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 229,447 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $415,000 and average rents near $1,450. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% 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 229,447 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 78% White, 3% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
229,447
Density
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
9.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
78.1%
Black
2.7%
Asian
4.8%
Others
14.4%

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 103.4. Median home values are around $415,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$415,000
Gross Rent
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 7.0%
Cost Of Living Index
103.4
Grocery
100.8
Housing
111.6
Utilities
99.5
Transportation
104.2
Health Care
102.1
Miscellaneous
98.7

Crime

Is Spokane, WA a safe place to live?

Spokane is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 669 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 22. 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
669
Property Crimes Per 100k
4,620
Crime Index
5,289
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 150
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 22

Weather

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

Spokane experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 17 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
57°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
17.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $66,500 and a low poverty rate of 15.6%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 32% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$37,500
Household Income
$66,500
Family Income
$84,000
Per Capita Income
$34,200
Income Male
$47,000
Income Female
$39,000
Poverty Rate
15.6%
Non English Speakers
12.4%
Rent
$1,450
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
4.8%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.8%
Bachelors or More
31.8%

Education

How are the schools in Spokane, WA?

Spokane offers quality education options, with public schools like Lewis & 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, Washington State University Spokane, and Community Colleges of Spokane. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lewis & Clark High School
Street
521 W 4th Ave
Phone
509-354-6000
Students
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio
20.1
Name
Garfield Elementary School
Street
222 W Knox Ave
Phone
509-354-2800
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Aloysius Catholic School
Street
611 E Mission Ave
Phone
509-534-6061
Students
290
Name
Spokane Valley Adventist School
Street
11100 E Montgomery Dr
Phone
509-924-0555
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Gonzaga University
City
Spokane
State
WA
Distance
1 mile
Students
7,500
Name
Washington State University Spokane
City
Spokane
State
WA
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,900
Name
Community Colleges of Spokane
City
Spokane
State
WA
Distance
4 miles
Students
17,000

Healthcare

Spokane residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, MultiCare Deaconess Hospital, and Providence Holy Family Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 91.7% 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
910 W 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204
Phone
(509) 473-5800
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Providence Holy Family Hospital
Address
5633 N Lidgerwood St, Spokane, WA 99208
Phone
(509) 482-2148
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
91.7%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Spokane, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $415,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Spokane offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$415,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate
55.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
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
PO Box 9048, Olympia, WA 98507-9048
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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 229,447, median home value $415,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,450, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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