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December 2025 highlights
Updated January 2026
Compared to November 2025, the unemployment rate increased from 3.4% to 4.0% (391 unemployed individuals). Employers reported the same number of jobs on payrolls (for a total of 7,220 jobs).
Asotin County's labor market highlights
- Unemployment fell from 3.7% in 2021 to 3.3% as of September 2025, with steady gains in resident employment over the past four years. Covered employment grew 0.4% from 2021–2022 and an additional 3.8% from 2022–2024.
- Service‑providing industries made up 84.2% of all jobs in 2024, continuing to dominate the local economy.
- Retail trade added 161 jobs over three years—a 15.5% increase—driven largely by food and beverage stores, which added 113 jobs. Health care and social assistance grew consistently, adding 53 jobs and averaging 3.4% annual growth.
- Goods‑producing industries accounted for 15.8% of employment, maintaining a smaller but stable share of the labor market.
- Overall, the county’s labor market showed resilience and adaptability, reflecting strong local industry performance
Contact Asotin County's labor economist
Ajsa Suljic, South central / Southeast region
- Email Ajsa: ajsa.suljic@esd.wa.gov
- Call Ajsa: 509-734-5928
Asotin County is part of the Eastern Workforce Development Area. Visit the workforce board’s website for information about Washington’s 12 workforce regions.
Asotin County is part of the Lewiston-Clarkston Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Employment updates for December 2025
Changes to the labor force and unemployment
The December 2025 unemployment rate is 4.0% in Asotin County, 5.3% in Washington state and 4.1% in the United States.
| Asotin County unemployment rate | Dec 2025 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participant (labor force) | 9,896 | 9,989 | 9,802 |
| Employed persons | 9,505 | 9,649 | 9,454 |
| Persons seeking work | 391 | 340 | 348 |
| Unemployment rate | 4% | 3.4% | 3.6% |
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research (LMIR) Division, Local area unemployment statistics (LAUS)
Asotin County unemployment rate, 2023 to 2025
The labor force (9,923 in total) grew by 228 people from August to September 2025, while employment increased by 237, indicating stronger job gains than labor‑force growth.
Unemployment fell by 9 people, lowering the unemployment rate from 3.2% to 3.1%. Compared to September 2024, the labor force is up 1.8% and employment is up 1.7%, reflecting steady year‑over‑year expansion.
Unemployment is down by 13 people year‑over‑year, though the unemployment rate edged up slightly from 3.0% to 3.1% because the labor force grew faster than the number of unemployed workers.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3.6% | 4.2% | 3.5% | 2.7% | 2.5% | 2.4% | 3.1% | 3.7% | 3.1% | 3.6% | 3.4% | 4.3% |
|
4.4% | 4.9% | 4.1% | 3.2% | 3.4% | 3.2% | 4.0% | 3.8% | 3.0% | 3.4% | 3.3% | 3.6% |
|
3.9% | 4.5% | 3.2% | 2.6% | 3.1% | 2.6% | 3.3% | 3.2% | 3.1% | 3.4% | 4.0% |
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research (LMIR) Division, Local area unemployment statistics (LAUS)
Key changes in payroll employment
This includes all employees with paid positions tracked in a company’s payroll system. This doesn’t include persons working outside of formal payroll such as freelancers, contractors and self-employed individuals. Numbers in this section are estimates generated by a monthly survey.
In December 2025, Asotin County had 7,220 jobs.
In November 2025, there were the same number of jobs (7,220 in total)
Compared to that month, in December there are:
- 20 fewer jobs in Government had the largest decrease mainly due decreases in local public education (30 jobs), while state and federal employment increased, 10 jobs each
- 10 more jobs in Professional and business services increased, reversing part of the prior month's decline
- 10 more jobs in Trade, transportation, and utilities increased, driven by a 10 job gain in retail trade
- 10 more jobs in Other services industry cluster expended due to employment temporary services growth
- Other noteworthy job changes occurred in Leisure and hospitality (-10 job) due to colder weather and slower outdoor activities
In December 2024, there were 120 fewer jobs (7,100 in total)
Compared to that month, this December there are:
- 30 (7.1%) more jobs in Manufacturing was leading growth with expended demand in durable goods production
- 20 (4.4%) more jobs in Construction activities picked up in the area due to demand for renovations and housing demand
- 30 (8.3%) more jobs in Government employment increased, with the largest gains in state public services including education (30 jobs)
- 20 (1.1%) more jobs in Private education and health services increased, due to expansion of health care services
- Other noteworthy job changes occurred in Financial activities with 10 jobs (4.0%) increase. All other industries were unchanged
Employment estimates for Asotin County
See a snapshot of this month's data below. A detailed spreadsheet titled Current employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted is on the source page of our site.
Total jobs
| Industry | Dec 2025 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2024 | Nov 2025 to Dec 2025 | Dec 2024 to Dec 2025 | Dec 2024 to Dec 2025 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 7,220 | 7,220 | 7,100 | 0 | 120 | 1.7% |
| - Private | 5,890 | 5,880 | 5,820 | 10 | 70 | 1.2% |
| - Government | 1,320 | 1,340 | 1,290 | -20 | 30 | 2.3% |
Goods-producing jobs
| Industry | Dec 2025 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2024 | Nov 2025 to Dec 2025 | Dec 2024 to Dec 2025 | Dec 2024 to Dec 2025 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goods-producing | 920 | 920 | 870 | 0 | 50 | 5.7% |
| - Mining, logging and construction | 470 | 470 | 450 | 0 | 20 | 4.4% |
| - Manufacturing | 450 | 450 | 420 | 0 | 30 | 7.1% |
Service-providing jobs
| Industry | Dec 2025 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2024 | Nov 2025 to Dec 2025 | Dec 2024 to Dec 2025 | Dec 2024 to Dec 2025 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service-providing | 6,300 | 6,290 | 6,230 | 10 | 70 | 1.1% |
| - Wholesale trade | 110 | 110 | 110 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Retail trade | 1,110 | 1,100 | 1,110 | 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | 100 | 100 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Information | 50 | 50 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Financial activities | 260 | 260 | 250 | 0 | 10 | 4.0% |
| - Professional and business services | 420 | 410 | 430 | 10 | -10 | -2.3% |
| - Private education and health services | 1,890 | 1,890 | 1,870 | 0 | 20 | 1.1% |
| - Leisure and hospitality | 850 | 860 | 840 | -10 | 10 | 1.2% |
| - Other services | 180 | 170 | 180 | 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Government | 1,320 | 1,340 | 1,290 | -20 | 30 | 2.3% |
Note: Data benchmarked through June 2025, updated January 16, 2026. The current month’s data is preliminary. Analysts continue to refine past months as more related information becomes available. Industry columns use North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industry titles. Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Washington employment estimates (WA-QB & CES)
Employment details for industries and sectors in 2024
This profile section uses Quarterly Census of Employment and Wage (QCEW) data.
This quarterly census data includes both agricultural and nonagricultural employment and wages for firms, organizations and individuals with employees covered by the Washington State Employment Security Act. Covered employment refers to the total number of employees with this type of coverage.
Top sectors by employment
2024’s annual average was 6,817 total covered employees.
- Healthcare and social assistance - 1,496 jobs.
- Government - 1,254 jobs.
- Retail Trade - 1,088 jobs.
- Accommodation and food services - 751 jobs.
- Construction - 506 jobs.
Top sectors by wages
2024’s annual average wage was $54,511 for covered employees.
- Wholesale trade – $109,979.
- Information - $96,759.
- Professional, scientific, and technical services - $84,782.
- Finance and insurance - $84,295.
- Construction - $75,361.
2024 annual average employment by industry
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research (LMIR) Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
Workforce demographics in Asotin County
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 18,573 | 56.0% | 5.8% |
| 16 to 19 years | 992 | 50.8% | 14.5% |
| 20 to 24 years | 1,188 | 92.0% | 7.4% |
| 25 to 29 years | 1,257 | 88.1% | 3.7% |
| 30 to 34 years | 1,261 | 68.6% | 3.1% |
| 35 to 44 years | 2,492 | 78.1% | 6.5% |
| 45 to 54 years | 2,549 | 79.6% | 8.1% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,469 | 77.5% | 0.4% |
| 60 to 64 years | 1,846 | 51.9% | 8.0% |
| 65 to 74 years | 3,132 | 19.8% | 0.0% |
| 75 years and over | 2,387 | 6.0% | 3.5% |
Race and Hispanic or Latino origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 16,732 | 55.0% | 6.4% |
| Black or African American alone | 107 | 60.7% | 0.0% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 201 | 38.8% | 0.0% |
| Asian alone | 134 | 83.6% | 0.0% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 0 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Some other race alone | 381 | 64.6% | 0.0% |
| Two or more races | 1,018 | 69.6% | 1.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 704 | 74.1% | 9.8% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 16,454 | 54.5% | 6.1% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 12,062 | 75.8% | 5.7% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 5,974 | 76.3% | 5.9% |
| Female | 6,088 | 75.2% | 5.5% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 1,720 | 76.7% | 6.4% |
| With own children under 6 only | 311 | 74.6% | 3.0% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 293 | 70.0% | 4.4% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 1,116 | 79.1% | 7.7% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 1,762 | 43.2% | 22.6% |
| At or above the poverty level | 10,239 | 81.8% | 4.2% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 2,083 | 39.4% | 11.1% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 10,874 | 74.0% | 5.5% |
| Less than high school graduate | 786 | 43.4% | 0.0% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 3,456 | 65.2% | 5.7% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 4,147 | 78.3% | 6.3% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 2,485 | 88.6% | 4.9% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
Funding
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.