Columbia County profile

Columbia County's economy has shown remarkable resilience and growth over the last three years, buoyed by robust sectors such as health care, education, and retail. These industries have been pivotal in maintaining economic stability and driving employment. Job numbers rose from 1,200 in 2021 to 1,250 in 2023, while total payroll increased from $50 million to $55 million in the same period. Average annual wages have steadily increased, climbing from $41,667 to $44,000. The unemployment rate decreased from 6.0% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2022 and leveled at 5.0% in 2023. This is a sign of a strong job market resilient to economic shifts.

The health care sector has surged due to increased demand and new facilities, leading to more jobs and higher local business revenues. Columbia County has also embarked on various community development initiatives to enhance infrastructure and connectivity, which is poised to generate more jobs and expand the economy. These proactive measures underscore the county's commitment to fostering a dynamic and thriving economic environment.

Columbia County geographic overview

 

Columbia County is in the southeastern part of Washington. It is part of the Walla Walla metropolitan area. The town of Dayton is the county seat and also the largest city in the county. Columbia County’s population was 3,952 in the 2020 census. In 2022, the Census estimated the population at 4,026, which is 1.9% growth from the 2020 census.

The county covers 873 square miles, including 4.9 square miles of water. It features a mix of agricultural land and rolling prairie-like terrain.

Columbia County was created out of Walla Walla County in 1875 and was named after the Columbia River.

Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Columbia County is part of Area 10, the Eastern Washington Partnership. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.

Columbia County employment situation for April 2025

Monthly labor force and unemployment

• As of April 2025, employment levels remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease in total labor force, employment and an increase in unemployment.

• Columbia County has over 1,850 people in the labor force, with a decrease of 108 workers (5.5%) from April 2025, while employed workforce decreased by 110 workers (5.8%) and unemployed workers increased by 2 workers (3.0%). About 69 people were unemployed and looking for work.

• The unemployment rate in the county was 3.7% in April 2025, which decreased from 4.1% in March 2025 and increased from 3.4% in April 2024. 

Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted

Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics

Monthly nonfarm payroll employment in Columbia County

• Columbia County had total nonfarm employment of 1,430 jobs, reflecting an increase of 20 jobs (1.4%) compared to April 2024. The private sector saw a modest gain of 10 jobs (1.3%), while government employment rose by 10 jobs (1.6%).

• Trade, transportation, and utilities saw the largest increase, adding 20 jobs (6.3%), with retail trade growing by 10 jobs (11.1%). Mining, logging, and construction added 10 jobs (8.3%), contributing to steady growth in the goods-producing sector. Professional and business services showed strong gains, adding 10 jobs (33.3%).

• Financial activities dropped by 10 jobs (33.3%). Leisure and hospitality shed 10 jobs (7.1%) over the year.

• Federal government jobs declined by 10 positions (14.3%) and state government lost 10 jobs (20.0%). Local government increased slightly by 10 jobs (1.9%), while local government education declined by 10 jobs (10.0%).

Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Columbia County

NAICS Industry Title	Apr 2025 (Prelim)	Mar 2025 (Revised)	Apr 2024 (Revised)	Mar 2025 to Apr 2025 Change	Apr 2024 to Apr 2025 Change	Apr 2024 to Apr 2025 % Change
Total nonfarm	1,430	1,440	1,410	-10	20	1.4%
Total private (total nonfarm less government)	790	800	780	-10	10	1.3%
Goods-producing	160	160	160	0	0	0.0%
- Mining and logging	130	130	120	0	10	8.3%
- Construction	130	130	120	0	10	8.3%
- Manufacturing	30	30	30	0	0	0.0%
Service-providing	1,270	1,270	1,250	0	20	1.6%
- Wholesale trade	10	10	10	0	0	0.0%
- Retail trade	100	100	90	0	10	11.1%
- Transportation, warehousing, and utilities	220	220	210	0	10	4.8%
- Information	10	10	10	0	0	0.0%
- Financial activities	20	20	30	0	-10	-33.3%
- Professional and business services	40	40	30	0	10	33.3%
- Private education and health services	70	70	70	0	0	0.0%
- Leisure and hospitality	130	140	140	-10	-10	-7.1%
- Other services	30	30	30	0	0	0.0%
- Government	640	640	630	0	10	1.6%

Note: Data benchmarked through December 2024, updated May 16, 2025. 
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Washington employment estimates (WA-QB & CES)
Detailed tables can be found on the source page in the third spreadsheet titled Current employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted.

Total covered employment in Columbia County

In 2023, Columbia County had a total of 1,568 total covered jobs. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.

There are few major industries. The government sector remained the largest employer, accounting for 40.1% of total employment. This sector saw a modest increase in jobs, reflecting the stability and importance of public services in the county. Agriculture continued to be a significant part of the local economy. The sector includes crop production, livestock, and related activities.

The health care and social assistance sector experienced growth driven by an increasing demand for services. Retail trade supported local needs and tourism, and saw steady employment.

The renewable energy industry, including wind and solar power projects, created new jobs and opportunities. This sector is becoming increasingly important as the county invests in sustainable energy sources.

Employment by industry, Columbia 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.

Top five sectors in terms of employment in 2023:

• Government (586)
• Agriculture (140)
• Manufacturing (120)
• Accommodation and food services (105)
• Retail trade (92)
• Health care and social assistance (56)

Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The average annual wage in Columbia County for all industries was $66,919 with total payroll at $104.9 million in 2023.

Top five sectors in terms of wage in 2023:

• Professional, scientific, and technical services ($113,537)
• Construction ($94,366)
• Government ($63,788)
• Wholesale trade ($64,909)
• Transportation and warehousing ($52,795)
• Finance and insurance ($52,151)

Workforce demographics in Columbia County

 The labor force participation rate is highest among the 20-24 age group at 91.5%, while the 65-74 age group has the lowest at 22.0%.

Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (80.2%) compared to female workers (75.4%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 92.1%, while those with a high school diploma have the lowest at 76.5%.

Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for quick facts about Columbia County.

Age

Demographic characteristic	Total	Labor force participation rate	Unemployment rate
Population 16 years and over	3,337	54.6%	3.4%
16 to 19 years	51	35.3%	50.0%
20 to 24 years	189	91.5%	0.0%
25 to 29 years	230	66.1%	0.0%
30 to 34 years	126	92.1%	14.7%
35 to 44 years	464	79.1%	0.0%
45 to 54 years	427	76.8%	0.0%
55 to 59 years	369	82.9%	0.0%
60 to 64 years	296	65.5%	17.5%
65 to 74 years	682	22.0%	1.3%
75 years and over	503	3.8%	0.0%

Race or Hispanic origin

Demographic characteristic	Total	Labor force participation rate	Unemployment rate
White alone	2,730	52.1%	2.5%
Black or African American alone	28	96.4%	33.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone	16	0.0%	0.0%
Asian alone	1	0.0%	0.0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone	0	0.0%	0.0%
Some other race alone	157	69.4%	0.0%
Two or more races	405	65.2%	6.8%
Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race)	256	70.7%	0.0%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino	2,730	52.1%	2.5%
Population 20 to 64 years	2,101	77.9%	3.1%

Sex

Demographic characteristic	Total	Labor force participation rate	Unemployment rate
Male	1,063	80.2%	2.0%
Female	1,038	75.4%	4.3%

Females with children

Demographic characteristic	Total	Labor force participation rate	Unemployment rate
With own children under 18	311	86.5%	0.0%
With own children under 6 only	71	87.3%	0.0%
With own children under 6 and 6 to 17	37	75.7%	0.0%
With own children 6 to 17 only	203	88.2%	0.0%

Poverty status in the past 12 months

Demographic characteristic	Total	Labor force participation rate	Unemployment rate
Below poverty level	234	6.0%	0.0%
At or above the poverty level	1,860	87.2%	3.1%

Disability status

Demographic characteristic	Total	Labor force participation rate	Unemployment rate
With any disability	337	43.6%	0.0%

Educational attainment

Demographic characteristic	Total	Labor force participation rate	Unemployment rate
Population 25 to 64 years	1,912	76.5%	3.5%
Less than high school graduate	272	56.6%	0.0%
High school graduate (includes equivalency)	364	62.6%	0.0%
Some college or associate's degree	781	80.0%	4.8%
Bachelor's degree or higher	495	92.1%	4.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status

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.