Posted February 2025
Summary
With a population of 7,497 people, Ferry County has one of the state’s smallest labor markets. The largest demographic is people aged 65 to 74 years with 20.0% of total population share. There are around 245 firms in the county. About half of the 1,709 jobs in the labor market are private and half are government jobs. In the sparsely populated and very rugged mountainous regions of Ferry County, unemployment is typically higher than most other counties in the state. Many of the county’s jobs are in mining and logging. There are around 2,296 workers in the labor market. Currently Ferry County has the highest unemployment rate in the state at 8.4% in 2023.
Ferry County geographic overview
Ferry County is located in the northeastern part of Washington. It is known for its rugged natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Republic serves as the county seat and is the largest city in Ferry County.
The county spans 2,257 square miles, including 24 square miles of water. Its landscape features forests, mountains, and several lakes and rivers.
Ferry County was created out of Stevens County in 1899 and is named after Elisha P. Ferry, the first governor of Washington.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Ferry County is part of Area 10, the Eastern Washington Partnership. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Ferry County employment situation for December 2024
Monthly labor force and unemployment
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As of December 2024, Ferry 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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Ferry County has over 2,214 people in the labor force, with a decrease of -1.0% or -23 workers from December 2023. Employed workforce decreased by -0.5% or -10 workers from December 2023 to December 2024. Unemployed workers decreased by -5.9% or -13 workers. About 208 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 9.4% in December 2024, which increased from 8.2% in November 2024 and unemployment rate decreased from 9.9% in December 2023.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Monthly nonfarm payroll employment in Ferry County
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As of December 2024, total nonfarm employment in Ferry County was 1,700 jobs. Total nonfarm employment remained unchanged in over-the-month changes and decreased by -50 jobs or -2.9% in over-the-year changes. Private sectors remained unchanged over-the-month with total 810 jobs and recorded decrease -40 jobs or -4.7% over-the-year.
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Goods producing sectors decreased from November to December by -10 jobs or -5.0% and decreased by -30 jobs or -13.6% from December 2023 to December 2024. Construction industry cluster decreased by -10 jobs or -10.0% in over-the-month change and decreased by -30 jobs or -18.25% in over-the-year change. Manufacturing remained unchanged over-the-month and decreased by -10 jobs or -9.1% in over-the-year change.
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Service providing sectors total with 1,510 jobs and recorded an increase of 10 jobs or 0.7% in over-the-month change and decreased by -20 jobs or -1.3% from December 2023 to December 2024. Trade, transportation, and utilities remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.
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Leisure and hospitality remained unchanged from November to December and decreased by -10 jobs or -5.3% in over-the-year change. Government services including public educational services remained unchanged over-the-month with total 890 jobs and decreased by -10 jobs or -1.1% in over-the-year change.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Ferry 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 | 1,700 | 1,700 | 1,750 | 0 | -50 | -2.9% |
| Total Private | 810 | 810 | 850 | 0 | -40 | -4.7% |
| Goods Producing | 190 | 200 | 220 | -10 | -30 | -13.6% |
| ---Mining, Logging, and Construction | 90 | 100 | 110 | -10 | -20 | -18.2% |
| ---Manufacturing | 100 | 100 | 110 | 0 | -10 | -9.1% |
| Service Providing | 1,510 | 1,500 | 1,530 | 10 | -20 | -1.3% |
| ---Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 150 | 150 | 150 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Leisure and Hospitality | 180 | 180 | 190 | 0 | -10 | -5.3% |
| ---Government | 890 | 890 | 900 | 0 | -10 | -1.1% |
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
Employment by industry, Ferry County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
The average annual covered employment in Ferry County was 1,709 during 2023. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The average annual wage in Washington state for all industries was $87,054 in 2023. The average annual wage in Ferry County was $48,274 in 2023.
Top five sectors in terms of employment during 2023:
- Government (860)
- Other (691)
- Accommodation and food services (149)
- Retail trade (142)
- Construction (92)
Top five sectors in terms of earnings during 2023:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services ($58,096)
- Government ($57,218)
- Information ($56,811)
- Other ($55,378)
- Transportation and warehousing ($46,016)
Workforce demographics is Ferry County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 25-29 age group at 74.3%, while the 65-74 age group has the lowest at 22.5%.
Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (62.5%) compared to female workers (59.8%). Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 78.1%, while those with a high school diploma have the lowest at 61.4%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for mor quick facts about Ferry County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 6,204 | 44.4% | 10.1% |
| 16 to 19 years | 236 | 36.0% | 38.8% |
| 20 to 24 years | 305 | 58.7% | 27.9% |
| 25 to 29 years | 261 | 74.3% | 2.6% |
| 30 to 34 years | 281 | 46.3% | 6.2% |
| 35 to 44 years | 769 | 72.7% | 7.3% |
| 45 to 54 years | 861 | 69.8% | 4.5% |
| 55 to 59 years | 565 | 57.5% | 11.7% |
| 60 to 64 years | 717 | 43.4% | 5.1% |
| 65 to 74 years | 1,465 | 22.5% | 13.3% |
| 75 years and over | 744 | 5.4% | 37.5% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 4,751 | 40.8% | 8.0% |
| Black or African American alone | 12 | 41.7% | 0.0% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 757 | 58.9% | 12.3% |
| Asian alone | 19 | 15.8% | 0.0% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 123 | 59.3% | 50.7% |
| Some other race alone | 49 | 87.8% | 37.2% |
| Two or more races | 493 | 50.1% | 6.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 179 | 49.2% | 59.1% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 4,669 | 40.3% | 6.2% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 3,759 | 61.2% | 8.0% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,847 | 62.5% | 8.5% |
| Female | 1,912 | 59.8% | 7.6% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 349 | 61.6% | 10.7% |
| With own children under 6 only | 95 | 52.6% | 36.0% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 66 | 71.2% | 10.6% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 188 | 62.8% | 0.0% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 568 | 28.5% | 25.3% |
| At or above the poverty level | 3,147 | 67.9% | 6.7% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 827 | 35.6% | 23.1% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 3,454 | 61.4% | 6.4% |
| Less than high school graduate | 259 | 38.2% | 5.1% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 1,158 | 61.7% | 12.0% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 1,453 | 58.6% | 4.5% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 584 | 78.1% | 1.3% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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