public schools in Washington.

Population and Demographics

Spokane Valley has a population of approximately 106,365 residents as of the most current US Census data, making it the 8th most populated city in Washington state (as reported by US Census Bureau). The projected population for Spokane Valley is 110,204 for 2026 (as reported by US Census Bureau).

The racial composition is predominantly White, at 82.5%, followed by Hispanic at 7.1%, and those of Two or More races at 5.6% (as reported by US Census Bureau). The median age for residents is 38.3 years (as reported by US Census Bureau). The median household income in Spokane Valley was $74,042 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau), with 9.3% of families living in poverty (as reported by US Census Bureau).

Pros and Cons of Living in Spokane Valley

Pros

Spokane Valley offers a cost of living that is slightly above the national average, with housing expenses being notably lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The city is home to a variety of major employers across different sectors, contributing to a diverse job market (as reported by Keytronicems). The climate provides distinct seasons, offering a different experience compared to other parts of the Pacific Northwest (as reported by the City of Spokane, Washington).

Public schools in Spokane Valley are rated as above average, providing good educational opportunities for families (as reported by Niche). The city’s demographics are predominantly White, with a median age of 38.3 years, indicating a stable community (as reported by US Census Bureau). The median home price is $420,000 (as reported by Redfin), which, while significant, is balanced by the lower cost of living in certain aspects.

Cons

A significant drawback to Spokane Valley is its higher-than-average crime rate, particularly concerning property crime and motor vehicle theft (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Violent crime rates are also elevated compared to many other communities, posing a safety concern for residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

While housing costs are lower than the national average, other expenses like transportation and groceries are higher (as reported by Payscale). The job market, while diverse, has an average salary that may require careful budgeting, especially when considering the cost of living and potential for poverty, with 9.3% of families living below the poverty line (as reported by US Census Bureau).