Is Spokane Safe, Pros and cons of living in Spokane

Spokane, Washington, offers a unique blend of urban amenities and access to the natural beauty of the Inland Northwest. This city, situated in eastern Washington, is known for its distinct four seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Its location, shielded by mountain ranges, creates a climate that differs from the western part of the state, often resulting in more sunshine than coastal cities.

The city’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from education and health services, trade, transportation, and utilities, as well as government sectors. Spokane has a rich history, evolving from a natural resource-based economy to include technology, healthcare, and biotech. This economic diversification provides a solid foundation for the region and offers a range of employment opportunities for its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Spokane?

Spokane’s crime rates present a mixed picture, with a higher incidence of property crime compared to national averages. The city records a significant number of property crimes, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Your chance of being a victim of a property crime in Spokane is approximately 1 in 21 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This rate is considerably higher than the national average, indicating a need for vigilance among residents.

While property crime is a concern, the violent crime rate in Spokane is also noted to be high when compared to communities of similar size and across the nation. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, which includes offenses like assault, robbery, rape, and murder, is about 1 in 149 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Law enforcement agencies track these statistics closely, and understanding these rates is crucial for anyone considering a move to the area.

Cost of Living in Spokane

Housing Expenses

Housing costs in Spokane are generally lower than the national average, making it a more accessible option for many. The median home price in Spokane was around $350,000 in March 2026, showing a slight decrease from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This median price is also noted to be lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Rental prices in Spokane are also considered affordable when compared to many other cities in the U.S. The average rent for an apartment in Spokane was approximately $1,416 in April 2026, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,160, while a two-bedroom unit can be expected to cost about $1,426 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Everyday Expenses

The overall cost of living in Spokane is slightly lower than the national average, with some expenses being more or less costly than the national figures. Groceries in Spokane tend to be about 10% more expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). However, utility prices are generally in line with the national average, or slightly lower.

Transportation costs, including gas prices and public transit fares, are higher in Spokane than the national average. Transportation expenses are approximately 19% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). While some daily costs may be elevated, the more affordable housing market can help balance these expenses for residents.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers and Industries

Spokane’s economy is anchored by several key sectors, with education and health services being a significant employer. Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital is a major healthcare provider in the region. Other substantial employers include the State of Washington and Spokane Public Schools, reflecting the importance of public services in the local economy (as reported by Wikipedia).

The trade, transportation, and utilities sector also plays a crucial role in Spokane’s employment landscape. Additionally, government entities and the military, represented by the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, are significant contributors to the job market. The city’s economic base has diversified over time, incorporating technology and biotech alongside its traditional industries.

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in the Spokane metropolitan area was around 5.3% as of February 2020 (as reported by Wikipedia). More recently, in July, the unemployment rate for the Spokane-Spokane Valley Metropolitan Statistical Area rose to 4.3% (as reported by the Washington state Employment Security Department). This rate is down from the previous year, indicating a generally stable job market.

The average salary in Spokane is approximately $53,311 per year, or $25.63 per hour, as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Higher-paying positions are often found in specialized fields such as medicine and management, with average hourly wages in management roles reaching $65.81 (as reported by krem.com).

Climate and Weather

Temperatures and Seasons

Spokane experiences a distinct four-season climate, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The hot season typically runs from late June to early September, with average daily high temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. July is usually the hottest month, with average highs around 86°F and lows of 58°F (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Conversely, the cold season extends from mid-November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 45°F.

Winter in Spokane can be quite cold, with December being the coldest month. Average low temperatures in December hover around 27°F, and highs rarely exceed 36°F (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The city can experience frosty nights from September through May, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 0°F on some of those nights (as reported by Extreme Weather Watch).

Precipitation and Sunshine

Spokane receives a moderate amount of precipitation annually, with an average of about 17 inches of rain per year, which is well below the national average (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The wettest months are typically in the fall and winter, with November seeing an average of 2.4 inches of rain (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Spokane also experiences an average of 44 inches of snow annually (as reported by Vertex AI Search).

Despite the precipitation during certain seasons, Spokane is known for its sunshine. The city averages around 171 sunny days per year (as reported by Vertex AI Search), which is more than many other cities in the Pacific Northwest. The summer months, from June to September, are particularly dry and clear, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

Education in Spokane

School District Performance

The Spokane School District serves a large student population across numerous schools. For the 2022-2023 school year, the district ranked within the top 50% of all school districts in Washington based on proficiency test data (as reported by Public School Review). The district has seen an increase in its graduation rate, reaching 91%.

Spokane County public schools, in general, show competitive performance in academic proficiency. Math proficiency in Spokane County schools averages around 42%, while reading proficiency is around 54% (as reported by Vertex AI Search). These scores are slightly above the statewide averages for Washington public schools.

Notable Schools

Several schools in the Spokane area receive high ratings for their academic performance and teaching quality. Among the top-ranked elementary schools are Orchard Prairie Elementary School and Libby Center, both noted for their strong academic and teaching scores (as reported by BestofSpokaneMoving.com). Wilson Elementary School and Colbert Elementary School are also recognized for their educational offerings.

At the secondary level, Lewis & Clark High School is considered one of the outstanding high schools in the region, boasting a high graduation rate and strong proficiency scores in reading (as reported by BestofSpokaneMoving.com). Other notable high schools include Central Valley High School and North Central High School, which also receive favorable reviews for their educational programs.

Demographics of Spokane

Population and Age

Spokane is the second-most populous city in Washington, with a population of approximately 231,311 as of 2026 (as reported by Wikipedia). The city is experiencing modest growth, with its population increasing by about 0.92% since the most recent census in 2020 (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age of residents in Spokane is around 37.2 years (as reported by Vertex AI Search).

The age distribution in Spokane shows a balanced demographic, with approximately 21.8% of residents under the age of 18 and 17.3% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia for Spokane County). This demographic profile suggests a city with a mix of young families, working-age adults, and a significant senior population.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial makeup of Spokane is predominantly White, accounting for about 79.82% of the population (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Other significant racial groups include those identifying as two or more races, Black or African American, Asian, and Native American. Hispanic or Latino residents constitute a smaller percentage of the population.

Overall, Spokane is a diverse city, though the White population forms the majority. The city’s demographics reflect a broad spectrum of ethnicities, contributing to its cultural landscape. As of 2024, a small percentage of Spokane residents were born outside the country, representing approximately 5.69% of the population (as reported by Data USA).