Posted February 2025
Summary
Between 2019 and 2023, Benton County witnessed substantial economic development. The primary sectors of growth were agriculture, food processing, health care, education, and research — particularly at the Hanford Site.
The post-pandemic era saw employment levels stabilize and notable expansion in sectors such as health care, education, and construction. The unemployment rate settled at an average of 4.5% in 2023.
The county's economy has been historically shaped by the Hanford Project, established during World War II for plutonium production, which continues to contribute to the region's scientific and economic vitality. Washington State University's expansion has further bolstered the local workforce, attracting a variety of manufacturers and strengthening the agricultural and wine industries.
Economic diversification efforts have emphasized skill enhancement in key areas and support for small businesses, fostering industrial growth. The economic landscape of Benton County is now characterized by its diversity, with significant activities in sectors ranging from medical equipment to wine tourism, centered around urban hubs of Kennewick, Richland, and Prosser.
Benton County geographic overview
Benton County is in the south-central part of Washington. It is part of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which includes Kennewick and Richland. The city of Prosser is the county seat. Kennewick is the largest city in the county. Benton County’s population was 206,873 in the 2020 census. In 2022, the Census estimated the population at 212,791, which is 2.9% growth from the 2020 census.
The county covers 1,760 square miles, including 60 square miles of water. It features a mix of agricultural land and rolling prairie-like terrain.
Benton County was created out of Klickitat and Yakima counties in 1905 and was named after Thomas Hart Benton, a U.S. Senator from Missouri.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Benton County is part of Area 11, the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Benton County employment situation for December 2024
Monthly labor force and unemployment in Benton County, Washington
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As of December 2024, Benton 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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Benton County has over 103,979 people in the labor force, with a decrease of -2.1% or -2,219 workers from December 2023. Employed workforce decreased by -1.9% or -1,878 workers from December 2023 to December 2024. Number of unemployed decreased by -5.9% or -341 workers. About 5,414 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 5.2% in December 2024, which increased from 4.5% in November 2024 and unemployment rate decreased from 5.4% in December 2023. Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Monthly nonfarm payroll employment Kennewick-Pasco-Richland MSA
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Total nonfarm employment in Kennewick-Pasco-Richland MSA was 129,500 jobs, recording an increase of 400 jobs or 0.3% over-the-month and recording an increase of 4,000 jobs or 3.2% from last December 2023.
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Private sectors had estimated 109,200 jobs in the area, which recorded over 600 jobs or 0.6% increase over-the-month, and over-the-year private industries increased by 3,400 jobs or 3.2%.
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Goods producing sectors, with 21,600 jobs, with no change over-the-month and recording increase of 1,500 jobs or 7.5% from December 2023. Mining, logging, and construction industry increased by 100 jobs or 0.9% over-the-month and grow by 900 jobs or 8.3% over-the-year. Manufacturing, totaling 9,800 jobs decreased by -100 jobs or -1.0% over-the-month and showed an increase of 600 jobs or 6.5% over-the-year.
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Service providing sectors, with total of 107,900 jobs, increased by 400 jobs or 0.4% from November to December and recorded an increase of 2,500 jobs or 2.4% from December 2023. Trade, transportation, and utilities totaling 22,500 jobs, increased by 300 jobs or 1.4% over-the-month and recording 400 jobs or 1.8% growth over-the-year. Information and financial activities held total of 4,300 jobs remained unchanged both over-the-month and over-the-year. Professional and business services had total of 23,400 jobs in the Region with no change over-the-month and with 700 jobs or 3.1% increase over-the-year.
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Private education and health services industry had total of 21,100 jobs in Benton-Franklin Region, jobs increased by 100 jobs or 0.5% over-the-month and added 1,200 jobs or 6.0% over-the-year. Leisure and hospitality sector had total of 11,800 jobs and increased by 100 jobs or 0.9% and recorded decrease of -400 jobs or -3.3% over-the-year.
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Government services including public educational services totaled 20,300 and decreased over-the-month by -200 jobs or -1.0% and over-the-year increased by 600 jobs or 3.0% from December 2023.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Kennewick-Pasco-Richland Metropolitan Statistical Area (Benton and Franklin Counties)
| 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 | 129,500 | 129,100 | 125,500 | 400 | 4,000 | 3.2% |
| Total Private | 109,200 | 108,600 | 105,800 | 600 | 3,400 | 3.2% |
| Goods Producing | 21,600 | 21,600 | 20,100 | 0 | 1,500 | 7.5% |
| ---Mining, Logging, and Construction | 11,800 | 11,700 | 10,900 | 100 | 900 | 8.3% |
| ---Manufacturing | 9,800 | 9,900 | 9,200 | -100 | 600 | 6.5% |
| Service Providing | 107,900 | 107,500 | 105,400 | 400 | 2,500 | 2.4% |
| ---Private Services Providing | 87,600 | 87,000 | 85,700 | 600 | 1,900 | 2.2% |
| ---Trade, Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities | 22,500 | 22,200 | 22,100 | 300 | 400 | 1.8% |
| -------Retail Trade | 14,400 | 14,200 | 14,600 | 200 | -200 | -1.4% |
| ---Financial Activities | 4,300 | 4,300 | 4,300 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Professional and Business Services | 23400 | 23400 | 22700 | 0 | 700 | 3.1% |
| -------Administrative and Support Services | 11,600 | 11,900 | 11,900 | -300 | -300 | -2.5% |
| ---Educational and Health Services | 21,100 | 21,000 | 19,900 | 100 | 1,200 | 6.0% |
| ---Leisure and Hospitality | 11,800 | 11,700 | 12,200 | 100 | -400 | -3.3% |
| -------Food Services | 9,200 | 9,000 | 9,600 | 200 | -400 | -4.2% |
| ---Total Government | 20,300 | 20,500 | 19,700 | -200 | 600 | 3.0% |
| -------Federal Government | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Total State Government | 3,100 | 3,100 | 2,900 | 0 | 200 | 6.9% |
| -------Total Local Government | 16,000 | 16,200 | 15,600 | -200 | 400 | 2.6% |
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 Benton County
In 2023, Benton County’s covered employment saw a notable economic landscape. Benton County’s wages paid totaled $6.55 billion, with an average annual employment of 97,832 and an average annual wage of $67,014. The professional, scientific, and technical services sector led in high wages, averaging $113,115 annually, while administrative and waste services had significant employment at 10,759 with an average wage of $99,165.
Construction and health care and social assistance also showed strong employment figures, with average wages of $80,328 and $60,654, respectively. Retail trade had the highest employment at 10,395 but lower wages at $39,243. Sectors like agriculture and accommodation and food services had lower average wages, reflecting the diverse economic landscape of the county. This figure reflects the diverse economic activities in the region, including agriculture, food processing, medical equipment manufacturing, energy production, and wine tourism.
Employment by industry, Benton 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.
Average annual covered employment in Benton County was 97,832 in 2023. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
Top five sectors in terms of employment in 2023:
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Health care and social assistance (14,608)
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Government (12,480)
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Administrative and waste services (10,759)
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Retail trade (10,395)
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Professional, scientific, and technical services (9,171)
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Accommodation and food services (8,461)
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Manufacturing (7,824)
Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The average annual wage in Benton County for all industries was $67,014 with payrolls totaling more than $6.55 billion in 2023.
The top five sectors in terms of wage in 2023:
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Management of companies and enterprises ($144,235)
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Professional, scientific, and technical services ($113,115)
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Administrative and waste services ($99,165)
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Finance and insurance ($89,777)
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Construction ($80,328)
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Government ($78,696)
Workforce demographics in Benton County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 30-34 age group at 85.1%, while the 65-74 age group has the lowest at 21.2%. The majority of the workforce is white (60.7% participation rate).
Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (83.6%) compared to female workers (71.8%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 86.0%, while those with less than a high school diploma have the lowest at 62.5%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for more quick facts about Benton County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 161,217 | 62.4% | 5.0% |
| 16 to 19 years | 11,522 | 38.7% | 12.6% |
| 20 to 24 years | 12,756 | 79.9% | 7.2% |
| 25 to 29 years | 13,723 | 80.0% | 6.0% |
| 30 to 34 years | 14,511 | 85.1% | 6.1% |
| 35 to 44 years | 28,152 | 81.9% | 4.6% |
| 45 to 54 years | 23,260 | 78.7% | 3.0% |
| 55 to 59 years | 11,805 | 73.9% | 3.0% |
| 60 to 64 years | 12,766 | 57.9% | 3.7% |
| 65 to 74 years | 20,163 | 21.2% | 3.8% |
| 75 years and over | 12,559 | 6.8% | 4.2% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 121,267 | 60.7% | 4.6% |
| Black or African American alone | 2,480 | 68.3% | 10.2% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 1,458 | 69.3% | 3.6% |
| Asian alone | 5,011 | 65.3% | 3.4% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 370 | 66.2% | 6.5% |
| Some other race alone | 13,569 | 66.6% | 6.1% |
| Two or more races | 17,062 | 68.9% | 6.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 33,791 | 71.6% | 5.9% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 112,912 | 59.4% | 4.5% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 116,973 | 77.8% | 4.7% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 59,321 | 83.6% | 4.8% |
| Female | 57,652 | 71.8% | 4.6% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 22,139 | 70.9% | 4.7% |
| With own children under 6 only | 4,083 | 70.1% | 7.4% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 4,773 | 54.5% | 4.6% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 13,283 | 77.1% | 4.0% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 10,867 | 46.4% | 19.0% |
| At or above the poverty level | 105,447 | 81.5% | 3.9% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 15,038 | 48.4% | 8.7% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 104,217 | 77.5% | 4.4% |
| Less than high school graduate | 10,972 | 62.5% | 9.1% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 24,269 | 72.5% | 4.9% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 34,593 | 77.4% | 5.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34,383 | 86.0% | 2.3% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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