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Cheney, WA

Frequently asked questions

Cheney, WA

Cheney, WA is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The full-time resident population was 13,255 as of the 2020 census. Eastern Washington University is located in Cheney. When classes are in session at EWU, the city's population reaches approximately 17,600 people temporarily.

Named for Boston railroad tycoon Benjamin Pierce Cheney, Cheney was officially incorporated on November 28, 1883. The City of Cheney is located in Spokane County and is home to 13,255 residents, according to the 2020 Census. Cheney is proud of its small-town nature, which is enhanced by the diverse influence of Eastern Washington University, a public regional university with over 10,000 full-time students. The Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League held the majority of their summer training camps at EWU, from 1976–1985, and again from 1997 through the 2006 training camp.

Cheney developed into the city known today because of its strong ties to education, trail riding, and agriculture. This provided a strong economic base for the community and was the result of a much larger event that took place in the United States. In 1858, the last Native American defense occurred in Eastern Washington. Because isolated Eastern Washington was an area of this Native American unrest during the early part of the territorial period, it was not until the late 1860s and early 1870s that settlers made homes in the area. In the latter part of that decade, settlers attracted by plentiful water and timber and the promise of a railway line made their homes near a group of springs bubbling through a willow copse from the bank where the Burlington Northern depot now stands.

The name of the community, originally Section Thirteen, became Willow Springs, then became Depot Springs, because of its ties to the railroad, then Billings, in honor of a president of the Northern Pacific Company, and finally Cheney, Washington in honor of Benjamin P. Cheney, a director of the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Cheney is located at 47°29′19″N 117°34′43″W (47.488634, -117.578581), at an elevation of 2,400 ft (730 m). Cheney is at the highest point on the railroads between Spokane and Portland and sits atop the route of the gentlest gradient from the Spokane Valley to the Columbia Plateau, which was the reason for much of its early growth and railroad activity. The town is built on rolling Palouse hills overlooking Channeled Scablands carved out by the pre-historic Missoula Floods to the south and east. These scablands now host "pothole" lakes and wetlands, and are home to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. There are numerous lakes, along with the Spokane River and Little Spokane River, that are located within 20 miles (32 km) of Cheney and provide abundant recreational opportunities such as boating, swimming, water skiing, and fishing.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.30 square miles (11.14 km²), of which, 4.27 square miles (11.06 km²) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km²) is water.

Cheney places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Wellness Vault offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. MultiCare Rockwood Clinic - Cheney offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. At Snap Fitness, you can enjoy a comprehensive range of gym equipment and fitness classes to suit all levels. For a more specialized experience, Shala Living Yoga offers a tranquil space for yoga and meditation. Those looking for outdoor activities can visit the Cheney Parks & Recreation which provides numerous trails and parks perfect for hiking, running, and leisurely walks. For a community-driven approach to fitness, CrossFit Outlaw North provides high-intensity training sessions that focus on strength and conditioning. EWU Sports & Recreation Center at Eastern Washington University also offers a wide array of sports facilities including swimming pools, courts, and fitness classes. West Plains Chiropractic provides chiropractic care to enhance physical health and well-being.

Top sites in Cheney WA include Cheney Historical Museum, Fish Lake Regional Park, and Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.

Population: 12,747 (2022). Elevation: 2,352 ft (717 m). Area: 4.37 sq mi (11.32 km²). ZIP Code: 99004. Area Code(s): 509. 

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Cheney, WA?

The crime rate in Cheney is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 24 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Cheney is 1 in 42. Based on FBI crime data, Cheney is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Washington, Cheney has a crime rate that is higher than 67% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Cheney, WA a good place to live?

Cheney is in Spokane County. Living in Cheney offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Cheney there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Cheney and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Cheney are above average.

What is Cheney WA known for?

Cheney developed into the city known today because of its strong ties to education, trail riding, and agriculture. This provided a strong economic base for the community and was the result of a much larger event that took place in the United States. In 1858, the last Native American defense occurred in Eastern Washington. Because isolated Eastern Washington was an area of this Native American unrest during the early part of the territorial period, it was not until the late 1860s and early 1870s that settlers made homes in the area. 

Sources

Spokane County Washington

Wikipedia

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Cheney Historical Museum

Fish Lake Regional Park

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

Wellness Vault

MultiCare Rockwood Clinic - Cheney

Snap Fitness

Shala Living Yoga

Cheney Parks & Recreation

CrossFit Outlaw North 

EWU Sports & Recreation Center 

West Plains Chiropractic

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