CountyScore

Spokane County

Washington · WA

#26 in Washington
63.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Spokane County, Washington

Spokane County meets national standards

Spokane County's composite score of 66.1 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 32%, positioning the county in the upper-middle tier of American livability. This advantage reflects a balanced profile across measured dimensions.

Slightly below Washington state average

Spokane County scores 66.1, falling just below Washington's state average of 68.1 and ranking in the competitive middle tier of the state's counties. The county performs close to state norms.

Affordability and reasonable tax environment

Spokane County delivers a 65.8 cost score reflecting median home values of $370,500 and gross rent at $1,200/month—notably more accessible than Western Washington. A 78.0 tax score at 0.863% effective rate supports reasonable budgets.

Lower incomes limit overall profile

The income score of 31.4 with median household income of $73,513 trails state averages, creating pressure on affordability gains. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable for fuller assessment.

Best for cost-conscious Eastern Washington families

Spokane County suits middle-class families and individuals prioritizing affordability and lower cost of living over high urban incomes. Those seeking four seasons, outdoor recreation, and reasonable housing costs in a regional hub will find Spokane County attractive.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax78Cost65.8SafetyComing SoonHealth75.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.4Risk10WaterComing Soon
🏛78
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Spokane County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
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63.7
Median income: $64,589
Clay County
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Median income: $86,094
Putnam County
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63.7
Median income: $47,256
Decatur County
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63.7
Median income: $50,485
Lowndes County
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63.7
Median income: $55,887

Deep Dives

Spokane County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Spokane County

via TaxByCounty

Spokane County taxes rank high

Spokane County's effective tax rate of 0.863% exceeds the national median of 0.750%, placing it in the 67th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $3,196 is 19% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Above-average in Washington

Spokane County's 0.863% effective rate ranks well above Washington's state average of 0.761%, placing it in the upper quarter of the state's counties. The median property tax of $3,196 exceeds the state median of $3,028 by 5%.

Highest in eastern Washington

Spokane County's 0.863% rate significantly exceeds nearby Pend Oreille County (0.665%) and Skamania County (0.715%), making it the highest-tax county in eastern Washington. This reflects Spokane's status as the region's economic hub.

Pay $3,196 on median home

On Spokane County's median home value of $370,500, you'll pay approximately $3,196 in annual property taxes. Both mortgaged and non-mortgaged homeowners face similar bills in the $3,090–$3,250 range.

Assessment appeals are worth pursuing

Spokane County homeowners should review their property assessments for overvaluation and file appeals when justified. Even modest reductions yield meaningful annual savings on the county's above-average tax rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Spokane County

via CostByCounty

Spokane County's Moderate Affordability Challenge

Spokane County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% slightly exceeds the national average, indicating a moderate housing affordability challenge. With median household income of $73,513—just below the national average—and rent at $1,200/month, Spokane residents face affordability pressures similar to the typical American household.

Mid-Range Housing Costs for Washington

Spokane County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above Washington's 18.8% state average, placing it in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. At $1,200/month, median rent matches the state median exactly, making Spokane a representative Washington housing market.

Spokane: Eastern Washington's Hub

Spokane County's $1,200 rent undercuts western Washington's Puget Sound counties (Pierce $1,722, Snohomish $1,866) significantly, though it runs $414 above rural Pend Oreille. With median income of $73,513, Spokane offers the region's best balance of urban opportunity and relative affordability east of the Cascades.

Eastern Washington's Housing Math

Spokane County renters spend 19.6% of income on rent ($1,200/month), while owners dedicate 22.2% to mortgage and costs ($1,363/month). The median home value of $370,500 sits below state averages, keeping ownership achievable for households near the median income.

Spokane: The Eastern Washington Standard

Spokane County delivers reliable housing affordability as eastern Washington's largest metro, with costs well below Puget Sound rivals. Relocators seeking urban amenities with better affordability should compare Spokane favorably against Pierce and Snohomish, though Skamania and Pend Oreille offer even greater value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Spokane County

via IncomeByCounty

Spokane County near U.S. income average

Spokane County's median household income of $73,513 sits just 1.7% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county near the U.S. midpoint. Eastern Washington's largest urban center supports competitive wages across healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors.

Below-average but steady earnings

Spokane County ranks 29th among Washington's 39 counties, trailing the state average of $76,363 by $2,850. The modest gap reflects Spokane's role as a mid-sized regional economy distinct from Puget Sound wealth concentrations.

Mid-range in statewide comparison

Spokane County's $73,513 income trails most western Washington peers—including Snohomish ($107,982), Pierce ($96,632), Skagit ($85,474), and Skamania ($90,085)—but leads Pend Oreille ($63,750) and Pacific ($62,350). The gap reflects urban-rural and regional economic divides.

Rent-to-income ratio above comfort zone

Spokane County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% is manageable but climbing toward affordability pressure. With a median home value of $370,500, homeownership requires approximately 5 years of median income—achievable but requiring discipline.

Build wealth through consistency

Spokane County residents earning the median $73,513 should prioritize steady retirement contributions and emergency savings to weather housing cost pressures. Exploring employer benefits, education investments, and long-term asset building can boost income and financial security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Spokane County

via HealthByCounty

Spokane County slightly trails national average

At 76.9 years, Spokane County's life expectancy falls 1.6 years short of the U.S. average of 78.5 years. With 16.4% reporting poor or fair health—slightly better than the national rate of 17.9%—the county shows mixed health outcomes typical of larger regional hubs.

Below state average but solid regionally

Spokane County's 76.9-year life expectancy trails Washington's 78.1-year average by 1.2 years, reflecting the challenges of a large Eastern Washington urban center. Despite this, the county ranks in the middle range statewide for health outcomes.

Outperforms most Eastern Washington peers

Spokane's health outcomes exceed most neighboring counties in Eastern Washington, benefiting from its status as a regional medical hub. With 87 primary care providers and 633 mental health providers per 100,000, Spokane offers the strongest provider density among all counties reviewed.

Excellent insurance coverage and provider access

Only 6.2% of Spokane residents lack health insurance—the lowest uninsured rate among all counties reviewed, well below Washington's 9% average. With 87 primary care and 633 mental health providers per 100,000, Spokane delivers exceptional healthcare infrastructure.

Lock in coverage that works for you

With Spokane's strong provider network and high coverage rates, ensure you're leveraging available resources by confirming your plan details. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact your insurance company to verify your coverage includes preventive care and specialists you trust.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Spokane County

via RiskByCounty

Spokane County faces moderate disaster risk

Spokane County scores 89.98 on the composite risk scale, well above Washington's state average of 70.01 and in the relatively moderate risk category nationally. This means Spokane residents face more frequent or severe natural hazard exposure than the typical American county. The county's large population and geographic diversity create multiple interconnected disaster threats concentrated in specific hazard types.

Fifth-riskiest county in Washington

Spokane County ranks fifth statewide for overall disaster risk, behind Pierce (98.54), Snohomish (97.87), Pacific (92.75), and Skagit (88.77) counties. Spokane's composite score of 89.98 reflects exceptionally high wildfire risk (96.56), significant flood risk (91.60), and notable tornado risk (42.68). The county's eastern Washington location creates a distinctly different hazard profile from coastal counties, with wildfire dominating rather than earthquake threats.

Riskiest in eastern Washington region

Spokane County's 89.98 score substantially exceeds neighboring Pend Oreille County (28.02) to the north and most other eastern Washington counties, making it the region's clear risk leader. Spokane's wildfire risk (96.56) is the highest east of the Cascades and comparable to western Washington's seismic threats. Yakima County to the south has a similar wildfire-dominated profile but lower overall composite risk, while Grant and Lincoln counties are substantially safer.

Wildfires, floods, and tornadoes collide

Wildfire risk dominates at 96.56, making Spokane County one of Washington's most fire-prone regions—exceeded only by Skamania County (93.92)—due to extensive forestlands and summer drought conditions typical of eastern Washington. Flood risk (91.60) affects the Spokane River and tributary systems, particularly during spring snowmelt and occasional severe winter storms. Tornado risk (42.68) is surprisingly significant, comparable to Pierce County and reflecting the region's thunderstorm exposure during spring and early summer.

Wildfire insurance and flood preparedness

Spokane County homeowners should ensure standard homeowners policies include adequate wildfire coverage and understand exclusions related to forest fire damage—the county's 96.56 wildfire risk makes this critical. Obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if your property is in the Spokane River floodplain or other mapped flood zones. Create defensible space around your home by clearing dead trees and brush within 30 feet, use fire-resistant roofing materials, and establish an evacuation plan for fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.