When you’re deciding on the right environment for you and your family, the overall quality of life plays a huge role. People who live in Spokane or Coeur d’Alene report satisfaction with their town and neighborhood. But, before you pack up your bags and settle in somewhere, it is necessary to weigh your options and examine these two different areas. The unique aspects that differentiate Spokane and Coeur d’Alene could be deciding factors on where you decide. Read on to learn about the traits that individualize Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.
Overview of Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene is located in Idaho and has an estimated population of 53,354 residents. It is located about 30 miles west of Washington and is a satellite city of Spokane. Known as Lake City, Coeur d’Alene sits on the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene and is west of the mountains. There is a wide selection of recreational activities to keep growing families busy. The lake offers the opportunity to take up fishing, boating, or finally learn how to skip rocks. The mountain range is the prime landscape for hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, or camping.
The typical climate in Coeur d’Alene is moderate in the summer, with temperatures rarely reaching above 90 degrees. During the coldest months, the daily temperature ranges from 29 to 69 degrees. As the city has grown, suburbs have expanded around downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Overview of Spokane
Spokane is the largest city in Spokane County and sits along the Washington-Idaho border. Known as Lilac City, they boast a robust population of 208,916. It is a big city with lots to do. The climate makes it an ideal area for those who like to cycle or take walks outdoors and window shop downtown. The summer month highs average about 80 degrees while the winter average is about 27.5 degrees.
The mountains that surround Spokane, the Cascade Range, and the Rocky Mountains, protect it from many of the weather patterns that plague the Pacific Northwest. Flanked by the Cascades on one side, Spokane sees about 16.5 inches of rain annually, which is less than half of Seattle. The Rocky Mountains on the other shield the area of Spokane from winter’s coldest air fronts moving south across Canada.
Job Growth and Unemployment
When looking at statistical data of Coeur d’Alene, job growth has been on the rise, showing a future projected growth of 44.7%. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate is at 4.9%, well below the national average of 6%. Perhaps because of the population, statistics show that job opportunities are abundant in this charming small town. Because Coeur d’Alene sees a fair amount of tourists, there is also a wide selection of seasonal jobs that help maintain and improve the local economy.
Spokane also expects to see an increase in future available jobs at 33.4%, lower than the national average of 33.5%. The current unemployment rate for Spokane is at 6.6%, and 0.6% higher than the national average. The size of the city does play a large role in job availability and the unemployment rate. Many who work in Spokane live on the outskirts of the surrounding suburbs.
Crime Rate
For many people hoping to move in search of opportunities and a better quality of life, understanding the crime rate in your potential city is important. Coeur d’Alene has a small population which can make it safer. Per 1,000 people, the crime rate is 16.10. The county has a low property crime rate of 12.88 and an even lower violent crime rate of 1.59 per 1,000 people. The Idaho state average for property crime rate is 14.61 and the violent crime rate is 2.27. Coeur d’Alene has a crime index of 24, so it’s safer than 24% of United States cities.
Spokane’s crime rate per 1,000 people is about 64.8, nearly double of Washington’s state average of 38.8. Spokane’s property crime rate is 61 and the violent crime rate lands at about 3.8. Both these numbers exceed Washington’s average of 35.8 for property crimes and 2.5 for violent crimes. Spokane has a crime index of 1, which means that it ranks safer than only 1% of all U.S. cities.
Cost of Living
The cost of living, or the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses, varies from city to city. This is because determining factors, such as housing, utilities, and child care can fluctuate depending on the market demand and high rent prices. As per the United States Census Bureau, the median gross rent per month for Coeur d’Alene is $982. The median household income is recorded at $51,073.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the median gross rent per month for Spokane is slightly lower than Coeur d’Alene at $913. The median household income is $56,904. Basic rent in Spokane is lower while salary is higher. However, because of current employment statistics in Spokane reveal that securing a position is more difficult, the expense to move may not prove beneficial.
While it might be easier for you to secure a job that fits your skillset in Coeur d’Alene, salaries are typically lower and rent higher because it is a favored vacation destination. This would mean fewer funds available for you to use on other expenses, recreation, and to stash into savings. Spokane is attractive because it is a metropolitan area that has larger businesses, has lower rental rates, and pays better overall. But the crime rate could deter some people from wanting to relocate to this bigger city. So while living in Spokane might help your emergency fund grow, living in Coeur d’Alene could offer more physical security.
So there you have it. Wendle Ford has enjoyed sharing with you our list of pros and cons for living in Spokane versus Coeur d’Alene. Although both options have their strengths and charm, the choice is ultimately one of personal preference and individual needs. Did you find our list compelling? Did we miss something you find interesting or important? Let us know! Leave a message and we’ll be happy to include your suggestions on our list.
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