Spokane is a city located in the U.S. State of Washington. As of the 2000
census, the city had a total population of 195,629. Spokane is the county
seat of Spokane County6. Gonzaga University is located in Spokane.
History
Spokane was officially incorporated on November 29, 1881.
Geography
Spokane is located at 47°40'24" North, 117°24'37" West (47.673341,
-117.410271).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of
151.6 km˛ (58.5 mi˛). 149.6 km˛ (57.8 mi˛) of it is land and 2.0 km˛ (0.8
mi˛) of it is water. The total area is 1.30% water.
Demographics
As of the census1 of 2000, there are 195,629 people, 81,512 households, and
47,276 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,307.7/km˛
(3,387.0/mi˛). There are 87,941 housing units at an average density of
587.8/km˛ (1,522.6/mi˛). The racial makeup of the city is 89.46% White,
2.07% African American, 1.76% Native American, 2.25% Asian, 0.19% Pacific
Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 3.38% from two or more races. 2.99% of
the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 81,512 households out of which 29.4% have children under the age
of 18 living with them, 41.3% are married couples living together, 12.4%
have a female householder with no husband present, and 42.0% are non-families.
33.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.7% have someone
living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is
2.32 and the average family size is 2.98.
In the city the population is spread out with 24.8% under the age of 18,
11.1% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who
are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100
females there are 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there
are 89.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $32,273, and the median
income for a family is $41,316. Males have a median income of $31,676 versus
$24,833 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,451. 15.9% of
the population and 11.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the
total people living in poverty, 19.3% are under the age of 18 and 9.6% are
65 or older.
Spokane is served by Spokane International Airport.
1974 World's Fair
Spokane hosted the environmentally themed Expo '74, becoming the smallest
city ever to host a World's Fair.
Many of the structures built for the World's Fair are still standing. The
United States Pavilion now houses an IMAX theater; the Washington State
Pavilion became the downtown Opera House. The Expo site itself became the
100-acre Riverfront Park, containing the U.S. Pavilion and a clock tower (part
of a Great Northern rail depot that was demolished for Expo '74), which are
prominently featured in the park's logo.
Events and Activities in Spokane
Spokane is home to a number of yearly events that have a far reaching draw
of people.
Hoopfest is the largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the world. The Lilac
Bloomsday Run is a 12 kilometer race for walkers and competitive runners. It
is held the first Sunday every May.
Famous Spokanites
Paul D'Amour, member of the band Tool.
Mike Clarke, member of the band The Byrds.
Bing Crosby, celebrated entertainer.
Tom Foley, former democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Craig Montoya, member of the band Everclear.
Craig T. Nelson, actor who has played lead roles in Coach and The District.
Mark Rypien, professional football player.
Ryne Sandberg, professional baseball player.
John Stockton, professional basketball player.
Julia Sweeney, actress and comedienne — well known as Pat on Saturday Night
Live.
Cyan Worlds, Inc., the company that produced the computer game Myst.
David Eddings, popular author of the Belgariad and many other books.
