There’s something exciting about standing on a wide-open lot, picturing what could be. A modern farmhouse with room to grow? A smart investment project? A quiet getaway close to town? In Spokane County, the idea of developing raw land isn’t just a dream, it’s becoming a smart, timely move.
Housing in our area is in high demand, with prices steadily climbing and existing inventory tightening up. In June 2025, the median home price in Spokane County reached around $450,000. Homes are still selling fast, but more buyers are getting creative, turning to land development as a way to build what they can’t seem to find in the resale market. Whether it’s affordability, layout, or location, you get more say when you start from scratch.
Spokane’s long-term growth is also adding momentum. Local planners expect over 23,000 new residents in the city alone by 2046, which means we’ll need thousands of new homes to keep up. Countywide, the number is closer to 53,000. That’s a lot of future neighbors, and a lot of opportunity for those thinking about building.
Even better? The county is actively supporting smart development. Updated growth plans and zoning changes are making it easier to create mixed-use areas, smaller clusters, and walkable neighborhoods that match how people actually want to live today. While public construction spending has slowed in 2025, there’s still big infrastructure planning happening behind the scenes, great news for landowners waiting for the right time.
Of course, building from the ground up can feel overwhelming. But Spokane County offers plenty of resources to help you get started, especially if you focus on land with basic infrastructure already in place. Water, power, road access, these things make a big difference when you’re budgeting and planning. And with tools like the city and county’s Land Capacity Analysis, it’s easier than ever to see which areas are truly ready for development.
What the Data Says About Buying Land in Spokane đź“Š
- Spokane County issued over 3,600 new building permits in 2024 for private housing units, signaling steady demand from individuals planning custom builds, not just large developers.
- Assessed values for agricultural land rose 7.5% last year, with the median value hitting $5,062 per acre, a sign that rural acreage is becoming increasingly sought-after.
- Regional planners forecast a need for 53,000+ new homes in the next 20 years, but current zoning in unincorporated urban areas only supports about 10,800 units, making now a strategic time to secure buildable land before availability tightens.
Curious what’s on the market now? You can explore our current Spokane County land listings through our Linktree → McFarland Prey Listings. We’ve got a range of options, some close to town, others more rural, all with potential to bring your ideas to life.
If you’ve been toying with the idea of buying land or building your own place, we’d love to talk. Whether you’re dreaming big or just curious, we’re here to help you explore what’s possible, one step at a time!
Your McFarland Prey Team
Jake Browne, Stuart Prey, & Chelsea McFarland
—> Learn more about us here!
Sources & Resources
- Spokane County Housing Market – Redfin
- Land Capacity & Growth Projections – Spokane City Planning
- Spokane Realtor Housing Coalition Report (2025)
- FRED: Spokane County Building Permits – 2024
- Spokane Journal: Ag Land Values on the Rise
“Our listing and selling experience with Chelsea McFarland of McFarland-Prey was excellent. We valued her marketing knowledge, industry experience, and cogent advice and tools used in determining a listing price. Her high-value services included a detailed stager's feedback report, and a first-class video and photos that represented the property well, no doubt helping in our quick and smooth sale. Chelsea communicated well and answered any questions we had. We highly recommend Chelsea, and hate to see our interaction with her end." — Inger & Dave
