Posted April 2025
March 2025 Highlights
In March, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% to 3.9% and total nonfarm employment decreased by 1.1% over-the-year.
Summary
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 March 2025
Monthly labor force and unemployment
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As of March 2025, Columbia 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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Columbia County has over 1,956 people in the labor force, with a decrease of 3.5% or 71 workers from March 2024. Employed workforce decreased by 3.1% or 61 workers from March 2024 to March 2025. Unemployed workers decreased by 11.5% or 10 workers. About 77 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 3.9% in March 2025, which decreased from 4.5% in February 2025 and from 4.3% in March 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
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As of March 2025, total nonfarm employment in Columbia County was 1,550 jobs. Total nonfarm employment recorded no change over-the-month and recorded 20 jobs or 1.3% increase over-the-year. Private sectors decreased by 10 jobs or 1.1% over-the-month and decreased by 10 jobs or 1.1% from March 2024 to March 2025.
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Goods producing sectors remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.
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Construction industry increased by 10 jobs or 7.7% over-the-month and increased by 10 jobs or 7.7% over-the-year.
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Manufacturing remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.
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Service providing sectors, with 1,380 jobs, remained unchanged over-the-month and recorded an increase of 20 jobs or 1.5% from March 2024 to March 2025.
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Trade, transportation, and utilities remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 10 jobs or 3.0% over-the-year.
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Information and financial activities with a total of 30 jobs remained unchanged over-the-month but decreased by 10 jobs or 33.0% over-the-year.
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Professional and business services and private education and health services together remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.
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Leisure and hospitality with 200 jobs, recorded decreased of 20 jobs or 9.1% over-the-year and recorded a decrease of 20 jobs or 9.1% over-the-year.
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Government services with 650 jobs, including public educational services, increased by 10 jobs or 1.6% over-the-month and increased by 20 jobs or 3.2% in over-the-year change.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Columbia County
| NAICS Industry Title | Mar 2025 (Prelim) | Feb 2025 (Revised) | Mar 2024 (Revised) | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAICS Industry Title Total nonfarm | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 1,550 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 1,550 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 1,530 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 20 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 1.3% |
| NAICS Industry Title Total private (total nonfarm less government) | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 900 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 910 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 910 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change -10 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change -10 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change -1.1% |
| NAICS Industry Title Goods-producing | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 170 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 170 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 170 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 0.0% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Mining and logging | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 140 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 130 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 130 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 10 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 10 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 7.7% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Construction | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 140 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 130 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 130 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 10 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 10 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 7.7% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Manufacturing | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 40 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 40 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 40 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 0.0% |
| NAICS Industry Title Service-providing | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 1,380 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 1,380 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 1,360 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 20 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 1.5% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Wholesale trade | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 10 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 10 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 20 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change -10 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change -50.0% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Retail trade | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 100 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 100 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 100 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 0.0% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 220 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 220 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 220 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 0.0% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Information | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 10 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 10 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 10 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 0.0% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Financial activities | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 20 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 20 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 30 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change -10 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change -33.3% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Professional and business services | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 60 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 60 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 60 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 0.0% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Private education and health services | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 70 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 70 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 70 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 0.0% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Leisure and hospitality | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 200 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 220 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 220 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change -20 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change -20 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change -9.1% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Other services | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 30 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 30 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 30 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 0 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 0.0% |
| NAICS Industry Title - Government | Mar 2025 (Prelim) 650 | Feb 2025 (Revised) 640 | Mar 2024 (Revised) 630 | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change 10 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change 20 | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change 3.2% |
Note: Data benchmarked through September 2024, updated April 17, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic characteristic Population 16 years and over | Total 3,337 | Labor force participation rate 54.6% | Unemployment rate 3.4% |
| Demographic characteristic 16 to 19 years | Total 51 | Labor force participation rate 35.3% | Unemployment rate 50.0% |
| Demographic characteristic 20 to 24 years | Total 189 | Labor force participation rate 91.5% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic 25 to 29 years | Total 230 | Labor force participation rate 66.1% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic 30 to 34 years | Total 126 | Labor force participation rate 92.1% | Unemployment rate 14.7% |
| Demographic characteristic 35 to 44 years | Total 464 | Labor force participation rate 79.1% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic 45 to 54 years | Total 427 | Labor force participation rate 76.8% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic 55 to 59 years | Total 369 | Labor force participation rate 82.9% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic 60 to 64 years | Total 296 | Labor force participation rate 65.5% | Unemployment rate 17.5% |
| Demographic characteristic 65 to 74 years | Total 682 | Labor force participation rate 22.0% | Unemployment rate 1.3% |
| Demographic characteristic 75 years and over | Total 503 | Labor force participation rate 3.8% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic characteristic White alone | Total 2,730 | Labor force participation rate 52.1% | Unemployment rate 2.5% |
| Demographic characteristic Black or African American alone | Total 28 | Labor force participation rate 96.4% | Unemployment rate 33.3% |
| Demographic characteristic American Indian and Alaska Native alone | Total 16 | Labor force participation rate 0.0% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic Asian alone | Total 1 | Labor force participation rate 0.0% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | Total 0 | Labor force participation rate 0.0% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic Some other race alone | Total 157 | Labor force participation rate 69.4% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic Two or more races | Total 405 | Labor force participation rate 65.2% | Unemployment rate 6.8% |
| Demographic characteristic Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | Total 256 | Labor force participation rate 70.7% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | Total 2,730 | Labor force participation rate 52.1% | Unemployment rate 2.5% |
| Demographic characteristic Population 20 to 64 years | Total 2,101 | Labor force participation rate 77.9% | Unemployment rate 3.1% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic characteristic Male | Total 1,063 | Labor force participation rate 80.2% | Unemployment rate 2.0% |
| Demographic characteristic Female | Total 1,038 | Labor force participation rate 75.4% | Unemployment rate 4.3% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic characteristic With own children under 18 | Total 311 | Labor force participation rate 86.5% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic With own children under 6 only | Total 71 | Labor force participation rate 87.3% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | Total 37 | Labor force participation rate 75.7% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic With own children 6 to 17 only | Total 203 | Labor force participation rate 88.2% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic characteristic Below poverty level | Total 234 | Labor force participation rate 6.0% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic At or above the poverty level | Total 1,860 | Labor force participation rate 87.2% | Unemployment rate 3.1% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic characteristic With any disability | Total 337 | Labor force participation rate 43.6% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic characteristic Population 25 to 64 years | Total 1,912 | Labor force participation rate 76.5% | Unemployment rate 3.5% |
| Demographic characteristic Less than high school graduate | Total 272 | Labor force participation rate 56.6% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic High school graduate (includes equivalency) | Total 364 | Labor force participation rate 62.6% | Unemployment rate 0.0% |
| Demographic characteristic Some college or associate's degree | Total 781 | Labor force participation rate 80.0% | Unemployment rate 4.8% |
| Demographic characteristic Bachelor's degree or higher | Total 495 | Labor force participation rate 92.1% | Unemployment rate 4.6% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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