Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nespelem, WA
Considering a move to Nespelem, WA? This small, close-knit community of about 220 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $85,000 and typical rents near $870. The town features a predominantly Native American heritage, a relaxed average commute of just under 19 minutes, and a semi-arid climate with 62% sunny days a year. While education and incomes are below state averages, Nespelem provides a peaceful rural atmosphere, low housing costs, and easy access to nearby outdoor recreation.
Demographics - Nespelem, WA
Demographics - Nespelem, WA
Nespelem is a small, close-knit community of about 220 residents, with a youthful median age of 33.5 and a population that is predominantly Native American. The town has a moderate population density and a slightly higher number of males than females, with 13% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
220
Density:
630 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.5
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
17.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
83.0% (predominantly Native American)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nespelem, WA?
Nespelem offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $85,000 and average rents at $870. Utility and transportation costs are below national averages, and there is no state income tax in Washington, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$930
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (WA has no state income tax)
|
High:
9.0% (sales tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
92.0
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
90.0
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Nespelem, WA a safe place to live?
Nespelem experiences relatively low levels of violent crime, with a chance of 1 in 476, but property crime occurs more frequently, at a rate of 1 in 76. Overall, the town maintains a quiet and safe atmosphere compared to larger urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,300
Crime Index:
1,510
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Nespelem, WA year-round?
The area enjoys a semi-arid climate with 62% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of 12.5 inches. Summers are warm, reaching highs near 88°F, while winters are cold but manageable, with lows around 21°F.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Nespelem are part of a tight-knit community, with a median household income of $30,100 and a poverty rate of 32%. Most residents have at least a high school education, while commute times are short, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$19,000
Household Income:
$30,100
Family Income:
$32,200
Per Capita Income:
$13,200
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$19,500
Poverty Rate:
32.0%
Non English Speakers:
13.0%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
8.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.0%
Bachelors or More:
7.0%
Education
How are the schools in Nespelem, WA?
Nespelem is served by a local elementary school with small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention for students. For higher education, residents have access to Big Bend Community College located about 73 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Nespelem Elementary School
Street:
229 School Loop Rd
Phone:
509-634-4541
Students:
140
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5

Colleges
Name:
Big Bend Community College
City:
Moses Lake
State:
WA
Distance:
73 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Nespelem includes access to the nearby Coulee Medical Center, a critical access hospital with emergency services. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and the physician-to-population ratio is about 1 per 1,000 people.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Coulee Medical Center
Address:
411 Fortuyn Rd, Grand Coulee, WA 99133
Phone:
(509) 633-1753
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.0%
Health Care Index:
64.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nespelem, WA?
The housing market in Nespelem is very affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom at $870. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees low rates of foreclosure and new construction.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Nespelem residents are provided through the Washington State Department of Licensing, with the nearest office in Omak. Convenient access to licensing and registration services is available both in person and online.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
112 S. Main Street, Omak, WA 98841
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.