Posted March 2025
Summary
Columbia County's economy has shown remarkable resilience and growth over the last three years, buoyed by robust sectors such as health care, education, and retail. These industries have been pivotal in maintaining economic stability and driving employment. Job numbers rose from 1,200 in 2021 to 1,250 in 2023, while total payroll increased from $50 million to $55 million in the same period. Average annual wages have steadily increased, climbing from $41,667 to $44,000. The unemployment rate decreased from 6.0% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2022 and leveled at 5.0% in 2023. This is a sign of a strong job market resilient to economic shifts.
The health care sector has surged due to increased demand and new facilities, leading to more jobs and higher local business revenues. Columbia County has also embarked on various community development initiatives to enhance infrastructure and connectivity, which is poised to generate more jobs and expand the economy. These proactive measures underscore the county's commitment to fostering a dynamic and thriving economic environment.
Columbia County geographic overview
Columbia County is in the southeastern part of Washington. It is part of the Walla Walla metropolitan area. The town of Dayton is the county seat and also the largest city in the county. Columbia County’s population was 3,952 in the 2020 census. In 2022, the Census estimated the population at 4,026, which is 1.9% growth from the 2020 census.
The county covers 873 square miles, including 4.9 square miles of water. It features a mix of agricultural land and rolling prairie-like terrain.
Columbia County was created out of Walla Walla County in 1875 and was named after the Columbia River.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Columbia County is part of Area 10, the Eastern Washington Partnership. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Columbia County employment situation for January 2025
Monthly labor force and unemployment
-
As of January 2025, Columbia County has experienced notable employment and unemployment trends. Employment levels remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease in total labor force, employment and unemployment remained unchanged.
-
Columbia County has over 1,975 people in the labor force, with a decrease of -3.8% or -77 workers from January 2024. Employed workforce decreased by -3.7% or -73 workers from January 2023 to January 2024. Unemployed workers decreased by -4.2% or -4 workers. About 92 people were unemployed and looking for work.
-
The unemployment rate in the county was 4.7% in January 2025, which increased from 4.2% in December 2024 and unemployment rate remained the same from 4.7% in January 2024.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Monthly nonfarm payroll employment in Walla Walla MSA
-
As of January 2025, total nonfarm employment in Columbia County was 1,520 jobs. Total nonfarm employment recorded decrease of -40 jobs or -2.6% over-the-month, while recording an increase of 20 jobs or 1.3% over-the-year. Private sectors decreased by -20 jobs or -2.2% over-the-month with 890 jobs and recorded increase 10 jobs or 1.1% in over-the-year change.
-
Goods producing sectors decreased December to January by -10 jobs or -5.9% and increased by 10 jobs or 5.9% from January 2024 to January 2025.
-
Service providing sectors decreased by -30 jobs or -2.2% in over-the-month change and recorded increase of 10 jobs or 0.7% from January 2024 to January 2025.
-
Trade, transportation, and utilities remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 20 jobs or 5.9% in over-the-year change.
-
Leisure and hospitality remained unchanged from December to January and decreased by -10 jobs or -4.8% in over-the-year change.
-
-
Government services including public educational services decreased by -20 jobs or -3.2% over-the-month and while increasing by 10 jobs or 1.6% in over-the-year change.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Walla Walla Metropolitan Statistical Area (Walla Walla and Columbia Counties)
| NAICS Industry Title | Jan 2025 (Preliminary) | Dec 2024 (Revised) | Jan 2024 (Revised) | Dec 2024 to Jan 2025 change | Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 change | Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 1,520 | 1,560 | 1,500 | -40 | 20 | 1.3% |
| --Total private | 890 | 910 | 880 | -20 | 10 | 1.1% |
| ---Goods-producing | 170 | 180 | 160 | -10 | 10 | 6.3% |
| -----Mining, Logging and Construction | 130 | 140 | 120 | -10 | 10 | 8.3% |
| -----Construction | 130 | 140 | 120 | -10 | 10 | 8.3% |
| -----Manufacturing | 40 | 40 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Nondurable goods | 40 | 40 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Service-providing | 1,350 | 1,380 | 1,340 | -30 | 10 | 0.7% |
| -----Trade, transportation, and utilities | 340 | 340 | 320 | 0 | 20 | 6.3% |
| -------Wholesale Trade | 10 | 10 | 20 | 0 | -10 | -50.0% |
| -------Retail trade | 100 | 100 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities | 220 | 220 | 210 | 0 | 10 | 4.8% |
| -----Information | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Financial activities | 20 | 20 | 30 | 0 | -10 | -33.3% |
| -----Professional and business services | 50 | 50 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Private education and health services | 70 | 70 | 60 | 0 | 10 | 16.7% |
| -----Leisure and hospitality | 210 | 210 | 220 | 0 | -10 | -4.5% |
| -----Other services | 30 | 30 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Government | 630 | 650 | 620 | -20 | 10 | 1.6% |
| -------Federal government | 70 | 70 | 60 | 0 | 10 | 16.7% |
| -------State government | 40 | 40 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Local government | 520 | 540 | 520 | -20 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---------Local government education | 90 | 100 | 100 | -10 | -10 | -10.0% |
Note: Data benchmarked through September 2024, updated March 17, 2025.
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Washington employment estimates (WA-QB & CES)
Total covered employment in Columbia County
In 2023, Columbia County had a total of 1,568 total covered jobs. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
There are few major industries. The government sector remained the largest employer, accounting for 40.1% of total employment. This sector saw a modest increase in jobs, reflecting the stability and importance of public services in the county. Agriculture continued to be a significant part of the local economy. The sector includes crop production, livestock, and related activities.
The health care and social assistance sector experienced growth driven by an increasing demand for services. Retail trade supported local needs and tourism, and saw steady employment.
The renewable energy industry, including wind and solar power projects, created new jobs and opportunities. This sector is becoming increasingly important as the county invests in sustainable energy sources.
Employment by industry, Columbia 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.
Top five sectors in terms of employment in 2023:
- Government (586)
- Agriculture (140)
- Manufacturing (120)
- Accommodation and food services (105)
- Retail trade (92)
- Health care and social assistance (56)
Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The average annual wage in Columbia County for all industries was $66,919 with total payroll at $104.9 million in 2023.
Top five sectors in terms of wage in 2023:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services ($113,537)
- Construction ($94,366)
- Government ($63,788)
- Wholesale trade ($64,909)
- Transportation and warehousing ($52,795)
- Finance and insurance ($52,151)
Workforce demographics in Columbia County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 20-24 age group at 91.5%, while the 65-74 age group has the lowest at 22.0%.
Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (80.2%) compared to female workers (75.4%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 92.1%, while those with a high school diploma have the lowest at 76.5%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for quick facts about Columbia County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 3,337 | 54.6% | 3.4% |
| 16 to 19 years | 51 | 35.3% | 50.0% |
| 20 to 24 years | 189 | 91.5% | 0.0% |
| 25 to 29 years | 230 | 66.1% | 0.0% |
| 30 to 34 years | 126 | 92.1% | 14.7% |
| 35 to 44 years | 464 | 79.1% | 0.0% |
| 45 to 54 years | 427 | 76.8% | 0.0% |
| 55 to 59 years | 369 | 82.9% | 0.0% |
| 60 to 64 years | 296 | 65.5% | 17.5% |
| 65 to 74 years | 682 | 22.0% | 1.3% |
| 75 years and over | 503 | 3.8% | 0.0% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 2,730 | 52.1% | 2.5% |
| Black or African American alone | 28 | 96.4% | 33.3% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 16 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Asian alone | 1 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 0 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Some other race alone | 157 | 69.4% | 0.0% |
| Two or more races | 405 | 65.2% | 6.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 256 | 70.7% | 0.0% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 2,730 | 52.1% | 2.5% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 2,101 | 77.9% | 3.1% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,063 | 80.2% | 2.0% |
| Female | 1,038 | 75.4% | 4.3% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 311 | 86.5% | 0.0% |
| With own children under 6 only | 71 | 87.3% | 0.0% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 37 | 75.7% | 0.0% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 203 | 88.2% | 0.0% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 234 | 6.0% | 0.0% |
| At or above the poverty level | 1,860 | 87.2% | 3.1% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 337 | 43.6% | 0.0% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 1,912 | 76.5% | 3.5% |
| Less than high school graduate | 272 | 56.6% | 0.0% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 364 | 62.6% | 0.0% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 781 | 80.0% | 4.8% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 495 | 92.1% | 4.6% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.