Posted February 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 December 2024
Monthly labor force and unemployment
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As of December 2024, Klickitat County has experienced notable employment and unemployment trends. Employment levels remain relatively stable, with a slight increase in total labor force, employment and small decrease in unemployment.
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Klickitat County has over 9,801 people in the labor force, with an increase of 7.6% or 690 workers from December 2023. Employed workforce increased by 8.9% or 760 workers from December 2023 to December 2024. Unemployed workers decreased by -12.4% or -70 workers. About 496 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 5.1% in December 2024, which increased from 4.7% in November 2024 and unemployment rate decreased from 6.2% in December 2023.
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 December 2024, total nonfarm employment in Klickitat County was 6,420 jobs, recording increase of 90 jobs or 1.4% in over-the-month change and recording total of 250 jobs or 4.1% growth from last December 2023.
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Private sectors, totaling 4,580 jobs, saw an increase of 80 jobs or 1.8% in over-the-month change, and recorded an increase of 240 jobs or 5.5% from December 2023 to December 2024.
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Goods producing sectors, with 1,480 jobs, increased by 30 jobs or 2.1% in over-the-month change and increased by 30 jobs or 2.1% from December 2023. Mining, logging, and construction increased by 30 jobs or 8.6% over-the-month, and increased by 10 jobs or 2.7% from December 2023. Manufacturing, totaling 1,100 jobs, remained unchanged from over-the-month and increased by 20 jobs or 1.9% from December 2023.
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Service providing sectors, with total of 4,940 jobs, increased by 60 jobs or 1.2% from November to December and increased by 220 jobs or 4.7% from December 2023. Trade, transportation, and utilities remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 30 jobs or 3.7% from December 2023. Professional and business services, with 750 jobs, increased by 30 jobs or 4.2% from November to December and increased by 140 jobs or 23.0% from December 2023.
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Private education and health care services increased by 10 jobs or 2.3% over-the-month and decreased by -10 jobs or -2.2% from December 2023. Leisure and hospitality increased by 10 jobs or 2.3% over-the-month while remained unchanged over-the-year.
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Government services including public educational services totaled 1,840 jobs, increased by 10 jobs or 0.5% from November to December, and increased by 10 jobs or 0.5% from December 2023.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Klickitat 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 | 6,420 | 6,330 | 6,170 | 90 | 250 | 4.1% |
| Private Sector | 4,580 | 4,500 | 4,340 | 80 | 240 | 5.5% |
| Goods Producing | 1,480 | 1,450 | 1,450 | 30 | 30 | 2.1% |
| ---Mining, Logging, and Construction | 380 | 350 | 370 | 30 | 10 | 2.7% |
| -------Construction and Mining | 310 | 280 | 310 | 30 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Logging | 70 | 70 | 60 | 0 | 10 | 16.7% |
| ---Manufacturing | 1,100 | 1,100 | 1,080 | 0 | 20 | 1.9% |
| Service Providing | 4,940 | 4,880 | 4,720 | 60 | 220 | 4.7% |
| ---Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 840 | 840 | 810 | 0 | 30 | 3.7% |
| -------Wholesale Trade | 150 | 150 | 130 | 0 | 20 | 15.4% |
| -------Retail Trade | 430 | 430 | 450 | 0 | -20 | -4.4% |
| -------Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities | 260 | 260 | 230 | 0 | 30 | 13.0% |
| ---Professional and Business Services | 750 | 720 | 610 | 30 | 140 | 23.0% |
| ---Education and Health Services | 450 | 440 | 460 | 10 | -10 | -2.2% |
| ---Leisure and Hospitality | 450 | 440 | 450 | 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---All Other Services | 610 | 610 | 560 | 0 | 50 | 8.9% |
| ---Government | 1,840 | 1,830 | 1,830 | 10 | 10 | 0.5% |
| -------Federal Government | 90 | 90 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------State Government | 150 | 150 | 150 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Local Government | 1,600 | 1,590 | 1,590 | 10 | 10 | 0.6% |
| -----------K-12 Education | 690 | 680 | 670 | 10 | 20 | 3.0% |
| -----------Other Local Government | 910 | 910 | 920 | 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 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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