Spokane metropolitan area

Spokane metropolitan area
Name	Spokane metropolitan area
Settlement type	Metropolitan statistical area
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Washington
Subdivision type2	Principal city
Subdivision name2	Spokane
Population total	585,784
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto

Spokane metropolitan area, officially the Spokane-Spokane Valley Metropolitan Statistical Area, is a region centered on the city of Spokane in the Inland Northwest. Defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, it encompasses Spokane County and serves as the primary economic and cultural hub east of the Cascade Range. The area is characterized by its river valleys, pine forests, and proximity to numerous lakes, forming a distinct urban core within a vast rural landscape.

Geography

The metropolitan area is situated within the Columbia Plateau, specifically the Spokane Valley, carved by the Spokane River which flows from Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho. Key geographic features include the Selkirk Mountains to the northeast, the Palouse region to the south, and the Hangman Creek watershed. The urban center is built around the Spokane Falls, a series of cataracts and dams that have shaped the city's development. Notable natural landmarks within the region include Mount Spokane, Riverside State Park, and the Little Spokane River Natural Area.

Demographics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the metropolitan area had a population of 585,784 as of the 2020 Census. The largest racial group is non-Hispanic White, with growing communities of Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and Black residents. Major ancestries include German, Irish, English, and Norwegian. The area is home to a significant number of Native American residents, with the Spokane Tribe and the Kalispel Tribe having historical and cultural ties to the land. Educational attainment levels are near the national average, with institutions like Gonzaga University and WSU Spokane influencing the demographic profile.

Economy

Historically driven by mining, logging, and agriculture, the economy has diversified into healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. Major employers include the Providence Health & Services system, Kaiser Aluminum, and the United States Air Force at Fairchild Air Force Base. The area is a regional retail and wholesale trade center, anchored by the NorthTown Mall and the Spokane Valley Mall. The presence of Gonzaga University and its associated School of Law contributes to the education and legal sectors, while companies like Itron and Key Tronic represent advanced manufacturing and technology. The Spokane International Airport facilitates commerce and logistics.

Transportation

The primary air gateway is Spokane International Airport, served by carriers such as Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. Major highways include Interstate 90, which connects to Seattle and Boston, and U.S. Route 2 and U.S. Route 395. Public transit is operated by the Spokane Transit Authority, which runs a network of buses and the Central City Line bus rapid transit route. BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad provide freight rail service, while Amtrak's Empire Builder line offers passenger service to Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. The Spokane Streetcar system, though historic, influenced early urban development.

Culture and recreation

The area hosts numerous cultural institutions, including the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, the Spokane Symphony at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, and the First Interstate Center for the Arts. Annual events like Spokane Hoopfest, the Lilac Bloomsday Run, and the Spokane County Interstate Fair draw regional crowds. Outdoor recreation is centered on Riverfront Park, site of the 1974 World's Fair, and nearby destinations like Mount Spokane State Park and the Centennial Trail. The area is also known for its Spokane Indians minor league baseball team and the Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball program.

Government

The metropolitan area contains multiple jurisdictions, with the city of Spokane operating under a strong-mayor system and Spokane County governed by a board of commissioners. Other incorporated cities like Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake have their own municipal governments. The region is represented in the United States Congress by members such as Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Maria Cantwell. Key regional bodies include the Spokane Regional Health District and the Spokane Transit Authority board. The area falls within the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.

Category:Metropolitan areas of Washington (state) Category:Spokane County, Washington Category:Inland Northwest