Washington / Spokane County

Moving to Spokane, WA

Thinking of making a move to Spokane, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Spokane, WA

Considering a move to Spokane, WA? This welcoming community of 229,513 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $335,000 and average rents near $1,200. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Spokane's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Spokane, WA

Spokane has a population of 229,513 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 82% White, 3% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
229,513
Density
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
9.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
81.6%
Black
2.6%
Asian
2.8%
Others
13.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Spokane, WA?

The cost of living in Spokane is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 98.0. Median home values are around $335,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,200. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$335,000
Gross Rent
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,730
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$510
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
98.0
Grocery
100.3
Housing
93.5
Utilities
93.8
Transportation
94.2
Health Care
101.2
Miscellaneous
97.0

Crime

Is Spokane, WA a safe place to live?

Spokane is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 478 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 27. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
478
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,740
Crime Index
4,218
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 209
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 27

Weather

What is the weather like in Spokane, WA year-round?

Spokane experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 17 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
56°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
39°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
17.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $60,400 and a low poverty rate of 15.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,000
Household Income
$60,400
Family Income
$76,200
Per Capita Income
$32,300
Income Male
$42,200
Income Female
$36,700
Poverty Rate
15.8%
Non English Speakers
9.8%
Rent
$1,200
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
Public Transport Usage
2.0%
Commute Time
21.1 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
28.7%

Education

How are the schools in Spokane, WA?

Spokane offers quality education options, with public schools like Lewis and Clark High School and Garfield Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Gonzaga University and Eastern Washington University (Spokane Campus). The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lewis and Clark High School
Street
521 W 4th Ave
Phone
509-354-7000
Students
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio
20.1
Name
Garfield Elementary School
Street
222 W Knox Ave
Phone
509-354-3300
Students
500
Student Teacher Ratio
17.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Aloysius Catholic School
Street
611 E Mission Ave
Phone
509-489-7825
Students
280

Colleges

Name
Gonzaga University
City
Spokane
State
WA
Distance
0 miles
Students
7,300
Name
Eastern Washington University (Spokane Campus)
City
Spokane
State
WA
Distance
0 miles
Students
3,000

Healthcare

Spokane residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and MultiCare Deaconess Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 91.2% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
Address
101 W 8th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204
Phone
(509) 474-3131
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
MultiCare Deaconess Hospital
Address
800 W 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204
Phone
(509) 473-5800
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
91.2%
Health Care Index
74.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Spokane, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $335,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 56%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.5%. Spokane offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$335,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate
55.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Spokane handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone
360-902-3900

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.

FAQs About Moving to Spokane, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Spokane, review the core fields on this page: population 229,513, median home value $335,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,200, commute time 21.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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