Posted December 2025
September 2025 highlights
In September, the not seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate decreased from 5.2% to 4.4%. Total nonfarm employment increased by 70 jobs in Stevens County from September 2024 to September 2025.
Summary
Stevens County is located near the northeast corner of Washington state. It is part of the Spokane-Spokane Valley Metropolitan Statistical Area, which also includes Spokane County. Stevens County contains most of the Spokane Indian Reservation (237.5 square miles). The county has more than 49,015 residents as of 2024, and 25.9% of the population is age 65 years and over.
Stevens County was historically a top silver and copper producer from the 1850’s to 1910. Forest products also played a major role. Its economy has diversified over the past 20 years, shifting from resource extraction to service-providing jobs and manufacturing. Stevens County has higher unemployment rates and lower labor force participation rates compared to the state averages.
Recovery from the last recession has been slow, with recent job increases. Growth has been driven by demand in housing, recreational markets and machinery manufacturing. Health care employment has grown due to an increase in retirees and changing demographics, especially in assisted care centers. Government is the largest employment sector, accounting for about 30% of total jobs. There are around 978 firms in the county. The 2024 annual average labor force supply was around 18,802 workers with a 6.1% average unemployment rate.
Stevens County geographic overview
Stevens County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Colville serves as the county seat and is the largest city in Stevens County.
The county spans 2,541 square miles, including 91 square miles of water. Its landscape features forests, mountains and numerous lakes and rivers, offering a variety of recreational activities.
Stevens County was created in 1863 and is named after Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Stevens County is part of Area 10, the Eastern Washington Partnership. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Stevens County employment situation for September 2025
Monthly labor force and unemployment in Stevens County, Washington
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The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4% during September 2025, down from 4.5% in September 2024.
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The labor force increased by 132 workers from September 2024 to September 2025.
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The total employed workers increased by 134 workers from September 2024 to September 2025.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Monthly nonfarm payroll employment in Stevens County
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As of September 2025, total nonfarm employment in Stevens County was 11,700 jobs, an increase of 30 jobs over the month and an increase of 70 jobs from September 2024.
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Goods producing sectors, with 2,000 jobs, decreased by 10 jobs over the month but increased by 20 jobs from September 2024.
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Mining, logging and construction, with 860 jobs, remained unchanged over the month but increased by 20 jobs over the year.
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Manufacturing, with 1,130 jobs, decreased by 20 jobs over the month and decreased by 10 jobs from September 2024.
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Service providing sectors, with 9,710 jobs, increased by 50 jobs over the month and increased by 60 jobs from September 2024.
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Retail trade, with 1,280 jobs, remained unchanged over the month but increased by 40 jobs from September 2024.
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Professional and business services, with 650 jobs, remained unchanged over the month, but decreased by 20 jobs from September 2024.
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Private education and health services, with 1,990 jobs, remained unchanged over the month, but increased by 20 jobs from September 2024.
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Leisure and hospitality, with 950 jobs, increased by 10 jobs over the month and increased by 70 jobs from September 2024.
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Government services, including public educational services, totaled 3,440 jobs, increased by 40 jobs over the month, but decreased by 50 jobs from September 2024.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Stevens County
| NAICS Industry Title | Sep 2025 (Prelim) | Aug 2025 (Revised) | Sep 2024 (Revised) | Aug 2025 to Sep 2025 Change | Sep 2024 to Sep 2025 Change | Sep 2024 to Sep 2025 % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 11,700 | 11,670 | 11,630 | 30 | 70 | 0.6% |
| Total private (total nonfarm less government) | 8,270 | 8,270 | 8,140 | 0 | 130 | 1.6% |
| Goods-producing | 2,000 | 2,010 | 1,980 | -10 | 20 | 1.0% |
| - Mining and logging | 280 | 280 | 270 | 0 | 10 | 3.7% |
| - Construction | 580 | 570 | 560 | 10 | 20 | 3.6% |
| - Manufacturing | 1,130 | 1,150 | 1,140 | -20 | -10 | -0.9% |
| Service-providing | 9,710 | 9,660 | 9,650 | 50 | 60 | 0.6% |
| - Wholesale trade | 250 | 250 | 240 | 0 | 10 | 4.2% |
| - Retail trade | 1,280 | 1,280 | 1,240 | 0 | 40 | 3.2% |
| - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | 450 | 460 | 460 | -10 | -10 | -2.2% |
| - Information | 80 | 80 | 80 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Financial activities | 320 | 320 | 330 | 0 | -10 | -3.0% |
| - Professional and business services | 650 | 650 | 670 | 0 | -20 | -3.0% |
| - Private education and health services | 1,990 | 1,990 | 1,970 | 0 | 20 | 1.0% |
| - Leisure and hospitality | 950 | 940 | 880 | 10 | 70 | 8.0% |
| - Other services | 300 | 290 | 280 | 10 | 20 | 7.1% |
| - Government | 3,440 | 3,400 | 3,490 | 40 | -50 | -1.4% |
Note: Data benchmarked through March 2025, updated December 8, 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 Stevens County
Employment by industry, Stevens County 2024 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
The average annual covered employment in Stevens County was 11,512 in 2024. 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 $92,467 in 2024. Total covered wages in Stevens County were $612.6 million, with an average annual wage of $53,212 in 2024.
Top sectors by employment in 2024:
- Government (3,401)
- Healthcare and social assistance (1,914)
- Retail trade (1,247)
- Manufacturing (1,149)
- Accommodation and food services (648)
Top sectors by average annual wage in 2024:
- Management of companies and enterprises ($82,998)
- Mining ($75,326)
- Information ($72,328)
- Administrative and waste services ($66,805)
- Finance and insurance ($64,218)
Workforce demographics in Stevens County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 25 to 29 years age group at 77.1%, while the 65 to 74 age group has the lowest at 22.7%. Participation rate for labor force prime working population 20 to 64 years of age was 66.3%.
Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (71.5%) compared to female workers (61.1%). Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 82.0%, while those with less than a high school diploma have the lowest at 47.6%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for more quick facts about Stevens County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 38,727 | 49.5% | 5.3% |
| 16 to 19 years | 2,264 | 38.7% | 13.3% |
| 20 to 24 years | 2,051 | 65.0% | 17.3% |
| 25 to 29 years | 2,205 | 77.1% | 5.6% |
| 30 to 34 years | 2,342 | 71.3% | 5.5% |
| 35 to 44 years | 5,152 | 73.4% | 4.1% |
| 45 to 54 years | 5,434 | 74.2% | 4.5% |
| 55 to 59 years | 3,061 | 57.3% | 1.7% |
| 60 to 64 years | 4,501 | 47.5% | 1.8% |
| 65 to 74 years | 7,457 | 22.7% | 3.7% |
| 75 years and over | 4,260 | 4.7% | 4.0% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 34,067 | 49.2% | 4.4% |
| Black or African American alone | 154 | 52.6% | 38.3% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 1,410 | 50.4% | 20.1% |
| Asian alone | 389 | 62.7% | 0.0% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 68 | 60.3% | 7.3% |
| Some other race alone | 492 | 60.4% | 7.4% |
| Two or more races | 2,147 | 48.5% | 6.6% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 1,302 | 58.4% | 12.6% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 33,500 | 49.0% | 4.0% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 24,746 | 66.3% | 5.0% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 12,383 | 71.5% | 5.6% |
| Female | 12,363 | 61.1% | 4.3% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 4,229 | 64.5% | 5.4% |
| With own children under 6 only | 831 | 51.0% | 5.2% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 803 | 44.6% | 3.9% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 2,595 | 75.0% | 5.7% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 3,201 | 26.7% | 34.2% |
| At or above the poverty level | 21,517 | 72.3% | 3.4% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 4,279 | 30.1% | 9.4% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 22,695 | 66.4% | 3.9% |
| Less than high school graduate | 1,726 | 47.6% | 11.1% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 7,792 | 60.6% | 4.0% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 8,800 | 67.6% | 4.7% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 4,377 | 82.0% | 0.9% |
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