Is Medical Lake Safe, Pros and cons of living in Medical Lake
Medical Lake, Washington, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to natural beauty, situated in Spokane County. This city is known for its namesake lake, historically believed to have healing properties, which drew early settlers and contributed to its development. Today, Medical Lake serves as a community for those seeking a quieter pace of life while remaining within reach of larger urban amenities.
The city’s history is intertwined with the natural resources of the area, including granite quarries and brick factories that played a role in the development of nearby Spokane. Eastern State Hospital and Fairchild Air Force Base are significant institutions that have historically shaped the local economy and community. These elements contribute to the distinct character of Medical Lake, making it a place with a rich past and a developing future.
Is it Safe to Live in Medical Lake?
Medical Lake generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are comparable to or lower than national averages. The overall crime rate is around 8 per 1,000 residents, indicating that your chance of becoming a victim of crime is approximately 1 in 128 (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). This positions Medical Lake as safer than about 62% of communities in Washington state.
Violent crime rates in Medical Lake are notably below the national average, with a chance of victimization at about 1 in 1,251 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates, including burglary and theft, are around 7 per 1,000 residents, which is considered average for cities of all sizes across the United States. Residents often consider the west part of the city to be the safest, with neighborhood crime rates varying.
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Medical Lake presents a more affordable option compared to the national average. The median property value in Medical Lake was approximately $368,700 in 2024 (Data USA), showing a notable increase from the previous year. The homeownership rate stands at a healthy 66.1%, suggesting a strong sense of community investment.
Rental costs in Medical Lake are also generally lower than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent is around $1,377 per month, which is about 16% less than the national average (Apartments.com). This affordability extends to various apartment sizes, with one-bedroom units averaging $1,377 and two-bedroom units around $1,137 per month.
Home Prices
Median home prices in Medical Lake have seen an increase, with the median property value reaching $368,700 in 2024 (Data USA). This indicates a stable market for homeowners. Recent trends show a median listing price of around $449.5K, with a decline in the median sale price year-over-year, which may offer leverage for buyers (Home.com).
Rental Market
The rental market in Medical Lake offers a more budget-friendly alternative, with average rents significantly below the national median. As of May 2026, the average rent is $1,377 per month (Apartments.com). This figure is 16% lower than the national average, making Medical Lake an attractive option for renters seeking affordability.
Job Market and Economy
Medical Lake’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance being the largest employment sector, followed by Retail Trade and Educational Services (Data USA). The city has seen employment growth, with a 5.84% increase from the previous year, bringing the total number of employees to approximately 2.38k (Data USA).
The average salary in Medical Lake is around $66,752 per year, or $32 per hour (ERI SalaryExpert). Major employers in the area include Eastern State Hospital and Fairchild Air Force Base, which are significant contributors to the local job market. The unemployment rate in Medical Lake has been trending downwards, recorded at 1.4% in 2023 (CensusDepth), which is well below the national average.
Major Employers
Key employers in Medical Lake include Eastern State Hospital and Fairchild Air Force Base, both of which have historically been central to the city’s economic landscape (Wikipedia). These institutions provide a substantial number of jobs and contribute to the stability of the local workforce.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Medical Lake has shown a positive trend, decreasing to 1.4% in 2023 (CensusDepth). This figure is significantly lower than the national average, suggesting a robust job market within the city and surrounding areas.
Climate and Weather
Medical Lake experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature ranges from a chilly 22°F in winter to a pleasant 87°F in summer (Plantmaps). The city receives moderate annual snowfall, with most of it occurring in December.
Precipitation is most notable in December, which is also the wettest month, receiving about 2.6 inches of total precipitation. The area receives approximately 18 inches of total precipitation annually, with comfortable humidity levels throughout the year (Plantmaps). The sunniest months are typically July and August, offering clear skies, while January and December tend to be cloudier.
Average Temperatures
During the summer months, daily high temperatures in Medical Lake generally range between 65°F and 86°F (Plantmaps). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 83°F. Conversely, winter temperatures can drop significantly, with the coldest month, December, experiencing average highs near 33°F and lows around 24°F (Plantmaps).
Rainfall and Snowfall
Annual precipitation in Medical Lake averages around 18 inches (Plantmaps). The wettest month is December, with an average of 3 inches of precipitation. The drier season extends from June to October, with August seeing the least amount of rain. Snowfall averages approximately 40 inches annually, primarily concentrated in the winter months.
Education System
The Medical Lake School District serves the city and surrounding areas, providing education for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district is recognized for its quality, earning an overall B+ Niche grade and ranking within the top 20% of public school districts in Washington (Niche). This includes strong performance in math and reading proficiency.
Medical Lake High School is a standout institution within the district, recognized for its high graduation rate of 96.3% and strong performance in English Language Arts (Niche). Hallett Elementary School shows particular strength in science education, while Medical Lake Middle School consistently performs well, contributing to a cohesive educational experience across the district.
School District Performance
The Medical Lake School District is considered above average, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (Niche). A significant portion of students, approximately half, qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, yet the district demonstrates effective academic support and growth. The district’s overall performance places it in the 84th percentile statewide (Niche).
Individual School Highlights
Medical Lake High School is noted for its academic achievements, ranking among the top high schools in the state (Niche). Hallett Elementary School excels in science education, and Medical Lake Middle School provides consistent performance. These schools collectively contribute to a strong educational foundation for the community’s youth.
Demographics and Population
Medical Lake is a small city with a population of approximately 4,950 residents as of recent estimates (Data USA). The population is primarily White, making up about 87.9% of residents, with smaller percentages identifying as African American, Asian, Native American, and other races (Point2Homes). The median age in Medical Lake is around 41 years.
The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a high homeownership rate of 66.1% (Data USA). The average commute time for residents is about 21.4 minutes, with most people driving alone to work. The city has a relatively low poverty rate, with 8.14% of the population living below the poverty line, which is lower than the national average (Data USA).
Population Composition
The racial makeup of Medical Lake is predominantly White (87.9%), followed by other races (6.34%) and African American (4.12%) (Point2Homes). The city is home to a population where 99.8% are citizens (Data USA). The median age is around 41.1 years, with a nearly balanced gender distribution (Data Commons).
Income and Poverty Levels
The median household income in Medical Lake was reported as $79,989 in 2024 (Point2Homes). This income level is below the Washington state median but demonstrates a comfortable living standard for many residents. The poverty rate stands at 8.14%, which is lower than the national average of 12.5% (Data Commons).
Cost of Living
Medical Lake offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, with specific categories showing significant savings. Overall living expenses are approximately 3% lower than the national average (Payscale). This affordability is particularly noticeable in housing and utility costs.
While some expenses like transportation can be higher than the national average, the overall cost of living makes Medical Lake an economically attractive place to reside. The cost of living is also considerably lower when compared to major metropolitan areas like San Francisco or New York (Salary.com).
Housing Expenses
Housing expenses in Medical Lake are notably lower than the national average, by about 15% (Payscale). This contributes significantly to the city’s overall affordability. Monthly housing costs for a single person are around $1,034, and for a family of four, they are approximately $1,895 (Salary.com).
Everyday Expenses
Groceries in Medical Lake are about 10% higher than the national average (Payscale), but this is offset by savings in other areas. Utility prices are on par with the national average, while healthcare costs are slightly higher by about 2% (Payscale). Transportation expenses, however, are about 19% higher than the national average.