To the south on the hills descending from the prairie to the Spokane River are residential suburban developments that have been built in recent decades.

Argonne Road connects the prairie with them and the other suburbs in nearby Millwood and the greater Spokane Valley area.

[4] The community retains much of its rural character, but due to its close proximity to Spokane the area has seen growth in recent decades and has taken on aspects of an exurban nature.

[5] This has led to controversy within the community, including a 2008 lawsuit brought against the county by Orchard Prairie residents.

Enrollment averages 65 to 80 students each year, making it the second smallest school in Spokane, Washington.