Posted April 2025
Summary
Klickitat County has three distinct economic regions. The western third of the county relies on unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) production, wood products, and orchards and fruit packing. The eastern third is dominated by vegetable farming, as well as the Roosevelt Regional Landfill. The central third boasts the county seat, Goldendale, the Maryhill Museum, windsurfing and kite boarding on the Columbia River, as well as the now-shuttered aluminum smelter. Vineyards and wineries have been expanding across the county.
Job growth in Klickitat County has been highly dependent on manufacturing and specifically the drone industry. Nonmanufacturing employment was growing until the COVID-19 pandemic, which lead to layoffs in leisure and hospitality and K-12 education. Drones will continue to play an important role in Klickitat and in the Columbia Gorge, along with agriculture, wood products, and tourism and recreation.
The county will likely continue to diversify at a modest pace. Important challenges for the future include securing funding for modernizing the interstate bridge across the Columbia River and expanding broadband access.
Klickitat County geographic overview
Klickitat County is in the south-central part of Washington. It is part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area. The city of Goldendale is the county seat and the largest city in the county. Klickitat County’s population was 22,735 in the 2020 census. In 2022, the Census estimated the population at 23,271, which is 2.4% growth from the 2020 census.
The county covers 1,904 square miles, including 33 square miles of water. It features a mix of forested areas and rugged terrain marked by rivers and mountains.
Klickitat County was created out of Walla Walla County in 1859 and derives its name from the Klickitat tribe.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Klickitat County is part of Area 9, the South-Central Workforce Development Area. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Klickitat County employment situation for February 2025
Monthly labor force and unemployment
- As of February 2025, Klickitat County has experienced notable employment and unemployment trends. Employment levels remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease in total labor force, employment and unemployment.
- Klickitat County has over 9,113 people in the labor force, with a decrease of –2.8% or -263 workers from February 2024. Employed workforce decreased by -2.4% or -213 workers over-the-year. Unemployed workers decreased by -7.5% or -50 workers. About 619 people were unemployed and looking for work.
- The unemployment rate in the county was 6.8% in February 2025, which increased from 6.0% in January 2025 and unemployment rate decreased from 7.1% in February 2024.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Monthly payroll employment in Klickitat County
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As of February 2024, total nonfarm employment in Klickitat County was at 6,130 jobs. Total nonfarm employment increased by 50 jobs or 0.8%, over-the-month, while recording an increase of 160 jobs or 2.7%, year-over-year. Private sectors increased by 30 jobs or 0.7%, over-the-month and showed an increase of 120 jobs or 2.9%, over-the-year.
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Goods producing sectors, with 1,380 jobs, increased by 40 jobs or 3.0% over-the-month and increased by 40 jobs or 3.0%, over-the-year.
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Mining, logging, and construction increased by 10 jobs or 3.4% over-the-month and increased by 10 jobs or 3.4%, over-the-year.
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Manufacturing increased by 20 jobs or 1.9% over-the-month and increased by 30 jobs or 2.9%, over-the-year.
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Service providing sectors, with 4,750 jobs, increased by 20 jobs or 0.4%, over-the-month, and recorded increase of 120 jobs or 2.6%, over-the-year.
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Trade, transportation, and utilities, with 790 jobs, decreased over-the-month by -10 jobs or -1.3% and decreased by -10 jobs or -1.3%, over-the-year.
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Information and financial activities with total 200 jobs, remained unchanged over-the-month but increased by 10 jobs or 5.6%, over-the-year.
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Professional and business services industry with 640 jobs, remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 50 jobs or 8.5%, over-the-year.
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Private education and health care services, with 440 jobs, remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.
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Leisure and hospitality industry decreased by -10 jobs or -2.3% over-the-month and remained unchanged over-the-year.
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Government services, with 1,840 jobs, including public educational services increased by 10 jobs or 2.3%, over-the-month, and increased by 30 jobs or 1.7%, over-the-year.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Klickitat County
| NAICS Industry Title | Feb 2025 (Prelim) | Jan 2025 (Revised) | Feb 2024 (Revised) | Jan 2025 to Feb 2025 Change | Feb 2024 to Feb 2025 Change | Feb 2024 to Feb 2025 % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 6,130 | 6,080 | 5,970 | 50 | 160 | 2.7% |
| - Total private (total nonfarm less government) | 4,280 | 4,250 | 4,160 | 30 | 120 | 2.9% |
| - - Goods-producing | 1,380 | 1,340 | 1,340 | 40 | 40 | 3.0% |
| - - - - - Mining and logging | 50 | 40 | 60 | 10 | -10 | -16.7% |
| - - - - - Construction | 250 | 240 | 240 | 10 | -10 | -4.2% |
| - - - - Manufacturing | 1,080 | 1,060 | 1,050 | 10 | 10 | 1.0% |
| - - Service-providing | 4,750 | 4,730 | 4,630 | 20 | 120 | 2.6% |
| - - - - - Wholesale trade | 120 | 120 | 130 | 0 | -10 | -7.7% |
| - - - - - Retail trade | 440 | 450 | 430 | -10 | 10 | 2.3% |
| - - - - - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | 230 | 230 | 220 | 0 | 10 | 4.5% |
| - - - - Information | 60 | 60 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - - - - Financial activities | 140 | 140 | 130 | 0 | 10 | 7.7% |
| - - - - Professional and business services | 640 | 640 | 590 | 0 | 50 | 8.5% |
| - - - - Private education and health services | 440 | 440 | 440 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - - - - Leisure and hospitality | 430 | 440 | 430 | -10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - - - - Other services | 410 | 400 | 390 | 10 | 20 | 5.1% |
| - - Government | 1,840 | 1,830 | 1,810 | 10 | 30 | 1.7% |
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Washington employment estimates (WA-QB & CES)
Total covered employment in Klickitat County
In 2023, Klickitat County wages totaled more than $420 million with an average annual wage of $60,145. Average annual covered employment was 6,984. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
The agriculture sector was significant, employing 874 individuals with an average wage of $47,780. Utilities stood out with the highest average wage of $136,177 for 56 employees. Manufacturing was a major contributor, with 1,206 employees earning an average of $82,543.
Government employment was substantial, with 1,761 employees and an average wage of $61,179. Wholesale trade and professional services also played key roles, offering competitive wages. Retail trade, while employing 449 individuals, had a lower average wage of $34,398.
The data industry strong contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and government sectors, with utilities offering the highest wages. Overall, Klickitat County’s employment trends reflect a balanced mix of traditional and service-oriented industries.
Employment by industry, Klickitat County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
Top sectors in terms of employment in 2023:
- Government (1,761)
- Manufacturing (1,206)
- Agriculture (874)
- Health care and social assistance (389)
- Accommodation and food services (360)
Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The 2023 average annual wage in Klickitat County for all industries was $60,145. Total annual payroll was $420 million.
Top sectors in terms of wage in 2023:
- Utilities ($136,177)
- Information ($125,558)
- Professional, scientific, and technical services ($86,067)
- Manufacturing ($82,543)
- Other services, except public administration ($70,914)
- Wholesale trade ($66,260)
Workforce demographics in Klickitat County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 20-24 age group at 82.1%, while the 65-74 age group has the lowest at 22.2%. Participation rate for prime working population 20 to 64 years of age was 72.3%.
Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (77.9%) compared to female workers (66.4%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 75.1%, while those with a high school diploma have the lowest at 72.2%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for quick facts about Klickitat County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 19,418 | 54.3% | 1.6% |
| 16 to 19 years | 797 | 23.8% | 1.0% |
| 20 to 24 years | 1,198 | 82.1% | 9.4% |
| 25 to 29 years | 1,176 | 79.9% | 12.3% |
| 30 to 34 years | 1,307 | 67.7% | 4.3% |
| 35 to 44 years | 2,878 | 75.4% | 3.2% |
| 45 to 54 years | 2,791 | 78.6% | 2.0% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,594 | 77.4% | 11.9% |
| 60 to 64 years | 1,929 | 46.7% | 0.0% |
| 65 to 74 years | 3,679 | 22.2% | 0.0% |
| 75 years and over | 2,069 | 10.6% | 37.5% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 16,674 | 52.0% | 4.8% |
| Black or African American alone | 117 | 79.5% | 20.4% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 224 | 38.4% | 55.8% |
| Asian alone | 191 | 34.6% | 0.0% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 82 | 35.4% | 0.0% |
| Some other race alone | 764 | 87.7% | 0.0% |
| Two or more races | 1,366 | 67.7% | 2.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 2,184 | 78.4% | 7.1% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 15,755 | 50.8% | 3.9% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 12,873 | 72.3% | 5.4% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 6,603 | 77.9% | 5.1% |
| Female | 6,270 | 66.4% | 5.8% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 1,840 | 60.3% | 8.5% |
| With own children under 6 only | 499 | 56.7% | 0.0% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 324 | 62.7% | 28.1% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 1,017 | 61.3% | 5.9% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 1,945 | 42.7% | 34.1% |
| At or above the poverty level | 10,904 | 77.8% | 2.6% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 1,827 | 49.1% | 8.6% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 11,675 | 71.3% | 5.9% |
| Less than high school graduate | 1,293 | 72.2% | 7.9% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 3,091 | 69.4% | 12.8% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 3,426 | 68.4% | 5.0% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 3,865 | 75.1% | 1.0% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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