Posted June 2025
May 2025 highlights
In May, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.0% to 4.4% and total nonfarm employment in the Kennewick-Pasco-Richland Metropolitan Statistical Area increased by 1.7% over-the-year.
Summary
Between 2019 and 2023, Benton County witnessed substantial economic development. The primary sectors of growth were agriculture, food processing, health care, education, and research — particularly at the Hanford Site.
The post-pandemic era saw employment levels stabilize and notable expansion in sectors such as health care, education, and construction. The unemployment rate settled at an average of 4.5% in 2023.
The county's economy has been historically shaped by the Hanford Project, established during World War II for plutonium production, which continues to contribute to the region's scientific and economic vitality. Washington State University's expansion has further bolstered the local workforce, attracting a variety of manufacturers and strengthening the agricultural and wine industries.
Economic diversification efforts have emphasized skill enhancement in key areas and support for small businesses, fostering industrial growth. The economic landscape of Benton County is now characterized by its diversity, with significant activities in sectors ranging from medical equipment to wine tourism, centered around urban hubs of Kennewick, Richland, and Prosser.
Benton County geographic overview
Benton County is in the south-central part of Washington. It is part of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which includes Kennewick and Richland. The city of Prosser is the county seat. Kennewick is the largest city in the county. Benton County’s population was 206,873 in the 2020 census. In 2022, the Census estimated the population at 212,791, which is 2.9% growth from the 2020 census.
The county covers 1,760 square miles, including 60 square miles of water. It features a mix of agricultural land and rolling prairie-like terrain.
Benton County was created out of Klickitat and Yakima counties in 1905 and was named after Thomas Hart Benton, a U.S. Senator from Missouri.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Benton County is part of Area 11, the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Benton County employment situation for May 2025
Monthly labor force and unemployment in Benton County, Washington
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Benton County total labor force, employment and unemployment decreased from May 2024 to May 2025.
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Benton County has over 98,172 people in the labor force, with a decrease of 2,375 workers (2.4%) from May 2024. Employed workforce decreased by 2,057 workers (2.1%) from May 2024 to May 2025. Unemployed workers decreased by 318 (6.2%) workers and about 4,309 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 4.4% in May 2025, which is an increase from 4.0% in April 2025 and a decreased from 4.6% in May 2024.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Monthly nonfarm payroll employment Kennewick-Pasco-Richland MSA
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Overall job trends show the Kennewick-Pasco-Richland Metro area had total nonfarm employment of 131,000 jobs in May 2025, representing a 1.7% increase with 2,200 jobs added from May 2024. The private sector expanded by 2,400 jobs (2.2%), while government employment declined by 200 jobs (1.0%).
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Industries with notable growth include trade, transportation, and utilities, which added 2,000 jobs (8.8%). Mining, logging, and construction grew by 700 jobs (6.1%). Private education and health services expanded by 1,000 jobs (4.8%). Administrative and support and waste management services within professional and business services added 900 jobs (7.6%), offsetting some losses in the sector. Other services grew by 200 jobs (5.6%). Food services and drinking places saw a slight increase of 100 positions (1.0%).
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Industries facing declines include manufacturing, which posted the largest drop, losing 1,200 jobs (12.8%). Financial activities contracted by 700 jobs (16.3%). Professional and business services overall declined by 300 jobs (1.3%). Retail trade lost 100 jobs (0.7%), while leisure and hospitality declined 200 jobs (1.6%). Information employment remained unchanged.
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Government employment totaled 20,100 jobs, reflecting a 200 jobs decrease (1.0%). State government employment declined 100 jobs (3.2%), and local government fell 100 jobs (0.6%). Federal government employment held steady.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Kennewick-Pasco-Richland Metropolitan Statistical Area (Benton and Franklin Counties)
| NAICS Industry Title | May 2025 (Prelim) | Apr 2025 (Revised) | May 2024 (Revised) | Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change | May 2024 to May 2025 Change | May 2024 to May 2025 % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 131,000 | 129,200 | 128,800 | 1,800 | 2,200 | 1.7% |
| Total private (total nonfarm less government) | 110,900 | 109,200 | 108,500 | 1,700 | 2,400 | 2.2% |
| Goods-producing | 20,400 | 19,700 | 20,900 | 700 | -500 | -2.4% |
| - Mining, logging and construction | 12,200 | 11,700 | 11,500 | 500 | 700 | 6.1% |
| - Manufacturing | 8,200 | 8,000 | 9,400 | 200 | -1,200 | -12.8% |
| Service-providing | 110,600 | 109,500 | 107,900 | 1,100 | 2,700 | 2.5% |
| - Wholesale trade | 5,000 | 4,300 | 4,400 | 700 | 600 | 13.6% |
| - Retail trade | 14,000 | 13,800 | 14,100 | 200 | -100 | -0.7% |
| - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | 5,200 | 5,100 | 4,100 | 100 | 1,100 | 26.8% |
| - Information | 800 | 800 | 800 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Financial activities | 3,600 | 4,000 | 4,300 | -400 | -700 | -16.3% |
| - Professional and business services | 22,800 | 23,200 | 23,100 | -400 | -300 | -1.3% |
| - Private education and health services | 21,700 | 21,200 | 20,700 | 500 | 1,000 | 4.8% |
| - Leisure and hospitality | 12,400 | 12,300 | 12,600 | 100 | -200 | -1.6% |
| - Other services | 3,800 | 3,900 | 3,600 | -100 | 200 | 5.6% |
| - Government | 20,100 | 20,000 | 20,300 | 100 | -200 | -1.0% |
Note: Data benchmarked through December 2024, updated June 18, 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 Benton County
In 2023, Benton County’s covered employment saw a notable economic landscape. Benton County’s wages paid totaled $6.55 billion, with an average annual employment of 97,832 and an average annual wage of $67,014. The professional, scientific, and technical services sector led in high wages, averaging $113,115 annually, while administrative and waste services had significant employment at 10,759 with an average wage of $99,165.
Construction and health care and social assistance also showed strong employment figures, with average wages of $80,328 and $60,654, respectively. Retail trade had the highest employment at 10,395 but lower wages at $39,243. Sectors like agriculture and accommodation and food services had lower average wages, reflecting the diverse economic landscape of the county. This figure reflects the diverse economic activities in the region, including agriculture, food processing, medical equipment manufacturing, energy production, and wine tourism.
Employment by industry, Benton County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
Note: ND stands for not disclosed. ND is used to avoid disclosing data for individual employers. Industries labeled ND are grouped in the Not elsewhere classified category.
Average annual covered employment in Benton County was 97,832 in 2023. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
Top five sectors in terms of employment in 2023:
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Health care and social assistance (14,608)
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Government (12,480)
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Administrative and waste services (10,759)
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Retail trade (10,395)
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Professional, scientific, and technical services (9,171)
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Accommodation and food services (8,461)
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Manufacturing (7,824)
Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The average annual wage in Benton County for all industries was $67,014 with payrolls totaling more than $6.55 billion in 2023.
The top five sectors in terms of wage in 2023:
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Management of companies and enterprises ($144,235)
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Professional, scientific, and technical services ($113,115)
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Administrative and waste services ($99,165)
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Finance and insurance ($89,777)
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Construction ($80,328)
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Government ($78,696)
Workforce demographics in Benton County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 30-34 age group at 85.1%, while the 65-74 age group has the lowest at 21.2%. The majority of the workforce is white (60.7% participation rate).
Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (83.6%) compared to female workers (71.8%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 86.0%, while those with less than a high school diploma have the lowest at 62.5%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for more quick facts about Benton County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 161,217 | 62.4% | 5.0% |
| 16 to 19 years | 11,522 | 38.7% | 12.6% |
| 20 to 24 years | 12,756 | 79.9% | 7.2% |
| 25 to 29 years | 13,723 | 80.0% | 6.0% |
| 30 to 34 years | 14,511 | 85.1% | 6.1% |
| 35 to 44 years | 28,152 | 81.9% | 4.6% |
| 45 to 54 years | 23,260 | 78.7% | 3.0% |
| 55 to 59 years | 11,805 | 73.9% | 3.0% |
| 60 to 64 years | 12,766 | 57.9% | 3.7% |
| 65 to 74 years | 20,163 | 21.2% | 3.8% |
| 75 years and over | 12,559 | 6.8% | 4.2% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 121,267 | 60.7% | 4.6% |
| Black or African American alone | 2,480 | 68.3% | 10.2% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 1,458 | 69.3% | 3.6% |
| Asian alone | 5,011 | 65.3% | 3.4% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 370 | 66.2% | 6.5% |
| Some other race alone | 13,569 | 66.6% | 6.1% |
| Two or more races | 17,062 | 68.9% | 6.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 33,791 | 71.6% | 5.9% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 112,912 | 59.4% | 4.5% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 116,973 | 77.8% | 4.7% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 59,321 | 83.6% | 4.8% |
| Female | 57,652 | 71.8% | 4.6% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 22,139 | 70.9% | 4.7% |
| With own children under 6 only | 4,083 | 70.1% | 7.4% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 4,773 | 54.5% | 4.6% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 13,283 | 77.1% | 4.0% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 10,867 | 46.4% | 19.0% |
| At or above the poverty level | 105,447 | 81.5% | 3.9% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 15,038 | 48.4% | 8.7% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 104,217 | 77.5% | 4.4% |
| Less than high school graduate | 10,972 | 62.5% | 9.1% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 24,269 | 72.5% | 4.9% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 34,593 | 77.4% | 5.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34,383 | 86.0% | 2.3% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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