Posted February 2025
Summary
Skamania County has experienced significant economic shifts from 2019 to 2023. The transition from a timber-reliant economy to one focused on tourism, which began decades prior, continued to influence the county's economic landscape.
Average annual employment was 2,535 with total payroll of $128.1 million. The tourism sector, a significant part of Skamania County’s economy, has been gradually recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial months of the pandemic saw a sharp decline in employment, but 2021 and 2023 marked the beginning of a slow but steady recovery by adding significant number of jobs.
As of the latest data available in 2023, the unemployment rate in Skamania County has stabilized, reflecting the broader economic recovery. The county’s average 4.8% unemployment rate for 2023 has been trending downward, aligning with state and national trends.
Significant projects include the Goldendale Energy Storage Project, Port of Skamania’s Cascades Business Park development, and Skamania PUD’s water system upgrades.
Skamania County geographic overview
Skamania County is in the southwestern part of Washington. It is part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area. The town of Stevenson is the county seat. Carson is the largest community in the county. Skamania County’s population was 12,036 in the 2020 census. In 2022, the Census estimated the population at 12,460, which is 3.5% growth from the 2020 census.
The county covers 1,683 square miles, including 28 square miles of water. It features a mix of forested areas and rugged terrain marked by rivers and mountains.
Skamania County was created out of Clark County in 1854 and derives its name from a Chinook word meaning swift waters.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Skamania County is part of Area 9, South Central Workforce Development Area. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Skamania County employment situation for December 2024
Monthly labor force and unemployment
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As of December 2024, Skamania County has experienced notable employment and unemployment trends. Employment levels remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease in total labor force and employment and slight increase in unemployment.
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Skamania County has over 5,344 people in the labor force, with a decrease of -3.1% or -172 workers from December 2023. Employed workforce deceased -3.5% or -184 workers from December 2023 to December 2024. Unemployed workers increased by 4.1% or 12 workers. About 308 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 5.8% in December 2024, which increased from 5.2% in November 2024 and unemployment rate increased from 5.4% 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 Skamania County
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In December 2024, total nonfarm employment in Skamania County was 2,240 jobs, recording an increase of 30 jobs or 1.4% over-the-month and recording an increase of 60 jobs or 2.8% from last December 2023.
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Private sectors, totaling 1,560 jobs, with no change in over-the-month, and recorded an increase of 50 jobs or 3.3% from December 2023 to December 2024.
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Goods producing sectors, with 420 jobs, with not change over-the-month and recording an increased by 30 jobs or 7.7% from December 2023. Mining, logging, and construction industry decreased by -10 jobs or -11.1% over-the-month and remained unchanged over-the-year. Manufacturing, totaling 340 jobs, increased by 10 jobs or 3.0% over-the-month and increased by 30 jobs or 9.7% in over-the-year change.
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Service providing sectors, with total of 1,820 jobs, increased by 30 jobs or 1.7% from November to December and recorded an increase of 30 jobs or 1.7% from December 2023. Trade, transportation, and utilities totaling 260 jobs, remained unchanged both for over-the-month and over-the-year.
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Leisure and hospitality sector with total of 550 jobs, remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 10 jobs or 1.9% over-the-year.
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Government services including public educational services totaled 680 jobs, increased over-the-month by 30 jobs or 4.6% and over-the-year increased by 10 jobs or 1.5% from December 2023.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Skamania 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 | 2,240 | 2,210 | 2,180 | 30 | 60 | 2.8% |
| Private Sector | 1,560 | 1,560 | 1,510 | 0 | 50 | 3.3% |
| Goods Producing | 420 | 420 | 390 | 0 | 30 | 7.7% |
| ---Mining, Logging, and Construction | 80 | 90 | 80 | -10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Construction and Mining | 70 | 80 | 80 | -10 | -10 | -12.5% |
| -------Logging | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0.0% |
| ---Manufacturing | 340 | 330 | 310 | 10 | 30 | 9.7% |
| Service Providing | 1,820 | 1,790 | 1,790 | 30 | 30 | 1.7% |
| ---Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 260 | 260 | 260 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Leisure and Hospitality | 550 | 550 | 540 | 0 | 10 | 1.9% |
| -------Accommodation and Food Services | 530 | 530 | 520 | 0 | 10 | 1.9% |
| ---All Other Services | 330 | 330 | 320 | 0 | 10 | 3.1% |
| ---Government | 680 | 650 | 670 | 30 | 10 | 1.5% |
| -------Federal Government | 90 | 90 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------State Government | 30 | 20 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 50.0% |
| -------Local Government | 560 | 540 | 560 | 20 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----------K-12 Education | 230 | 220 | 220 | 10 | 10 | 4.5% |
| -----------Other Local Government | 330 | 320 | 340 | 10 | -10 | -2.9% |
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 Skamania County
In 2023, Skamania County wages totaled more than $128 million with an average annual wage of $50,470. Average annual covered employment was 2,537. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
The construction sector employed 67 individuals with an average wage of $67,413. Manufacturing had 321 employees earning an average of $39,890. Wholesale trade and professional services offered the highest wages, at $112,650 and $132,973 respectively, though they employed fewer people.
The accommodation and food services sector was a major employer, with 533 employees earning an average of $32,486. Government employment was substantial, with 626 employees and an average wage of $63,135.
Overall, Skamania County’s employment trends reflect a diverse economy with strong contributions from construction, manufacturing, and government sectors, alongside high-wage professional services.
Employment by industry, Skamania 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 (626)
- Accommodation and food services (533)
- Manufacturing (321)
- Retail trade (171)
- Health care and social assistance (103)
- Construction (67)
Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The 2023 average annual wage in Skamania County for all industries was $50,470. Total payroll was $128 million.
Top sectors in terms of wage in 2023:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services ($132,973)
- Wholesale trade ($112,650)
- Construction ($67,413)
- Government ($63,135)
- Manufacturing ($39,890)
Workforce demographics in Skamania County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 30 to 34 years age group at 90.3%, while the 65 to 74 age group has the lowest at 26.5%. Participation rate for prime working population 20 to 64 years of age was 75.1%.
Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (81.0%) compared to female workers (69.1%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 81.6%, while those with less than a high school diploma have the lowest at 52.8%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for quick facts about Skamania County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 10,439 | 58.4% | 5.7% |
| 16 to 19 years | 515 | 57.1% | 16.0% |
| 20 to 24 years | 476 | 88.4% | 23.0% |
| 25 to 29 years | 547 | 83.0% | 8.1% |
| 30 to 34 years | 701 | 90.3% | 0.3% |
| 35 to 44 years | 1,459 | 79.6% | 4.9% |
| 45 to 54 years | 1,713 | 86.2% | 3.8% |
| 55 to 59 years | 922 | 63.1% | 8.6% |
| 60 to 64 years | 1,234 | 46.3% | 0.0% |
| 65 to 74 years | 1,825 | 26.5% | 0.4% |
| 75 years and over | 1,047 | 1.8% | 0.0% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 9,150 | 57.3% | 5.1% |
| Black or African American alone | 34 | 38.2% | 0.0% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 146 | 52.1% | 2.6% |
| Asian alone | 142 | 81.7% | 7.8% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 20 | 55.0% | 0.0% |
| Some other race alone | 332 | 81.6% | 2.2% |
| Two or more races | 615 | 60.0% | 16.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 613 | 84.0% | 7.8% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 8,842 | 56.4% | 5.1% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 7,052 | 75.1% | 5.6% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,574 | 81.0% | 7.8% |
| Female | 3,478 | 69.1% | 3.1% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 872 | 74.9% | 4.0% |
| With own children under 6 only | 181 | 84.5% | 0.0% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 177 | 62.1% | 7.3% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 514 | 75.9% | 4.6% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 640 | 38.6% | 19.4% |
| At or above the poverty level | 6,370 | 79.3% | 5.0% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 726 | 41.5% | 1.0% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 6,576 | 74.2% | 4.1% |
| Less than high school graduate | 468 | 52.8% | 8.9% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 1,702 | 78.2% | 4.4% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 2,427 | 69.5% | 3.4% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1,979 | 81.6% | 4.0% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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