- Posted February 2025
Summary
Over the past three years, Asotin County experienced notable shifts in employment and unemployment. In 2021, the unemployment rate was 3.7%, with 395 people actively seeking work. Resident employment increased by 3.8% from 2022 to 2024. From 2021 to 2022, there was a slightly smaller increase in employment with 0.4% growth, from 10,228 to 10,274 employees.
Service-providing sectors dominated the job market, accounting for 83.9% of total employment. Within that group, the retail trade sector has seen the most significant growth over the past three years. This sector added 161 new jobs, marking a 15.5% increase. Retail trade, food and beverage stores were the largest contributors, adding 113 jobs.
Additionally, the health care and social assistance sector also experienced growth, with an average increase of 3.4% per year, adding 53 new jobs. On the other hand, goods-producing industries made up 16.1%. Despite these fluctuations, the labor market in Asotin County has shown resilience and adaptability, reflecting broader economic trends and local industry dynamics.
Location
Asotin County is in the southeastern corner of Washington. It is part of the Lewiston–Clarkston metropolitan area, which includes Nez Perce County, Idaho. The town of Asotin is the county seat. Clarkston is the largest city in the county. Asotin County’s population was 22,285 in the 2020 census. In 2023, Census estimated the population at 22,549, which is 1.2% growth from the 2020 census.
The county covers 641 square miles, including 4.4 square miles of water. It features a mix of fertile agricultural regions and rugged terrain marked by creeks and gullies.
Asotin County was created out of Garfield County in 1883 and derives its name from a Nez Perce word meaning "Eel Creek."
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Asotin County is part of Area 10, the Eastern Washington Partnership. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Asotin County employment situation for December 2024
Monthly labor force and unemployment
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As of December 2024, Asotin County has experienced notable employment and unemployment trends. Employment levels remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease in total labor force, employment and unemployment.
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Asotin County has over 10,397 people in the labor force, with a decrease of -3.5% or -376 workers from December 2023. Employed workforce decreased by -2.8% or -287 workers from December 2023 to December 2024. Unemployed workers decreased by -19.7% or -89 workers. About 363 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 3.5% in December 2024, which increased from 3.2% in November 2024 and unemployment rate decreased from 4.2% in December 2023.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Monthly payroll employment in Asotin County
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As of December 2024, total nonfarm employment in Asotin County was 7,360. From November 2024 to December 2024, total nonfarm employment increased by 20 jobs or 0.3%. It decreased by -100 jobs or -1.3% from December 2023 to December 2024. Private sectors saw a 0.3% increase over-the-month to total of 6,100 jobs and recorded decrease -1.3%, over-the-year.
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Goods producing sectors increased November to December by 40 jobs or 3.6% and increased by 30 jobs or 2.7% from December 2023 to December 2024. Mining, logging, and construction increased by 30 jobs or 5.1% over-the-month, and increased by 20 jobs or 3.3% in over-the-year change.
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Manufacturing remained increased by 10 jobs or 2.0% over-the-month and increased by 10 jobs or 2.0% over-the-year.
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Service providing sectors decreased by -20 jobs or -0.3% over-the-month and decreased by -130 jobs or -2.0% from December 2023 to December 2024. Trade, transportation, and utilities increased remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 20 jobs or 1.5% over-the-year.
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Private education and health care services increased by 20 jobs or 1.1% from November to December and decreased by -110 jobs or -5.5% from December 2023 to December 2024. Information and financial activities remained unchanged over-the-month decreased by -10 jobs or -3.6% over-the year. Professional and business services increased by 10 jobs or 2.4% over-the-month and remained unchanged over-the-year.
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Leisure and hospitality decreased by -50 jobs or -5.4% from November to December and increased by 20 jobs or 2.3% in over-the-year change. Government services including public educational services remained unchanged over-the-month and decreased by -40 jobs or -3.1% in over-the-year change.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Asotin County
| NAICS Industry Title | Dec 2024 (Preliminary) | Nov 2024 (Revised) | Dec 2023 (Revised) | Nov 2024 to Dec 2024 change | Dec 2023 to Dec 2024 change | Dec 2023 to Dec 2024 % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Nonfarm | 7,360 | 7,340 | 7,460 | 20 | -100 | -1.3% |
| Total Private | 6,100 | 6,080 | 6,160 | 20 | -60 | -1.0% |
| Goods Producing | 1,140 | 1,100 | 1,110 | 40 | 30 | 2.7% |
| ---Mining, Logging, and Construction | 620 | 590 | 600 | 30 | 20 | 3.3% |
| ---Manufacturing | 520 | 510 | 510 | 10 | 10 | 2.0% |
| Service Providing | 6,220 | 6,240 | 6,350 | -20 | -130 | -2.0% |
| ---Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 1,330 | 1,330 | 1,310 | 0 | 20 | 1.5% |
| -------Retail Trade | 1,110 | 1,110 | 1,070 | 0 | 40 | 3.7% |
| ---Information and Financial Activities | 270 | 270 | 280 | 0 | -10 | -3.6% |
| ---Professional and Business Services | 420 | 410 | 420 | 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Education and Health Services | 1,900 | 1,880 | 2,010 | 20 | -110 | -5.5% |
| ---Leisure and Hospitality | 880 | 930 | 860 | -50 | 20 | 2.3% |
| ---Government | 1,260 | 1,260 | 1,300 | 0 | -40 | -3.1% |
Note: Data benchmarked through June 2024, updated Jan. 16, 2025.
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Washington employment estimates (WA-QB & CES)
Total covered employment in Asotin County
In 2023, Asotin County’s wages totaled $354.5 million. Average annual covered employment was 6,892 and the average annual wage was $51,432. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
The health care and social assistance sector led in employment with 1,595 jobs, averaging $55,829 annually. Construction and finance and insurance sectors showed strong wages at $66,468 and $80,083, respectively. Wholesale trade and information sectors had high average wages of $99,676 and $98,206, though low employment.
Retail trade had significant employment at 1,074 but lower wages at $41,252. Agriculture and accommodation and food services sectors had lower average wages, reflecting the diverse economic landscape. The service-providing sector continued to dominate, making up a significant portion of the total employment. Key industries experienced growth, such as retail trade, health care, and social assistance, contributing to the overall employment increase.
Employment by industry, Asotin County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
Note: ND stands for not disclosed. ND is used to avoid disclosing data for individual employers. Industries labeled ND are grouped in the Not elsewhere classified category.
The top six sectors in terms of employment in 2023:
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Health care and social assistance (1,595 or 23.1%)
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Government (1,191 or 17.3%)
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Retail trade (1,074 or 15.6%)
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Accommodation and food services (771 or 11.2%)
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Construction (531 or 7.7%
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Manufacturing (516 or 7.5%)
Wages can vary substantially from one sector to another.
The top eight sectors in terms of wage in 2023:
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Wholesale trade ($99,676)
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Information ($98,206)
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Finance and insurance ($80,083)
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Professional, scientific, and technical services ($74,263)
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Construction ($66,468)
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Transportation and warehousing ($58,144)
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Health care and social assistance ($55,829)
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Government ($53,787)
Workforce demographics in Asotin County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 20-24 age group at 92%. The 65-74 age group has the lowest at 19.8%. Most of the workforce is white with a 55.0% labor force participation rate. Asian workers have the highest labor force participation rate at 83.6%.
Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (76.3%) compared to female workers (75.2%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 88.6%. People with less than a high school diploma have the lowest at 43.3%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for quick facts about 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
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