Demographics
As of 2023, Spokane County, WA, has an estimated population of about 550,000. Approximately 49.4% are male and 50.6% female. The median age is around 38 years. Racially, the county is 83% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, 1.8% Native American, and 8% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with the remainder identifying as two or more races. This reflects moderate diversity and a steadily growing population base.
Elections
Spokane County, WA, has over 350,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, and local races, conducted primarily by mail-in ballots; in-person voting is available at select voter service centers (about 5 locations countywide). In the 2020 presidential election, 53% voted Republican, 43% Democrat. Issues often debated include homelessness, public safety, and taxation. The Spokane County Auditor’s Office oversees elections. The two main parties are Republican and Democratic, with minor party and independent participation. Voter turnout typically ranges from 66% in presidential years to around 40% in local elections.
Education, Employment and Housing
Spokane County, WA, serves over 50,000 K-12 students in 60+ public schools, including more than 15 high schools. The high school graduation rate is about 86%. Approximately 30% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures have improved, with incidents below the national average. Education programs feature STEM, Advanced Placement, and running start options. The average public school rating is around 6/10 (GreatSchools). Adult education is supported by Spokane Community College and nearby universities, offering GED and workforce training programs.
As of 2023, Spokane County, WA, has an employment rate of about 60%. Major industries include health care (18%), retail trade (12%), and education (11%). Occupationally, 22% work in management, business, science, and arts, while 20% are in sales and office roles. The average commute time is 22 minutes, with over 83% driving alone to work. Most employed residents work within Spokane County, with Spokane city as the primary employment hub.
Spokane County, WA, has a homeownership rate around 64%, with median home values near $375,000 as of early 2024. Median monthly rent is approximately $1,300. Housing types range from historic bungalows in Browne’s Addition to newer suburban homes in Liberty Lake. Popular neighborhoods include South Hill and Kendall Yards. Home values have increased about 5% year-over-year. Property tax rates average 1.10% of assessed value. The market remains competitive due to limited inventory and increasing demand, spurring new housing developments throughout the county.
County Crime & Safety
Spokane County, WA, has a crime rate higher than the national average, with a 2023 violent crime rate of approximately 4.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and property crime around 31 per 1,000. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Police Department actively report and address crimes, with annual reports indicating over 12,000 property crimes and 1,800 violent crimes in 2023. Despite increased community initiatives, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity through local hotlines and online reporting tools.
Popular names
- Michael Smith
- John Smith
- David Smith
- Robert Johnson
- David Johnson
- Michael Johnson
- John Johnson
- James Johnson
- James Smith
- Robert Smith
- Mary Smith
- Thomas Smith
- Michael Davis
- Gary Johnson
- Michael Moore
- Michael Williams
- Robert Martin
- Michael Brown
- Richard Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- John Wilson
- David Thompson
- James Miller
- Jennifer Johnson
- Michael Miller
- David Anderson
- Mark Smith
- Mary Johnson
- James Williams
- David Williams
- Michael Anderson
- Michael Jones
- David Brown
- Eric Johnson
- Daniel Johnson
- James Brown
- Robert Thompson
- Robert Wilson
- Scott Smith
- William Johnson
- Kevin Smith
- Susan Smith
- John Miller
- Mary Miller
- Robert Miller
- Amanda Johnson
- John Hall
- Mark Johnson
- Richard Anderson
- Robert Brown
- Christopher Smith
- David Nelson
- James Davis
- Jeffrey Smith
- Jessica Johnson
- John Nelson
- Joshua Smith
- Linda Johnson
- Patricia Smith
- Robert Walker