Spokane County Washington

Spokane County, located in the eastern part of Washington State, serves as a pivotal hub for the Inland Northwest region. Established on January 29, 1858, the county encompasses a diverse array of communities, each contributing uniquely to its rich cultural and economic landscape.

As of the 2020 census, Spokane County had a population of 539,339, making it the fourth-most populous county in Washington State.

Geography and Communities

Spanning approximately 1,781 square miles, Spokane County is bordered by Pend Oreille and Lincoln Counties to the north and west, Stevens County to the northwest, Whitman County to the south, and the state of Idaho to the east.

The county seat, Spokane, is the largest city and serves as the economic and cultural center of the region. Other notable cities and towns include:

• Spokane Valley
• Liberty Lake
• Cheney
• Airway Heights
• Medical Lake
• Millwood
• Deer Park
• Fairfield
• Latah
• Rockford
• Spangle
• Waverly

Economic and Cultural Significance

The economy of Spokane County is diverse with significant contributions from agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and services. The region is rich in natural resources with agriculture and forestry playing an important role.

Culturally, the county is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and annual events attracting visitors nationwide. Spokane notably hosted the first environmentally themed World's Fair in 1974, called Expo '74.

Government Services

The Spokane County government is dedicated to excellence by upholding public trust with responsive, cost-effective, customer-driven services that enhance and protect the quality of life.

Services include community support, public safety, and infrastructure development. The Community Services division supports individuals facing mental illness, substance use challenges, and those with developmental disabilities.

Transportation

Transportation is managed by the Spokane Transit Authority (STA), which operates public transit services across the county.

STA serves approximately 471,000 people across 248 square miles, including the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Millwood, and surrounding unincorporated areas.

Natural Attractions

The county features numerous parks and outdoor attractions such as the Spokane River Centennial Trail. This trail offers over 37.5 miles of paved paths running along the Spokane River from Spokane to the Idaho border.

The trail extends onward toward Coeur d'Alene for 24 miles as the North Idaho Centennial Trail, widely used for both alternative transportation and recreation.

Location

• Spokane, WA, USA

In summary, Spokane County, Washington, is a dynamic and diverse region providing a combination of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it a significant area in the Inland Northwest.