When you’re looking to relocate to another city, there are many things to consider. Often, we move for professional reasons because there are better job opportunities. Other reasons may be a little more personal, like wanting to be closer to family or hoping to provide a better quality of life for growing children in a safer neighborhood. If you’re weighing a decision to move to either Spokane or Spokane Valley, it is best to review the traits and demographic information that make each area unique. Read on to learn a little more about Spokane and Spokane Valley and their differences.
Overview of Spokane
Spokane is located in Washington state, at the heart of the Inland Northwest. The name comes from the Spokane tribe and means “Children of the Sun.” As the second-most populous city in the state, it hosts many great community events, festivals, and gatherings. People from all over visit Spokane during their Lilac Bloomsday Run. If you’re someone who loves a busy city where there is always something to do, then Spokane is the place for you. City leadership is consistently looking for ways to improve the community and help each member become a viable and productive contributor.
Spokane has a beautiful environment, lush with trees and shrubs, and is a mesh of old and new. Driving through, you’ll find old-style buildings from as far back as the 1900s peeking out at you from between modern buildings and shopping malls. The townspeople have attempted to preserve their history, and are proud residents that carry on with their traditions.
Recently, community representatives unveiled their plan to combat homelessness. Mayor Woodward secured funding from the state to build a young adult shelter to help some of their community’s most vulnerable individuals. Another project titled “Hope Works” proves Spokane shows genuine care and concern for some of its most at-need members and seeks ways to help them lead a meaningful life with dignity. This pilot program aims to improve the lives of panhandlers and the unhoused by creating an opportunity for them to earn a wage each day, gather information about shelters and medical care, and learn about employment opportunities.
Overview of Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley, commonly referred to by residents of Spokane and nearby Coeur d’Alene as simply the valley, borders the city of Spokane and Liberty Lake. It is named after the valley of the Spokane River, where it is located. The city attracts those who work in Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, and even Seattle, as it is central enough to commute easily to and from those areas. It has small-town charm and frequently hosts small festivals such as the Spokane County Interstate Fair, Valleyfest, and the Inland Northwest Craft Beer Festival.
Those who like history will be happy to hear that it is home to the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, which has many artifacts and interesting tidbits of Spokane history. And individuals who can’t live without America’s favorite pastime, baseball, will delight to know that Spokane Valley is home to the minor league team, the Spokane Indians.
Job Opportunities and Unemployment
Spokane is a mid-sized city where 30% of residents have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Spokane County’s unemployment rate is about 4.3, below Washington’s average of 5.2. With 12.9% of people living at or below the poverty line, Spokane has implemented programs to end the cycle and help families of all types earn a livable wage. And with the county’s reliance on natural resources, job opportunities in Spokane remain fairly consistent.
Spokane Valley is home to a little over 100,000 people and is the largest suburb of Spokane. The estimated unemployment rate in Spokane Valley alone is 9.5, slightly higher than the state of Washington.
Cost of Living Comparison
Spokane is a large metropolitan area, anchored by the city of Coeur d’Alene. The median annual income per household is $56,904, well below Washington state’s average of $73,755 annually. While the median gross rent is $913 per month, the largest employers are the State of Washington and Spokane Public Schools. On average, groceries, gas, and basic living expenses such as the water and electric utilities compare with those of the state average. Because Spokane County has seen a boom in residential dwellings lately, the housing market is more competitive here. However, this is in the buyer’s favor, as with competition quality increases.
Alternatively, Spokane Valley is a small suburb in Spokane County and has less competitive wages. The median annual income per household in Spokane Valley is $51,961, only a few thousand below Spokane’s average. And what you trade in salary, you get in privacy. The neighborhoods within the valley are spread out. Houses have ample yards and people are respectful of space. Unlike a city, the rural community in Spokane Valley gives residents the opportunity to enjoy space without rush and pressure. However, the median gross rent in the valley is slightly higher at $946, which may make budgeting a necessity.
Safety Comparison
Spokane Valley and Spokane both experience their fair share of crime. According to bestplaces, Spokane property crime, including theft, is at 95.3 (The US average is 35.4) while violent crimes are around 28.6 (The US average is 22.7). Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime).
Spokane Valley’s property crime rate is about 74.0, almost double the national average of 35.4 but well below Spokane’s 95.3. If you leave bikes unattended on the lawn or vehicles unlocked, a move to Spokane or Spokane Valley might require a change in habits. However, for those worried about violent crimes, the valley ranks lower at 15.2 when compared to the United States average of 22.7 and the county’s 28.6.
So there you have it. Wendle Ford has just shared with you the differences between Spokane and Spokane Valley. Although they are linked, they are also different from one another. Ultimately, your decision will weigh upon individual differences, preferences, and personal needs. What do you think of our information? Did we miss any key points? Let us know! Leave a message and we’ll be happy to include your suggestions on our list.
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