History of Medical Lake
Over 130 years of life between the lakes
The city of Medical Lake is a vibrant resort community of 4,950 residents located 13 miles west of Spokane. Medical Lake is a serene 26 acre lake and lies in the heart of downtown with West Medical Lake and Silver Lake to the West and East ends of town. Each lake attracts a unique outdoor enthusiast. The hidden gem of Spokane County offers lakes, trails and outdoor recreation along with seasonal festivals attracting visitors to experience the fun and nostalgia found only at the lake.
Incorporated in 1890, Medical Lake has a strong native heritage tied to the “healing waters of Medical Lake’’. Once the resort town of the region, thousands came from Spokane each day during summer months transported by electric trolley to stay in hotels and swim in the lake. Medical Lake was known for its healing properties, granite quarries and brick factories used in building most of downtown Spokane. Many of Spokane’s historic downtown buildings still stand on Medical Lake granite foundations. Farming, Eastern State Hospital, the military base and school system are all important parts of Medical Lake’s rich history.
- Population (per WA OFM): State (7,864,400); County (550,700); City (4,840)
- Trade Area Population: 58,388
- Veterans: State (8.2%); County (10.3%); City (14.5%)
- # of Housing Units: State (3,202,241); County (224,019), City (1,826)
- Average House Value: State ($397,600); County ($270,000); City ($248,900)
- Homeownership Rate: State (64%); County (64.2%); City (73%)
- Median Age: State (38.2); County (37.9); City (36.7)
- Median Household Income: State ($84,247); County ($65,722); City ($76,829)
- Education: High school grad (94%); Bachelor’s degree or higher (34.6%)
- Area: County State (66,437.5 square miles); (1,763.9 square miles); City (3.6 square miles)
- Property Tax Rate 2022: $10.53 (for every dollar of property tax collected, .14 goes to the city, .28 goes to the county, .33 goes to ML Schools, and .25 goes to the state)
- Amount of new construction added in 2021: $1,646,800
- Medical Lake School District
- Michael Anderson Elementary School (Fairchild Air Force Base)
- Hallett Elementary School
- Medical Lake Middle School
- Medical Lake High School
- Medical Lake Community Church
- Redemption Church
- St. John’s Lutheran Church
- St. Anne’s Catholic Church
- Medical Lake Baptist Church
- Re-Imagine Medical Lake
- Medical Lake Outreach/Food Bank
- Care & Share
- Lion’s Club
- Kiwanis