Spokane County Demographics

Spokane County, WA has a population of approximately 550,000. The racial composition is around 86% White, 5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, 2% Native American, and 2% mixed or other races. The median household income is roughly $57,000. About 20% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The county's age distribution is 22% under 18, 60% ages 18-64, and 18% aged 65 and over.

Spokane County Housing

As of 2023, Spokane County, WA, has a median home price of approximately $385,000, experiencing a year-over-year increase of about 8%. The price per square foot averages around $195. The rental market sees a median rent of $1,450 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is roughly 63.4%, while the vacancy rate stands at about 4.7%. The county's population is estimated at 522,000, contributing to steady demand in the housing market.

Elections in Spokane County

For Spokane County, WA elections, voter registration and participation are crucial. In recent general elections, voter turnout has hovered around 65-75%. Key races often include positions for County Commissioner, Sheriff, Prosecutor, and various judicial seats.

In a recent cycle, notable candidates included:

  • County Commissioner: Republican incumbent Al French vs. Democratic challenger Robbi Katherine Anthony.
  • Sheriff: Ozzie Knezovich, who was succeeded by John Nowels after several terms.
  • Prosecutor: Larry Haskell (incumbent) faced several challengers.

For detailed, up-to-date information, consult the Spokane County Elections Office or their official website, which provides specifics on candidates, measures, and election dates.

How Educated in Spokane County

As of the latest data, Spokane County, WA shows a mixed educational profile. Approximately 92.1% of residents aged 25+ have at least a high school diploma, slightly above the national average of 88.5%. However, only 29.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below both the national average of 33.1% and the Washington state average of 36.7%. This suggests that while basic education attainment is slightly better than average, higher education attainment lags behind compared to broader benchmarks. The county shows a need for improvements in higher education to match state and national performance.

Spokane County Employment Rate

As of the latest data in 2023, Spokane County, WA, has an employment rate of approximately 95.7%, reflecting a job market consistent with national averages. The top industries in Spokane County include healthcare and social assistance (18%), retail trade (14%), and educational services (9%). The county's unemployment rate stands at around 4.3%, slightly better than the national average of 5.0% and aligned with the Washington state average of 4.5%.

In comparison:

  • Nationally, the top industries are healthcare and social assistance (13.8%), retail trade (11.7%), and professional and business services (13.1%).
  • In Washington state, top sectors include technology, aerospace, and healthcare.

Spokane County's emphasis on healthcare is stronger compared to both the national trend and the state, highlighting its role as a regional medical hub. The retail sector also plays a crucial role, closely mirroring national patterns.

Average Income in Spokane County

As of recent data, Spokane County, WA, reports a median household income of approximately $57,000. In contrast, the median household income for Washington State is about $78,687, and the national average stands around $68,700. Here is a comparison:

Location Median Household Income
Spokane County, WA $57,000
Washington State $78,687
United States $68,700

These figures indicate that Spokane County's median household income is notably lower than both the state and national averages. This economic disparity highlights regional variations within the same state and across the country.

Spokane County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, Spokane County, WA, has crime rates indicating some public safety challenges. For example, the violent crime rate is approximately 3.8 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate is about 42 per 1,000 residents. These figures highlight that property crimes, such as burglary and vehicle theft, are significantly more prevalent than violent crimes like assault and robbery.

Type of Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crime 3.8
Property Crime 42
Burglary 7.5
Vehicle Theft 8.7
Assault 2.4
Robbery 0.9

Note that these statistics are subject to change, and it's advisable to consult the most current data from authoritative sources like local law enforcement or government databases for precise information.