- Posted February 2025
Summary
Stevens County is located near the northeast corner of Washington state. It is part of the Spokane Valley Metropolitan Statistical Area, which also includes Spokane and Pend Oreille counties. Stevens County contains most of the Spokane Indian Reservation (237.5 square miles). The county has over 48,837 residents and the largest demographic is people 65 to 74 years of age at 15.7% share of total population.
Stevens County was historically a top silver and copper producer from the 1850s 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 over 30% of jobs, with increases expected in federal border protection and firefighting roles. There are around 983 firms demanding around 11,400 workers in the county. The labor supply is around 19,189 workers; 6.0% were unemployed in 2023.
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 December 2024
Monthly labor force and unemployment in Stevens County, Washington
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As of December 2024, Stevens 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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Stevens County has over 18,885 people in the labor force, with a decrease of -3.3% or -649 workers from December 2023. Employed workforce decreased by -2.8% or -512 workers from December 2023 to December 2024. Number of unemployed decreased by -9.8% or -137 workers. About 1,266 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 6.7% in December 2024, which increased from 5.7% in November 2024 and unemployment rate decreased from 7.2% in December 2023.Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Monthly nonfarm payroll employment in Spokane Valley MSA
- In November 2024, total nonfarm employment in Spokane Valley MSA was at 273,100 jobs. Total nonfarm employment decreased by -200 jobs or -0.1% from October 2024 to November 2024. It increased by 3,100 jobs or 1.1% from November 2023 to November 2024.
- Private sectors decreased by -500 jobs or -0.2% from October 2024 to November 2024. They increased 2,600 jobs or 1.2% from November 2023 to November 2024.
- Goods producing sectors decreased by -600 jobs or -1.7% from October 2024 to November 2024. They lost -100 jobs or -1.2% from November 2023 to November 2024. Mining, logging, and construction lost -500 jobs or -2.9% from October 2024 to November 2024. It increased 200 jobs or 1.2% from November 2023 to November 2024. Manufacturing lost -100 jobs or -0.6% from October 2024 to November 2024 and decreased by -300 jobs or -1.7% from November 2023 to November 2024.
- Service providing sectors increased by 400 jobs or 0.2% from October 2024 to November 2024. They added 3,200 jobs or 1.4% from November 2023 to November 2024. Trade, transportation, and utilities added 400 jobs or 0.8% from October 2024 to November 2024. It lost -100 jobs or -0.2% from November 2023 to November 2024. The financial activities industry remained unchanged from October 2024 to November 2024 and lost -500 jobs or -3.4% from November 2023 to November 2024. Retail trade increased by 500 jobs or 1.8% from October 2024 to November 2024 and remained unchanged from November 2023 to November 2024. Professional and business services decreased by -600 jobs or -2.0% from October 2024 to November 2024 and increased by 300 jobs or 1.0% from November 2023 to November 2024.
- Private education and health care services lost -200 jobs or -0.3% from October 2024 to November 2024 but added 2,300 jobs or 4.0% from November 2023 to November 2024. Leisure and hospitality industry increased by 500 jobs or 2.0% from October 2024 to November 2024 and added 800 jobs or 3.2% from November 2023 to November 2024.
- Government services including public educational services increased by 300 jobs or 0.7% from October 2024 to November 2024 and added 500 jobs or 1.1% from November 2023 to November 2024.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Stevens County
| NAICS Industry Title | Dec 2024 (Preliminary) | Nov 2024 (Revised) | Dec 2023 (Revised) | Nov 2024 to Dec 2024 change | Dec 2023 to Dec 2024 change | Dec 2023 to Dec 2024 % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Nonfarm | 11,430 | 11,530 | 11,350 | -100 | 80 | 0.7% |
| Total Private | 8,000 | 8,070 | 7,930 | -70 | 70 | 0.9% |
| Goods Producing | 1,970 | 2,030 | 1,980 | -60 | -10 | -0.5% |
| ---Mining, Logging, and Construction | 730 | 790 | 740 | -60 | -10 | -1.4% |
| ---Manufacturing | 1,240 | 1,240 | 1,240 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Service Providing | 9,460 | 9,500 | 9,370 | -40 | 90 | 1.0% |
| ---Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 1,960 | 1,970 | 1,930 | -10 | 30 | 1.6% |
| ---Information and Financial Activities | 380 | 370 | 380 | 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Professional and Business Services | 560 | 580 | 540 | -20 | 20 | 3.7% |
| ---Education and Health Services | 1,970 | 1,950 | 1,930 | 20 | 40 | 2.1% |
| ---Leisure and Hospitality | 880 | 880 | 880 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Government | 3,430 | 3,460 | 3,420 | -30 | 10 | 0.3% |
| -------Federal Government | 290 | 300 | 300 | -10 | -10 | -3.3% |
| -------State and Local Government | 3,140 | 3,160 | 3,120 | -20 | 20 | 0.6% |
| -----------State and Local Government Education | 1,280 | 1,280 | 1,240 | 0 | 40 | 3.2% |
Note: Data benchmarked through June 2024, updated Jan. 16, 2025. Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Washington employment estimates (WA-QB & CES)
Total covered employment in Stevens County
Employment by industry, Stevens County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
The average annual covered employment in Stevens County was 11,405 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.
Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The average annual wage in Washington state for all industries was $87,054 in 2023. Total covered wages in Stevens County were $573.9 million, with an average annual wage of $50,324 in 2023.
Government services including public education was the largest employer with 3,336 jobs, with average annual wage of $55,892. Health care and social assistance was the second largest employing industry with 1,893 jobs and average annual wage of $52,301. Retail trade and manufacturing followed with 1,279 and 1,225 jobs, respectively. Retail trade paid an average of $34,809 dollars a year, while manufacturing paid annual average of $61,349.
Top sectors in terms of employment in 2023:
- Government (3,336)
- Healthcare and social assistance (1,893)
- Retail trade (1,276)
- Manufacturing (1,242)
- Accommodation and food services (665)
Top sectors in terms of wages in 2023:
- Management of companies and enterprises ($85,922)
- Finance and insurance ($77,041)
- Information ($65,932)
- Manufacturing ($61,349)
- Government ($55,892)
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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