April 2025 Highlights
In April, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.0% to 3.4% over the year and total nonfarm employment decreased by 290 jobs or 1.6% over the year.
Summary
Kittitas County’s economy is diverse, with key contributions from government, education, retail trade, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing. The county is known for its agricultural heritage, though government employment remains the largest sector, with an annual average of 4,557 jobs.
Total covered employment in Kittitas County was approximately 16,780 jobs in 2023. The annual average unemployment rate was around 5.1% in 2023, with a slight decline to 4.0% in early 2025. Retail trade and leisure and hospitality have shown growth, while government employment has seen some declines.
Workforce development initiatives focus on skill enhancement, particularly in education and retail, ensuring a competitive local workforce. Efforts to diversify the economy include supporting small businesses and promoting tourism, leveraging the county’s scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Kittitas County’s 16-and-older population was 37,765 in 2023.
Geography
Kittitas County is in the center of the state, 107 miles east of Seattle. It is nestled between the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Columbia River to the east. With 2,297.3 square miles, it is the eighth largest county in Washington by land area.
Employment situation for April 2025
Labor force and unemployment
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As of April 2025, Kittitas County’s employment levels remain stable, with an increase in total labor force, employment and unemployment.
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Kittitas County has over 28,376 people in the labor force, with an increase of 5,128 workers (22.1%) from April 2024, while employed workforce increased by 5,111 workers (22.29%) and unemployed workers increased by 17 workers (1.8%). About 957 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 3.4% in April 2025, which decreased from 4.0% in March 2025 and April 2024.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Payroll employment
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Overall job trends show that Kittitas County experienced a slight employment decline, losing 290 jobs (1.6%) compared to April 2024, with total payroll employment at 17,680. The private sector decreased by 130 jobs (1.1%), while government employment shed 160 jobs (2.4%) year-over-year.
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Industries with growth include mining, logging, and construction, which added 40 jobs (2.9%). Trade, transportation, and utilities saw a small increase of 10 jobs (0.4%). Retail trade added 30 jobs (1.6%). Information expanded by 10 jobs (6.7%). Other services posted the largest growth, adding 30 jobs (7.0%). Arts, entertainment, and recreation saw a strong increase, adding 100 jobs (17.9%).
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Industries facing declines include manufacturing, which lost 30 jobs (4.8%), durable goods manufacturing experienced the sharpest drop at 10.3%. Financial activities declined, shedding 40 jobs (11.1%), and professional and business services lost 50 jobs (5.8%). Private education and health services declined by 2.9%, with private educational services experiencing the largest drop of 60 fewer jobs (18.2%).
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Government employment trends indicate continued declines with drop of 160 jobs (2.4%). State government shed 200 jobs (5.6%). Federal positions declined by 20 jobs (12.5%). Local government had modest growth, adding 60 jobs (2.1%).
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Kittitas County
| NAICS Industry Title | Apr 2025 (Prelim) | Mar 2025 (Revised) | Apr 2024 (Revised) | Mar 2025 to Apr 2025 Change | Apr 2024 to Apr 2025 Change | Apr 2024 to Apr 2025 % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 17,680 | 18,380 | 17,970 | -700 | -290 | -1.6% |
| Total private (total nonfarm less government) | 11,210 | 11,760 | 11,340 | -550 | -130 | -1.1% |
| Goods-producing | 2,020 | 2,080 | 2,010 | -60 | 10 | 0.5% |
| - Mining and logging | 20 | 20 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 100.0% |
| - Construction | 1,400 | 1,450 | 1,360 | -50 | 40 | 2.9% |
| - Manufacturing | 600 | 610 | 630 | -10 | -30 | -4.8% |
| Service-providing | 15,670 | 16,290 | 15,970 | -620 | -300 | -1.9% |
| - Wholesale trade | 560 | 570 | 560 | -10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Retail trade | 1,860 | 1,860 | 1,830 | 0 | 30 | 1.6% |
| - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | 270 | 260 | 300 | 10 | -30 | -10.0% |
| - Information | 160 | 160 | 150 | 0 | 10 | 6.7% |
| - Financial activities | 320 | 320 | 360 | 0 | -40 | -11.1% |
| - Professional and business services | 810 | 820 | 860 | -10 | -50 | -5.8% |
| - Private education and health services | 1,700 | 1,730 | 1,750 | -30 | -50 | -2.9% |
| - Leisure and hospitality | 3,050 | 3,530 | 3,080 | -480 | -30 | -1.0% |
| - Other services | 460 | 440 | 430 | 20 | 30 | 7.0% |
| - Government | 6,480 | 6,620 | 6,640 | -140 | -160 | -2.4% |
Note: Data benchmarked through December 2024, updated May 16, 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.
Industry employment (covered employment)
Employment by industry, Kittitas County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
Covered employment, or Quarterly Census of Employment and Wage (QCEW) data, include agricultural and nonagricultural employment and wages for firms, organizations and individuals whose employees are covered by the Washington State Employment Security Act. Covered employment generally exceeds 85% of total employment in the state of Washington. Average annual covered employment in 2023 in Kittitas County was 16,780. The average annual wage was $51,268 which was 58.9% of Washington state’s average annual wage of $87,091.
Top sectors in terms of employment in 2023:
- Government (4,557 jobs)
- Accommodation and food services (2,498 jobs)
- Retail trade (1,871 jobs)
- Construction (1,355 jobs)
- State government (1,777 jobs)
- Health care and social assistance (1,346)
Top sectors in terms of total wages paid in 2023:
- Government ($315.3 million)
- Construction ($90.5 million)
- Accommodation and food services ($74.3 million)
- Retail trade ($65.8 million)
- Health care and social assistance ($60.3 million)
Workforce demographics in Kittitas County
Kittitas County’s 16 and older population was 37,765 in 2023. The labor force participation rate in Kittitas County was 61.4% with an average unemployment rate of 5.1%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for more quick facts about Kittitas County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 37,765 | 61.4% | 5.1% |
| 16 to 19 years | 3,452 | 50.6% | 23.6% |
| 20 to 24 years | 5,037 | 73.2% | 8.3% |
| 25 to 29 years | 3,041 | 88.0% | 5.4% |
| 30 to 34 years | 2,610 | 85.1% | 1.9% |
| 35 to 44 years | 4,899 | 78.3% | 2.4% |
| 45 to 54 years | 5,039 | 81.3% | 0.7% |
| 55 to 59 years | 2,510 | 74.1% | 3.2% |
| 60 to 64 years | 3,486 | 48.5% | 3.9% |
| 65 to 74 years | 4,768 | 26.4% | 2.4% |
| 75 years and over | 2,923 | 3.6% | 9.6% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 31,768 | 60.1% | 4.6% |
| Black or African American alone | 472 | 68.0% | 9.7% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 185 | 55.1% | 0.0% |
| Asian alone | 656 | 56.3% | 1.1% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 48 | 56.3% | 0.0% |
| Some other race alone | 1,946 | 72.9% | 3.8% |
| Two or more races | 2,690 | 68.4% | 12.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 3,398 | 72.0% | 5.1% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 30,812 | 60.2% | 4.5% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 26,622 | 75.4% | 3.7% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 13,518 | 79.3% | 4.4% |
| Female | 13,104 | 71.3% | 2.8% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 3,954 | 68.8% | 0.7% |
| With own children under 6 only | 784 | 73.0% | 3.1% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 489 | 58.9% | 0.0% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 2,681 | 69.4% | 0.0% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 3,953 | 44.5% | 11.8% |
| At or above the poverty level | 22,078 | 81.8% | 2.7% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 3,047 | 46.6% | 10.8% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 21,585 | 75.9% | 2.6% |
| Less than high school graduate | 1,654 | 57.4% | 5.3% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 5,804 | 74.0% | 2.7% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 6,167 | 70.6% | 2.0% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 7,960 | 85.2% | 2.6% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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