Airway Heights, Washington
The year 1942 marked the birth of Airway Heights, Washington. This small community emerged just west of Spokane during a period of rapid military expansion in the Pacific Northwest. The name itself tells a story of proximity to aviation infrastructure. Residents chose the title because the town sat close to runways at Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport. Official incorporation did not happen until thirteen years later on the 28th of June 1955. That date cemented its status as an independent municipality within Spokane County.
A major shift occurred in 1992 when the Washington State Department of Corrections opened the Airway Heights Corrections Center. This facility became a primary employer for local residents and stabilized the early economy. Another significant change arrived eight years later with the opening of the Northern Quest Resort & Casino by the Kalispel Indian Tribe in 2000. These two institutions drove decades of development including new retailers and apartment buildings. The city also saw the expansion of the Northern Quest Casino and the subsequent opening of the Spokane Tribe Casino. Such commercial growth transformed a quiet area into a hub for regional tourism and employment.
Downtown Spokane sits exactly eight miles by road east of this community. Travelers entering along U.S. Route 2 climb over 500 feet to reach the higher elevation. The terrain here belongs to the Channeled Scablands despite being part of the flat Columbia Plateau. Local geography remains quite rugged compared to surrounding areas. The name "heights" directly references this elevated position relative to the city center of Spokane. In 2012, the City of Spokane incorporated the airport area which now borders Airway Heights to the east and south.
The 2000 census recorded 4,500 people living within the city limits. By 2010 that number had grown to 6,114 residents according to federal data. The 2020 count reached 10,757 people with an estimated population of 11,950 in 2024. Racial composition changed significantly between these decades. White residents made up 69.51% of the population in 2000 but dropped to 67.82% by 2020. African American representation rose from 10.47% in 2000 to 5.10% in 2020. Hispanic or Latino individuals comprised 9.93% of the total in 2000 and increased to 11.81% by 2020.
U.S. Route 2 serves as the main east-west thoroughfare through the community. A new street designed as a local connector remains planned for future construction. Public transportation is managed by the Spokane Transit Authority with Bus route 61 extending from Downtown Spokane to Fairchild Air Force Base. Most residents fall under the Cheney School District while the northeastern portion belongs to the Great Northern School District. Airway Heights joined the Spokane County Library District in 2023 following a referendum. Healthcare services include the Airway Heights Dental Center and West Plains Chiropractor within city limits.
July 2015 brought intense scrutiny when Mayor Patrick Rushing faced calls for resignation. The city council demanded his departure after he called President Barack Obama a "monkey man" on Facebook. He also referred First Lady Michelle Obama as a "gorilla." Rushing initially refused to step down claiming he was not racist. This incident followed an earlier event where he resigned as a school bus driver in 2015 due to a misdemeanor charge. In August 2015 Rushing submitted his official resignation citing declining health issues. Deputy Mayor Kevin Richey succeeded him immediately after the departure.
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Common questions
When was Airway Heights Washington officially incorporated?
Airway Heights Washington was officially incorporated on the 28th of June 1955. This event occurred thirteen years after the community emerged in 1942 during a period of rapid military expansion.
What is the population of Airway Heights Washington according to the 2020 census?
The 2020 census recorded 10,757 people living within the city limits of Airway Heights Washington. The estimated population reached 11,950 by 2024 based on federal data trends.
Why did Mayor Patrick Rushing resign from Airway Heights Washington in 2015?
Mayor Patrick Rushing resigned from Airway Heights Washington in August 2015 following intense scrutiny over racist comments he made about President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. He cited declining health issues as his reason for stepping down after initially refusing to leave office.
Where is Airway Heights Washington located relative to Downtown Spokane?
Downtown Spokane sits exactly eight miles by road east of Airway Heights Washington. Travelers entering along U.S. Route 2 climb over 500 feet to reach the higher elevation of this community.
Which major institutions drive the economy of Airway Heights Washington today?
The Airway Heights Corrections Center opened in 1992 and became a primary employer for local residents. The Northern Quest Resort & Casino operated by the Kalispel Indian Tribe also opened in 2000 and drove decades of development including new retailers and apartment buildings.