Spokane
Washington

What stands out

If you had to describe Spokane County in numbers, start here: winter sunshine is among the cloudiest in America (-2.4 on the USDA scale), the overdose death rate is in the top 2% of American counties (54 per 100,000), and the home price against local income is in the top 10% of American counties (3.7 years of income). Within Washington it ranks 35th of 39 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Spokane County, Washington. 538,711 people live here with you. The population grew 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,033).

Washington has no income tax on wages but since 2022 taxes long-term capital gains above $278,000 at 7% and above $1,000,000 at 9%, and it has an estate tax with a $3 million exemption starting in 2025. Sales tax is high, over 10% in Seattle. Home prices in King County are among the highest in the country. The state does not tax retirement income of any kind.

Money

The typical household here brings in $70,394 a year, higher than 75% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $65,488. Unemployment runs 4.8%, higher than 86% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home.

Washington has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $428K, pricier than 89% of American counties, about 3.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,141 a month. Property tax is 0.90% of home value, roughly $2,974 a year on that median home, higher than 53% of American counties. 64% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, lower than 52% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 54 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 77.4 years, longer than 68% of American counties. There are 1,774 active physicians in the county, about 32.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.6 of 5 stars. 7.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.94 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 61% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 48 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 76% of eligible voters turned out. Under Washington law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 50°F, highs near 61 and lows near 39, colder than 76% of American counties. About 18 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 81 out of 100, riskier than 81% of American counties; the county has had 33 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 234 Mbps down, faster than 66% of American counties. There are 23 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 31 breweries, 6 museums.