Spokane County | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 47°37′N117°24′W / 47.62°N 117.4°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Washington |
Founded | January 29, 1858 (created) January 19, 1864 (annexed to Stevens Co.) October 30, 1879 (separated from Stevens Co.) |
Named for | Spokane people |
Seat | Spokane |
Largest city | Spokane |
Government | |
• Sheriff | John Nowels |
Area | |
• Total | 1,781 sq mi (4,610 km2) |
• Land | 1,764 sq mi (4,570 km2) |
• Water | 17 sq mi (40 km2) 0.9% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 539,339 |
• Estimate (2023) | 551,455 |
• Density | 275/sq mi (106/km2) |
Demonym | Spokanite |
Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) |
Congressional district | 5th |
Website | www |
Spokane County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, its population was 539,339, making it the fourth-most populous county in Washington. [1] The largest city and county seat is Spokane, [2] the second largest city in the state after Seattle. The county is named after the Spokane tribe.
Spokane County is part of the Spokane-Spokane Valley metropolitan statistical area, which is also part of the greater Spokane-Coeur d'Alene combined statistical area that includes nearby Kootenai County, Idaho.
The first humans to arrive in what is now Spokane County arrived between 12,000 and 8,000 years ago and were hunter-gatherer societies who lived off the plentiful game in the area. Initially, the settlers hunted predominantly bison and antelope, but after the game migrated out of the region, the native people became dependent on gathering various roots, berries, and nuts, and harvesting fish. [3] The Spokane tribe, after which the county is named, means "Children of the Sun" or "sun people" in Salishan [4] Explorer-geographer David Thompson, working as head of the North West Company's Columbia Department, became the first European to explore what is now the Inland Northwest. [5] After establishing the Kullyspell House and Saleesh House fur trading posts in what are now Idaho and Montana, Thompson then attempted to expand further west. He sent out two trappers, Jacques Raphael Finlay and Finan McDonald, to construct a fur-trading post on the Spokane River in Washington and trade with the local Indians. [6] This post was established in 1810, at the confluence of the Little Spokane and Spokane Rivers, becoming the first enduring European settlement of significance in Washington. [5] Known as the Spokane House, or simply "Spokane", it was in operation from 1810 to 1826. [4]
Spokane County was established by the Washington legislature effective January 29, 1858. It was annexed by Stevens County on January 19, 1864, and recreated on October 30, 1879. [7] [8] The first post office in the county was located at Spokane Bridge. [9] The current Spokane county seat holder, Spokane, wrested the seat from Cheney in 1886. [10] [11]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,781 sq mi (4,610 km2), of which 17 square miles (44 km2) (0.9%) are covered by water. [12] The lowest point in the county is the Spokane River behind Long Lake Dam (boundary of Stevens County) at 1,538 feet (469 m) above sea level. (Virtually no change in elevation occurs between the dam and the mouth of the Little Spokane River inside Riverside State Park.) The highest point in the county is the summit of Mount Spokane at 5,887 ft (1,794 m). NAVD 88 [13]
Spokane County has a complex geologic history and varied topography. To the west is the barren landscape of the Columbia Basin and to the east are the foothills of the Rockies—the Coeur d'Alene Mountains, which rise to the east in northern Idaho. Spokane County lies in a transition area between the eastern edge of the basaltic Channeled Scablands steppe plains to the west and the rugged, timbered Rocky Mountain foothills to the east. [14] The area exhibits signs of the prehistoric geologic events that shaped the area and region such as the Missoula Floods, which ended 12,000 to 15,000 years ago. [15] The geography to the southeast, such as the Saltese Flats and Saltese Uplands is characterized as a shrub–steppe landscape with grassy hills and ravines. [16]
In ecology, as with the topography, the county is also in a transition area, roughly split between the Columbia Plateau ecoregion in the southwest portion, where it is at the eastern edge of the basaltic Channeled Scablands steppe plain and the Northern Rockies ecoregion in the northwest portion, which is the rugged and forested Selkirk Mountains. [17] [18]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1860 | 996 | — | |
1870 | 2,000 | 100.8% | |
1880 | 4,262 | 113.1% | |
1890 | 37,487 | 779.6% | |
1900 | 57,542 | 53.5% | |
1910 | 139,404 | 142.3% | |
1920 | 141,289 | 1.4% | |
1930 | 150,477 | 6.5% | |
1940 | 164,652 | 9.4% | |
1950 | 221,561 | 34.6% | |
1960 | 278,333 | 25.6% | |
1970 | 287,487 | 3.3% | |
1980 | 341,835 | 18.9% | |
1990 | 361,364 | 5.7% | |
2000 | 417,939 | 15.7% | |
2010 | 471,221 | 12.7% | |
2020 | 539,339 | 14.5% | |
2023 (est.) | 551,455 | [19] | 2.2% |
U.S. Decennial Census [20] 1790–1960 [21] 1900–1990 [22] 1990–2000 [23] 2010–2020 [1] |
As of the 2020 census, there were 539,339 people, 209,640 households were residing within the county. The population density was 305.7 people per square mile (118.0 people/km2) averaging 2.46 persons per household. The 227,877 housing units had an average density of 128 units per square mile (49 units/km2). [24]
Females consisted of 50.1% of the county. 5.6% of persons are less than 5 years of age, 21.8% are under 18 years, and 16.8% are 65 years or older. [24]
The racial makeup of the county was 88.4% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.5% two or more races, 2.5% Asian, 2.1% Black or African American, 1.9% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 0.7% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. 5.3% of the county consist of foreign born persons. [24]
Of those 25 years or older, 94.2% people in the county hold a high school diploma, GED, or higher; and 31.5% obtaining a bachelor's degree or higher. Of those below the age of 65 years, 10.% have a disability and 6.3% are without health insurance. The median household income was $64,079 (in 2021 dollars) and 11.2% of the county are living in poverty. [24]
As of the 2010 census, there were 471,221 people, 187,167 households, and 118,212 families were residing in the county. [25] The population density was 267.2 people per square mile (103.2 people/km2). The 201,434 housing units had an average density of 114.2 units per square mile (44.1 units/km2). [26] The racial makeup of the county was 89.2% White, 2.1% Asian, 1.7% African American, 1.5% American Indian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 4.5% of the population. [25] In terms of ancestry, 27.0% were German, 15.4% were Irish, 13.5% were English, 6.9% were Norwegian, and 4.4% were American. [27]
Of the 187,167 households, 30.9% had children under 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were not families; 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.44, and the average family size was 2.99. The median age was 36.8 years. [25]
The median income for a household in the county was $47,250 and for a family was $59,999. Males had a median income of $44,000 versus $33,878 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,127. About 9.1% of families and 14.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.0% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over. [28]
As of the 2000 census, there were 417,939 people, 163,611 households, and 106,019 families were in the county. The population density was 237 people per square mile (92 people/km2). The 175,005 housing units had an average density of 99 units per square mile (38 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 88.62% White, 2.00% African American, 1.40% Native American, 1.88% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 0.82% from other races, and 2.76% from two or more races; 2.77% of the population were Hispanics or Latinos of any race. About 22.0% were of German, 10.7% Irish, 9.9% English, 7.6% American, and 6.4% Norwegian ancestry.
Of the 163,611 households, 32.4% had children under 18 living with them, 49.9% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were not families. About 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.46, and the average family size was 3.02.
In the county, the age distribution was 25.7% under 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females. there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.60 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $37,308, and for a family was $46,463. Males had a median income of $35,097 versus $25,526 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,233. About 8.30% of families and 12.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.20% of those under age 18 and 8.10% of those age 65 or over.
Spokane County is governed by a partisan board of county commissioners, one from each of five districts. They run in a partisan primary election within their own district, then compete countywide in the general election. Other elected officials include the sheriff, auditor (who is also responsible for elections), assessor, treasurer, and prosecutor, which are also partisan offices. Spokane County has an appointed medical examiner. In 2023, Spokane County expanded the number of County Commissioner seats from 3 to 5. [29] As of January 2023, the current commissioners for Spokane County are Chris Jordan (Democrat), Amber Waldref (Democrat), Josh Kerns (Republican), Mary Kuney (Republican), and Al French (Republican), from the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth county districts, respectively. [30] The previous Sheriff was Ozzie D. Knezovich, [31] who was appointed on April 11, 2006, and retired on December 31, 2022. [32] [33] The current elected Sheriff of Spokane County is John Nowels, whose term began on January 1, 2023. [34]
Transportation planning within the county is handled by the Spokane Regional Transportation Council, a metropolitan planning organization that was created in 1962. It distributes federal and state funds for transportation projects and updates the long-range transportation plan for Spokane County. [35]
Spokane County is rather conservative for an urban county. It has voted Republican all but three times since 1948. Lyndon Johnson was the last Democrat to win a majority of the county's vote. It gave a plurality of votes to Bill Clinton in both elections. Democratic strength is concentrated in Spokane itself and in Cheney, which is home to Eastern Washington University, while the suburban areas are heavily Republican. [36]
The Republican edge has narrowed somewhat since the turn of the century. In the last four elections, the margin has been single digits.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 148,576 | 50.29% | 135,765 | 45.96% | 11,089 | 3.75% |
2016 | 113,435 | 48.06% | 93,767 | 39.72% | 28,848 | 12.22% |
2012 | 115,285 | 51.07% | 102,295 | 45.31% | 8,174 | 3.62% |
2008 | 108,314 | 49.01% | 105,786 | 47.87% | 6,907 | 3.13% |
2004 | 111,606 | 55.09% | 87,490 | 43.19% | 3,491 | 1.72% |
2000 | 89,299 | 51.88% | 74,604 | 43.35% | 8,209 | 4.77% |
1996 | 66,628 | 41.84% | 71,727 | 45.05% | 20,877 | 13.11% |
1992 | 59,984 | 35.47% | 69,526 | 41.11% | 39,622 | 23.43% |
1988 | 68,787 | 49.43% | 68,520 | 49.24% | 1,843 | 1.32% |
1984 | 88,043 | 58.96% | 59,620 | 39.92% | 1,673 | 1.12% |
1980 | 78,096 | 55.51% | 49,263 | 35.02% | 13,326 | 9.47% |
1976 | 68,290 | 53.37% | 55,660 | 43.50% | 4,004 | 3.13% |
1972 | 74,320 | 59.37% | 44,337 | 35.42% | 6,528 | 5.21% |
1968 | 52,650 | 47.61% | 49,423 | 44.69% | 8,521 | 7.70% |
1964 | 49,387 | 44.26% | 62,092 | 55.65% | 102 | 0.09% |
1960 | 59,557 | 51.62% | 55,553 | 48.15% | 259 | 0.22% |
1956 | 60,335 | 55.21% | 48,833 | 44.68% | 119 | 0.11% |
1952 | 56,958 | 55.17% | 45,827 | 44.39% | 451 | 0.44% |
1948 | 37,086 | 41.68% | 49,649 | 55.79% | 2,253 | 2.53% |
1944 | 36,359 | 44.18% | 45,491 | 55.27% | 456 | 0.55% |
1940 | 33,228 | 42.17% | 44,852 | 56.92% | 713 | 0.90% |
1936 | 19,951 | 28.45% | 48,117 | 68.62% | 2,057 | 2.93% |
1932 | 24,848 | 38.15% | 36,953 | 56.74% | 3,324 | 5.10% |
1928 | 35,858 | 65.48% | 18,527 | 33.83% | 373 | 0.68% |
1924 | 23,403 | 49.30% | 6,036 | 12.71% | 18,034 | 37.99% |
1920 | 26,219 | 60.55% | 13,412 | 30.97% | 3,670 | 8.48% |
1916 | 19,503 | 45.23% | 21,339 | 49.49% | 2,278 | 5.28% |
1912 | 4,205 | 11.92% | 10,845 | 30.75% | 20,218 | 57.33% |
1908 | 11,719 | 58.68% | 6,557 | 32.83% | 1,694 | 8.48% |
1904 | 10,258 | 71.71% | 2,602 | 18.19% | 1,445 | 10.10% |
1900 | 5,515 | 49.84% | 5,125 | 46.32% | 425 | 3.84% |
1896 | 2,701 | 31.22% | 5,829 | 67.37% | 122 | 1.41% |
1892 | 3,367 | 45.45% | 2,247 | 30.33% | 1,794 | 24.22% |
The county government adopted an official flag in 1988 following a public design contest sponsored by the Spokane County Centennial Commission. The winning entry from Stephanie Bumgarner-Ott, the daughter of state legislator Gary Bumgarner, depicts the ceremonial headdress of the Spokane people against a yellow sun; the background is green with a diagonal blue stripe to represent the Spokane River. [38] The flag was sent for display at the Washington State Capitol for the state centennial in 1989 and 25 copies were made at a cost of $1,751.75; it was used for official events, including the funeral of a county commissioner, but was not on permanent display in Spokane County buildings. [39] One copy of the flag was stored in a vault in the county courthouse until 1995 and later lost again. [39] [40] The county government announced plans to decommission the design in 2002 and hold a new public contest due to the original flag's appearance, which was deemed potentially offensive to Native Americans. [41] A new county seal was adopted in 2005 that depicts the county courthouse. [42]
School districts in the county include: [43]
Community colleges include:
Universities include:
Teton County is a county in the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 23,331. Its county seat is Jackson. Its west boundary line is also the Wyoming state boundary shared with Idaho and the southern tip of Montana. Teton County is part of the Jackson, WY-ID Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Stevens County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington along the Canada–US border. At the 2020 census, its population was 46,445. As of July 2021, the population was estimated to be 47,426. The county seat and largest city is Colville. The county was created in 1863 and named after Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory.
Ferry County is a county located on the northern border of the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,178, making it the fourth-least populous county in Washington. The county seat and largest city is Republic. The county was created out of Stevens County in February 1899 and is named for Elisha P. Ferry, the state's first governor.
Mineral County is a county located in the U.S. state of Montana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,535. Its county seat is Superior.
Washington County is a county in the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,500. The county seat and largest city is Weiser, with over half of the county's population. The county was established in 1879 when Idaho was a territory and named after U.S. President George Washington.
Kootenai County is located in the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, its population was 171,362, making it the third-most populous county in Idaho and by far the largest in North Idaho, the county accounting for 45.4% of the region's total population. The county seat and largest city is Coeur d'Alene. The county was established in 1864 and named after the Kootenai tribe.
Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 Census, the county's population was 30,891. The county seat and largest city is Rigby. The county was established in 1913 and named after Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President. Jefferson County is part of the Idaho Falls, ID Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Clark County is a rural county in the U.S. state of Idaho; its county seat and largest city is Dubois. As of the 2020 census, the population was 790, making it the least populous county in the state.
Bonner County is a county in the northern part of the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, the population was 47,110. The county seat and largest city is Sandpoint. Partitioned from Kootenai County and established in 1907, it was named for Edwin L. Bonner, a ferry operator.
Post Falls is a city in Kootenai County, Idaho, United States. It is the gateway city to North Idaho on I-90 just west of Coeur d'Alene and east of Spokane, Washington. The population was 38,485 at the 2020 census, making it Idaho's ninth-largest city and the second largest city in North Idaho behind Coeur d’Alene.
St. Maries is a city in north central Idaho, the largest in rural Benewah County and its county seat. Its population was 2,402 at the 2010 census, down from 2,652 in 2000.
Priest River is a city in Bonner County, Idaho. The population was 1,751 at the 2010 census. Located in the Idaho Panhandle region of the state, the city is at the mouth of the Priest River on the Pend Oreille River.
Spirit Lake is a city in Kootenai County, Idaho. The population was 1,945 at the time of the 2010 census, up from 1,376 in 2000. It is part of the Coeur d'Alene Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes the entire county.
Reardan is a town in Lincoln County, Washington, United States. The population was 637 at the 2020 census.
Newport is a city in and the county seat of Pend Oreille County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,126 at the 2010 census.
Airway Heights is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States, just west of Spokane. It is part of the Spokane metropolitan area and had a population of 10,757 at the 2020 census. The city's name was taken from its close proximity to the runways at Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport.
Cheney is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The full-time resident population was 13,255 as of the 2020 census. Eastern Washington University is located in Cheney. When classes are in session at EWU, the city's population reaches approximately 17,600 people temporarily.
Liberty Lake is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States located adjacent to the eponymous lake. Located just over a mile west of the Washington–Idaho border, Liberty Lake is both a suburb of Spokane, Washington and a bedroom community to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The population was 12,003 at the 2020 census.
Medical Lake is a small city in Spokane County, eastern Washington, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 4,874. The city is the site of a psychiatric hospital, Eastern State Hospital, and of Fairchild Air Force Base, two major employers.
Pullman is the most populous city in Whitman County, located in southeastern Washington within the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest. The population was 32,901 at the 2020 census, and estimated to be 32,508 in 2022. Originally founded as Three Forks, the city was renamed after industrialist George Pullman in 1884.