Posted April 2025
March 2025 Highlights
In March, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 6.4% to 5.7% and total nonfarm employment in Kennewick-Pasco-Richland MSA increased by 3.5% over-the-year.
Summary
Agriculture, food manufacturing, health care, education, and industrial sectors play pivotal roles in Franklin County's robust economy. The county's agricultural sector, especially food manufacturing, is a cornerstone of local employment and economic stability. In 2023, the county reported approximately 36,917 jobs and an average annual unemployment rate of 5.7%. Health care and education are significant employment sectors, underpinning the local economy.
Population growth has been substantial, with a diverse demographic shaping economic and workforce strategies. The Hispanic community has been influential in local economic development. Efforts to attract various industries and support small businesses have enhanced industrial diversity and resilience. Skill enhancement in agriculture and manufacturing is being prioritized to keep a competitive workforce.
Franklin County geographic overview
Franklin 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 Pasco is the county seat and also the largest city in the county. Franklin County’s population was 96,749 in the 2020 census. In 2022, the Census estimated the population at 98,678, which is 2.0% growth from the 2020 census.
The county covers 1,265 square miles, including 23 square miles of water. It features a mix of agricultural land and rolling prairie-like terrain.
Franklin County was created out of Whitman County in 1883 and was named after Benjamin Franklin.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Franklin 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.
Franklin County employment situation for March 2025
Monthly labor force and unemployment
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As of March 2025, Franklin County has experienced notable employment and unemployment trends. Employment levels remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease in total labor force, employment and unemployment.
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Franklin County has over 43,446 people in the labor force, with a decrease of 2.2% or 992 workers from March 2024. Employed workforce decreased by 1.5% or 607 workers from March 2024 to March 2025. Unemployed workers decreased by 13.4% or 385 workers. About 2,480 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 5.7% in March 2025, which decreased from 7.1% in February 2025 and from 6.4% March 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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As of March 2025, total nonfarm employment in Kennewick-Richland MSA had 129,400 jobs, an increase of 900 jobs or 0.7% over-the-month and 3,900 job or 3.1% from March 2024. Private sectors, totaling 109,100 jobs, increased by 900 jobs or 0.8% over-the-month, and 3,700 jobs or 3.5% from March 2024 to March 2025.
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Goods producing sectors, with 20,300 jobs, increased over-the-month by 200 jobs or 1.0% and recorded an increase of 200 jobs or 1.0% from March 2024.
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Mining, logging, and construction with 11,000 jobs increased by 200 jobs or 1.9% over-the-month and recorded a decrease of 100 jobs or 0.9% over-the-year.
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Manufacturing, totaling 9,300 jobs, remained unchanged over-the-month and recorded an increase of 300 jobs or 3.3% over-the-year.
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Service providing sectors, with a total of 109,100 jobs, increased by 700 jobs or 0.6% from over-the-month and recorded an increase of 3,700 jobs or 3.5% from March 2024.
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Trade, transportation, and utilities increased by 200 jobs or 0.9% over-the-month and recorded an increase of 1,200 jobs or 5.6% over-the-year.
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Information and financial activities sectors remained unchanged over-the-month and recorded a 100 job or 2.0% decrease over-the-year.
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Professional and business services with a total of 24,100 jobs recorded an increase of 200 jobs or 0.8% over-the-month and increased by 1,400 jobs or 6.2% over-the-year.
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Private education and health services with a total of 21,400 jobs recorded an increase of 200 jobs or 0.9% over-the-month and increased by 1,000 jobs or 4.9% over-the-year.
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Leisure and hospitality, with 12,000 jobs, recorded an increase of 200 jobs or 1.7% over-the-month and an increase of 100 or 0.8% over-the-year.
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Government services (including public educational services) totaled 20,300 jobs, with no change over-the-month and recorded an increase of 200 jobs or 1.0% from March 2024.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Kennewick-Pasco-Richland Metropolitan Statistical Area (Benton and Franklin Counties)
| NAICS Industry Title | Mar 2025 (Prelim) | Feb 2025 (Revised) | Mar 2024 (Revised) | Feb 2025 to Mar 2025 Change | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 Change | Mar 2024 to Mar 2025 % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 129,400 | 128,500 | 125,500 | 900 | 3,900 | 3.1% |
| Total private (total nonfarm less government) | 109,100 | 108,200 | 105,400 | 900 | 3,700 | 3.5% |
| Goods-producing | 20,300 | 20,100 | 20,100 | 200 | 200 | 1.0% |
| - Mining, logging and construction | 11,000 | 10,800 | 11,100 | 200 | -100 | -0.9% |
| - Manufacturing | 9,300 | 9,300 | 9,000 | 0 | 300 | 3.3% |
| Service-providing | 109,100 | 108,400 | 105,400 | 700 | 3,700 | 3.5% |
| - Wholesale trade | 3,700 | 3,700 | 3,700 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Retail trade | 14,000 | 13,800 | 13,800 | 200 | 200 | 1.4% |
| - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | 5,000 | 5,000 | 4,000 | 0 | 1,000 | 25.0% |
| - Information | 800 | 800 | 800 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Financial activities | 4,200 | 4,200 | 4,300 | 0 | -100 | -2.3% |
| - Professional and business services | 24,100 | 23,900 | 22,700 | 200 | 1,400 | 6.2% |
| - Private education and health services | 21,400 | 21,200 | 20,400 | 200 | 1,000 | 4.9% |
| - Leisure and hospitality | 12,000 | 11,800 | 11,900 | 200 | 100 | 0.8% |
| - Other services | 3,600 | 3,600 | 3,600 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Government | 20,300 | 20,300 | 20,100 | 0 | 200 | 1.0% |
Note: Data benchmarked through September 2024, updated April 17, 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 Franklin County
In 2023, Franklin County saw significant employment trends across various sectors. Wages paid totaled $2.03 billion with an average annual employment of 36,917 and an average annual wage of $55,021. Key sectors like agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting employed 5,517 individuals with an average wage of $40,463.
The construction sector showed robust activity with 2,668 employees earning an average of $61,037 annually. Manufacturing also played a crucial role, employing 4,723 people with an average wage of $58,368. Wholesale trade offered the highest sector-specific average wage at $78,030 for 2,219 employees. Government employment was substantial, with 6,770 employees earning an average of $71,037. Overall, the data indicates a diverse employment landscape with notable contributions from both traditional and service-oriented sectors.
Employment by industry, Franklin County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
Average annual covered employment in Franklin County was 36,917 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:
- Government (6,770)
- Agriculture (5,517)
- Manufacturing (4,723)
- Retail trade (3,630)
- Health care and social assistance (3,299)
- Construction (2,668)
Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The average annual wage in Franklin County for all industries was $55,021 with total payroll of $2.03 billion in 2023.
The top five sectors in terms of wage in 2023 were:
- Wholesale trade ($78,030)
- Information ($72,415)
- Government ($71,037)
- Finance and insurance ($70,2079)
- Management of companies and enterprises ($66,500)
- Professional, scientific, and technical services ($60,830)
Workforce demographics in Franklin County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 20 to 24 years age group at 83.1%, while the 65-74 age group has the lowest at 24.6%. The majority of the workforce is Hispanic or Latino origin with participation of 69.8%. White, not Hispanic or Latino had a participation rate of 63.2%.
Participation rate for labor force prime working population 20 to 64 years of age was 78.8%. Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (84.1%) compared to female workers (72.9%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 88.1%, while those with less than a high school diploma have the lowest at 71.8%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for quick facts about Franklin County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 70,525 | 66.3% | 5.3% |
| 16 to 19 years | 6,560 | 37.1% | 21.9% |
| 20 to 24 years | 6,936 | 83.1% | 7.0% |
| 25 to 29 years | 6,761 | 79.7% | 3.6% |
| 30 to 34 years | 7,468 | 81.7% | 3.5% |
| 35 to 44 years | 13,709 | 80.5% | 5.0% |
| 45 to 54 years | 10,769 | 81.9% | 4.4% |
| 55 to 59 years | 4,392 | 74.9% | 1.9% |
| 60 to 64 years | 4,073 | 54.8% | 2.5% |
| 65 to 74 years | 6,382 | 24.6% | 5.8% |
| 75 years and over | 3,475 | 3.3% | 0.0% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 37,809 | 64.4% | 4.1% |
| Black or African American alone | 1,411 | 54.9% | 19.1% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 1,007 | 65.5% | 3.0% |
| Asian alone | 1,465 | 63.3% | 8.2% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 137 | 70.8% | 0.0% |
| Some other race alone | 15,256 | 71.1% | 5.1% |
| Two or more races | 13,440 | 67.6% | 7.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 35,517 | 69.8% | 5.8% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 29,515 | 63.2% | 4.0% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 54,108 | 78.8% | 4.4% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 28,718 | 84.1% | 4.4% |
| Female | 25,390 | 72.9% | 4.4% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 11,806 | 73.8% | 2.1% |
| With own children under 6 only | 2,716 | 70.3% | 0.4% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 2,869 | 63.0% | 0.8% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 6,221 | 80.3% | 3.1% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 5,825 | 49.0% | 17.3% |
| At or above the poverty level | 46,539 | 85.5% | 3.5% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 5,441 | 59.2% | 17.7% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 47,172 | 78.2% | 4.0% |
| Less than high school graduate | 11,462 | 71.8% | 7.5% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 12,519 | 75.6% | 4.7% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 13,541 | 78.8% | 2.8% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9,650 | 88.1% | 1.2% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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