58% of Spokane Residents Consider Leaving... But Here’s What They’re Really Saying

A recent survey made headlines with one bold statistic: 58% of Spokane residents say they’ve thought about leaving the area. That’s a number that stops you in your tracks. But when you dig into the full report, the story is more complex—and more hopeful—than it first appears.

This isn’t just frustration talking. What it reveals is a city at a crossroads, where locals are deeply engaged, clear-eyed about the challenges, and vocal about the kind of change they want to see.

What’s Really Behind the Desire to Leave?

The survey, conducted by Greater Spokane Inc. and The Pulse, didn’t stop at the headline number. It asked residents why they’re considering leaving. The top responses?

• Homelessness

• The rising cost of housing

• Lack of trust in local government

These aren’t abstract complaints—they’re grounded in lived experience. For many, the frustration isn’t about Spokane losing its charm; it’s about feeling squeezed by a city that hasn’t kept up with its own growth.

Some longtime residents say they no longer feel comfortable in parts of the city they once loved. That discomfort is leading to hard choices, especially for families trying to stay rooted here.

Housing Affordability and Homelessness: The Big Two

Median home prices have hovered around $425,000 for three years, but affordability hasn’t improved. Why? Higher interest rates, rising property taxes, and stagnant wages have offset any perceived plateau in prices.

Even sellers who bought during the 2021–2022 peak are discovering they may break even—or bring money to the table—just to sell. Appreciation has stalled. Owning a home is still expensive, but without the payoff of fast-growing equity.

At the same time, homeless encampments are becoming more visible, especially downtown and along East Sprague. It’s creating a tangible sense of unease, and many residents say they aren’t seeing meaningful action from city leadership to address it.

Trust in Leadership Is Fading

Perhaps the most telling stat in the entire report is this:
40% of Spokane residents believe the city already has the tools and funding to fix these problems—but only 16% believe those tools are being used well.

This is about more than policy. It’s about confidence.

People aren’t apathetic. They’re paying close attention—and they’re discouraged. They want to believe in the city’s potential but don’t feel like local leadership is delivering. Even the most well-intentioned initiatives fall flat without community trust.

But It’s Not All Negative

Despite the frustration, the majority of Spokane residents still take pride in their city. They support:

• Public education

• Early childhood programs

• Mental health resources

• Local economic development

There’s strong belief in Spokane’s future—if the right moves are made. People want this place to work. They love the quick access to rivers, mountains, music venues, local shops, and tight-knit communities. Spokane has grit, but it also has heart.

A Clear Roadmap for Staying

The survey uncovered a common thread among those who want to stay: they’re willing to weather the current struggles if meaningful progress is made in areas like infrastructure, housing affordability, and government transparency.

This isn't a city that's given up on itself. It’s a city full of people who want a better version of Spokane—and believe it’s still possible.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For those planning to move into Spokane, this is a moment to engage, not sit on the sidelines. If you're investing in a home, you’re investing in the community. Get involved. Vote. Support your neighborhood. The better Spokane becomes, the stronger your long-term investment.

For those planning to move out, it might feel like you’re making the only rational choice. Maybe you’re heading to Idaho or another more affordable area. Either way, your move is part of a broader trend that’s reshaping the region.

Spokane’s Future Is Still Being Written

That 58% number doesn’t just signal discontent. It signals that people care enough to expect better. It’s a challenge to city leadership—but it’s also a hopeful sign that Spokane residents are still showing up, speaking out, and pushing for change.

If you're wondering whether to buy, sell, or stay, take a moment to think about what matters most to you—and what role you want to play in the Spokane story.