Is Cheney Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cheney
Cheney, Washington, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and the vibrancy of a university community, nestled in the high plains of Eastern Washington. This city provides a distinct lifestyle shaped by its proximity to nature and its role as home to Eastern Washington University. Residents enjoy a balance between a relaxed pace of life and access to the amenities and cultural events that a university brings.
The city’s location provides access to outdoor recreational opportunities, while the presence of Eastern Washington University fosters a dynamic atmosphere. Cheney is a city that appeals to those seeking a close-knit community feel without sacrificing access to educational and cultural resources.
Is it Safe to Live in Cheney?
Cheney’s overall crime rate is reported to be 4% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, specific crime rates indicate areas for attention. The violent crime rate in Cheney is 3.4% higher than the national average, with 371 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals (according to AreaVibes). Property crime rates are 5.1% lower than the U.S. average, with 1670 property crimes per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes).
The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Cheney is 1 in 49. Within the city, residents generally consider the northwest part of Cheney to be the safest area. Conversely, the central neighborhoods experience more crime incidents, with a higher chance of victimization compared to other parts of the city (according to NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cheney presents a mixed picture for potential buyers and renters. The median listing price for homes in Cheney is approximately $450,000 (according to Realtor.com). In March 2026, home prices were down 8.3% compared to the previous year, selling for a median price of $376,000 (according to Redfin).
The homeownership rate in Cheney is around 34.7%, which is notably lower than the national average of 65.2% (according to Data USA). This suggests a strong rental market within the city. Homes in Cheney have, on average, sold after 26 days on the market as of March 2026, a quicker pace than the 75 days recorded the previous year (according to Redfin).
Rental Market Insights
For those considering renting, the average rent in Cheney is approximately $1,345 per month (according to Redfin). This figure shows a slight increase of $0 month-over-month. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $950 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,250 per month (according to Zillow).
Studio apartments are the most budget-friendly option, averaging $1,071 per month for 554 square feet (according to RentCafe). Rental prices have seen a slight decrease of 0.03% over the past year (according to RentCafe). The majority of rentals in Cheney, approximately 60%, fall within the $1,001-$1,500 monthly price range.
Cost of Living Comparison
Cheney’s overall cost of living is approximately 1% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are about 9% lower than the national average, while utility prices are comparable to the national average (according to Payscale). Transportation costs, however, are 19% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).
Food costs in Cheney are about 10% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Healthcare expenses are slightly higher, at 2% above the national average (according to Payscale). Despite some higher costs in transportation and food, the lower housing expenses contribute to Cheney being a relatively affordable place to live.
Economy and Job Market
Major Employers and Industries
Eastern Washington University (EWU) is a significant economic anchor in Cheney, contributing to the city’s dynamic atmosphere and providing a substantial labor force (according to Data USA and Lensa). The Cheney School District is another major employer, supporting the educational infrastructure of the community (according to Cheney, WA). Other notable employers include System Twt Transportation Llc and Big Fish NW Talent Representation (according to Lensa).
The transportation, warehousing, and utilities sector has shown growth, partly due to the expansion of Amazon fulfillment centers (according to Cheney, WA). The manufacturing sector is also seeing investment, with companies like HYDAC Technology Corp. opening new facilities (according to Cheney, WA). Eastern Washington University’s various colleges, particularly in STEM and Business, provide a pipeline of talent for local companies (according to Cheney, WA).
Employment and Salary Information
The average annual salary in Cheney is approximately $53,837, which breaks down to about $25.88 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Cheney range between $44,363 and $58,106 annually (according to ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Cheney has grown to $54,503 (according to Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Cheney is reported at 13.1% (according to Point2Homes). Key employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Accommodation & Food Services, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations are among the most common job groups (according to Data USA).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Weather Patterns
Cheney experiences a climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, wet, and windy winters (according to Wikipedia). The temperature typically ranges from 24°F to 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 10°F or exceeding 95°F (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Cheney Washington, United States).
The hot season spans from June to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 75°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 84°F and lows of 57°F (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Cheney Washington, United States). The cold season lasts from November to February, with average daily highs below 43°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 25°F and highs of 34°F (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Cheney Washington, United States).
Precipitation and Seasonal Conditions
Cheney receives an average annual precipitation of about 19 inches (according to myPerfectWeather and Cheney, WA). The majority of this precipitation falls as rain, with November typically being the wettest month, averaging around 2.0 inches (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Cheney Washington, United States). The city experiences a drier period from late July to early September, with August receiving the least amount of rain, averaging 0.4 inches (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Cheney Washington, United States).
Snowfall is common during the winter months, with an average annual snowfall of approximately 39 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). December typically sees the most snowfall, with an average of 13.0 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Wet days, defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are most frequent in November, with an average of 10.0 days (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Cheney Washington, United States).
Demographics and Lifestyle
Population and Age Distribution
Cheney had a full-time resident population of 13,255 as of the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The median age in Cheney is 22.9 years (according to Wikipedia), indicating a relatively young population, largely influenced by Eastern Washington University. Approximately 15.3% of residents are under 18, and 7.9% are 65 or older (according to Wikipedia).
When classes are in session at EWU, the city’s population temporarily increases to around 17,600 people (according to Wikipedia). The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with slightly more females than males (according to Data USA).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Cheney is predominantly White, with 81.7% of residents identifying as such (according to Wikipedia). Other racial groups include African American (4.0%), Asian (4.0%), Native American (1.3%), and Pacific Islander (0.4%) (according to Wikipedia). Those identifying with two or more races constitute 4.7% of the population (according to Wikipedia).
Hispanic or Latino individuals make up 9.3% of the population (according to Wikipedia). As of 2024, 96.7% of Cheney residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA). The city’s diversity is further enhanced by the presence of international students and faculty at Eastern Washington University.
Education and Schools
School District Overview
Cheney serves its younger residents through the Cheney School District. While specific school ratings were not detailed in the search results, the district is a significant employer within the community (according to Cheney, WA). The presence of a dedicated school district ensures educational opportunities for K-12 students in the area.
The educational landscape in Cheney is strongly influenced by Eastern Washington University, a public regional university. EWU offers over 100 undergraduate fields of study and more than 50 graduate programs, contributing significantly to the city’s educational environment and providing a skilled workforce (according to Lensa).
Higher Education at EWU
Eastern Washington University is a cornerstone of Cheney, attracting a large student population and contributing to the city’s youthful demographic and dynamic atmosphere. The university plays a vital role in the local economy and community life (according to Wikipedia). EWU’s campus serves as a hub for academic, cultural, and social activities, enriching the lives of both students and residents.
The university is a major employer in Cheney, providing numerous job opportunities and contributing to the local economy. Its presence ensures access to higher education and a diverse range of programs for students pursuing advanced degrees (according to Lensa).
Pros and Cons of Living in Cheney
Advantages of Cheney Living
Cheney offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing expenses (according to Payscale). The city provides a strong sense of community, enhanced by the presence of Eastern Washington University, which brings a vibrant and youthful energy (according to Wikipedia). Its location provides access to outdoor activities, and the climate offers distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters.
The city is home to major employers like Eastern Washington University and the Cheney School District, providing stable job opportunities (according to Cheney, WA). The overall crime rate is slightly lower than the national average, and the northwest part of the city is considered particularly safe (according to AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout).
Potential Drawbacks
While generally safe, Cheney’s violent crime rate is higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Transportation costs are also higher than the national average, and food costs are slightly elevated (according to Payscale). The unemployment rate, at 13.1%, is also a point of consideration for job seekers (according to Point2Homes).
The median age is quite young, which might indicate a slower pace of life or fewer amenities geared towards older demographics. Additionally, the homeownership rate is significantly lower than the national average, suggesting a greater reliance on the rental market (according to Data USA).