Columbia County profile

Columbia County’s economy has continued to demonstrate resilience and modest growth through 2024 and into 2025, supported by strong performance in health care, education and retail. These sectors have remained central to economic stability and employment.

Columbia County’s resident workforce has experienced ongoing changes from year to year. From 2016 to 2019, the county saw strong labor force growth and declining unemployment. The pandemic led to decreases in both labor force and employment, along with a rise in unemployment. After 2021, the resident workforce rebounded and grew. However, in 2024 and into 2025, the county’s workforce numbers stabilized, with modest declines in labor force and employment, while the unemployment rate remained steady. As of September 2025, the county’s unemployment rate stood at 4.2%.

 This marks a significant improvement in labor market conditions and signals a more competitive job environment.

The health care sector expanded further due to sustained demand and the addition of new facilities, contributing to job creation and boosting local business revenues. Columbia County has also advanced several community development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and digital connectivity. These efforts are expected to generate additional employment opportunities and support long-term economic expansion.

Together, these developments underscore Columbia County’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive economy, with a growing emphasis on workforce development and small business support.

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 September 2025

Monthly labor force and unemployment

• Labor force (1,866 in total) increased slightly from August to September 2025 with 15 more people employed.
• Unemployment fell by 13 people, lowering the unemployment rate from 4.3% to 3.6%.
• Compared to September 2024, the labor force is down 3.9% and employment is down 4.2%, indicating a modest year‑over‑year contraction.
• Unemployment is nearly unchanged year‑over‑year, with the unemployment rate ticking up 0.2 points.

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

Nonfarm employment, not seasonally adjusted:

In September 2025, Columbia County had 1,340 total nonfarm jobs.

One month earlier, in August 2025, there were 20 fewer (1,320 in total).

Compared to August 2025, in September there are:

• Twenty more jobs in service‑providing industries, the only major category showing growth.
• Ten more jobs in professional and business services, the strongest single‑industry gain.
• Ten more jobs in leisure and hospitality, continuing late‑summer hiring.

One year ago, in September 2024, there were 50 more jobs (1,390 in total).

Compared to September 2024, in September 2025 there are:

• Ten fewer (‑5.6%) goods‑producing jobs, reflecting a decline concentrated in manufacturing and construction stability rather than growth.
• Ten fewer (‑5.3%) jobs in transportation, warehousing and utilities, marking one of the sharper drops.
• 10 fewer (‑33.3%) jobs in financial activities, the steepest percentage decline of any industry.
• 30 fewer (‑4.6%) government jobs, contributing significantly to the overall decrease.
• Other industries, including retail trade, wholesale trade, information, private education and health services, leisure and hospitality and other services, show no year‑over‑year change.
• Ten more government jobs, offsetting declines seen earlier in the year.
• Other industries show no change, including goods‑producing, retail trade, transportation, warehousing, utilities and financial activities.

Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Columbia County

NAICS Industry Title	Sep 2025 (Prelim)	Aug 2025 (Revised)	Sep 2024 (Revised)	Aug 2025 to Sep 2025 Change	Sep 2024 to Sep 2025 Change	Sep 2024 to Sep 2025 % Change
Total nonfarm	1,340	1,320	1,390	20	-50	-3.6%
Total private (total nonfarm less government)	730	720	740	10	-10	-1.4%
Goods-producing	170	170	180	0	-10	-5.6%
- Mining, Logging and Construction	130	130	130	0	0	0.0%
- Construction	130	130	130	0	0	0.0%
- Manufacturing	40	40	40	0	0	0.0%
Service-providing	1,170	1,150	1,210	20	-40	-3.3%
- Wholesale trade	10	10	10	0	0	0.0%
- Retail trade	100	100	100	0	0	0.0%
- Transportation, warehousing, and utilities	180	180	190	0	-10	-5.3%
- Information	10	10	10	0	0	0.0%
- Financial activities	20	20	30	0	-10	-33.3%
- Professional and business services	40	30	30	10	10	33.3%
- Private education and health services	70	70	70	0	0	0.0%
- Leisure and hospitality	100	90	100	10	0	0.0%
- Other services	30	30	30	0	0	0.0%
- Government	620	610	650	10	-30	-4.6%

Note: Data benchmarked through March 2025, updated December 8, 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 2024, Columbia County had a total of 1,503 total covered jobs with a small decline of 62 jobs over-the-year, with $371.7 million in total payroll wages and average annual wage of $54,469. 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 40.6% of total employment, with average annual wage at $64,603. This sector saw a modest increase (25 jobs or 4.3%) in jobs, reflecting the stability and importance of public services in the county. Agriculture continued to be a significant part of the local economy at 8.4% of total employment. The sector includes crop production, livestock, and related activities.

The construction and retail trade industries experienced growth driven by an increasing demand. 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 2024 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 2024:

• Government (611 jobs or 40.6% employment share)

• Construction (128 jobs or 8.5% employment share)

• Agriculture (127 jobs or 8.4% employment share)

• Retail trade (98 jobs or 6.5% employment share)

• Accommodation and food services (90 jobs or 6.0% employment share)

• Health care and social assistance (55 jobs or 3.7% employment share)

Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The average annual wage in Columbia County for all industries was $66,819 with total payroll at $100.4 million in 2024.

Top five sectors in terms of wages in 2024:

• Construction ($108,460)

• Government ($64,603)

• Health care and social assistance ($60,090)

• Manufacturing ($48,998)

• Wholesale trade ($47,798)

• Finance and insurance ($33,183)

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

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