Every year Forbes published a list of the "Best Places for Business and Careers.  In 2008 Spokane made a huge shift to the #9 spot! The criteria used are a city with solid job growth, an educated labor supply and low business costs.

Area:  1,763.6 square miles                         Population (4/07):  451,200

 Climate: January-32.7   April-58.5   July-83.9   October-58.3 

Elevation:  1,875 feet                                  Annual Average Precipitation: 16.5"

Principal Economic Activities:  Wholesale and Retail Trade, Service Industries, Health Care and Medical Business, Personal Services, Machinery Manufacturing, Lumber and Wood Products, Agriculture

Institutions of Higher Education:  Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, Intercollegiate College of Nursing, Spokane Community College, Washington State University, Spokane Falls Community College and Whitworth College