Spokane's Median Household Income Tops U.S. for First Time

Spokane's economy shows signs of growth as median household income surpasses national average

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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According to new economic data, the median household income in Spokane County topped the national average for the first time in 2024, reaching $86,206 compared to the U.S. median of $81,439. This marks a significant milestone for the region, which has long been perceived as a relatively poor community compared to the rest of the country. Economists attribute the rise to factors like faster wage growth at the lower end of the income spectrum and a relatively high minimum wage in the area.

Why it matters

Spokane's ability to surpass the national median household income is an important economic indicator, signaling that the region's economy is growing and becoming more prosperous. This could have positive implications for the local job market, cost of living, and overall quality of life for residents. It also challenges the longstanding perception of Spokane as an economically disadvantaged area, potentially attracting new businesses and residents to the region.

The details

The jump in Spokane's median household income, from $73,583 in 2023 to $86,206 in 2024, represents a 17% increase. This outpaced the 6.6% rise in per capita personal income for the U.S. overall during the same period. Economists believe the faster growth at the lower end of Spokane's income distribution, combined with a relatively high minimum wage, contributed to the region surpassing the national median. However, Spokane's per capita personal income of $58,600 in 2024 still lags behind the national average, at 82-83% of the U.S. figure.

  • The U.S. Census Bureau released its 2024 American Community Survey data, which included the median household income estimates.
  • The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis also released its 2024 personal income and GDP data for Spokane County.

The players

Spokane County

The county in eastern Washington state that includes the city of Spokane.

U.S. Census Bureau

The federal agency responsible for collecting and publishing demographic and economic data, including the American Community Survey.

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

The federal agency that produces economic accounts data, including personal income and GDP statistics.

Patrick Jones

The executive director of the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Analysis at Eastern Washington University, who provided analysis on the economic data.

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What they’re saying

“Spokane has long suffered an image of being a relatively poor community, relative to the rest of the U.S. The 2024 estimates offer, for the first time, evidence to the contrary.”

— Patrick Jones, Executive Director, Institute for Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Eastern Washington University (The Spokesman-Review)

What’s next

Economists will continue to monitor Spokane's economic indicators, including per capita personal income and the distribution of household incomes, to see if the region can sustain its newfound status of having a median household income above the national average.

The takeaway

Spokane's ability to surpass the national median household income is a significant milestone that challenges the longstanding perception of the region as economically disadvantaged. This could have positive implications for the local job market, cost of living, and overall quality of life, potentially attracting new businesses and residents to the area.