Posted February 2025
Summary
Walla Walla County’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, tourism, health care, education, manufacturing, and retail trade. The county is renowned for its agricultural products, particularly wheat, onions, potatoes, and wine grapes. Tourism has flourished, thanks in large part to the county’s art scene and wine industry, which boasts more than 180 wineries.
Total covered employment in Walla Walla County is approximately 29,054 jobs. The annual average unemployment rate was around 4.2% in 2023. Health care and educational services are major employment sectors, reflecting their importance to the local economy. Manufacturing and retail trade also play crucial roles, contributing to economic resilience.
Workforce development initiatives focus on skill enhancement, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, ensuring a competitive local workforce. Efforts to diversify the economy include promoting tourism and supporting small businesses.
Walla Walla County geographic overview
Walla Walla County is in the southeastern part of Washington. It is part of the Walla Walla metropolitan area. The city of Walla Walla is the county seat and the largest city in the county. Walla Walla County’s population was 62,584 in the 2020 census. In 2022, the Census estimated the population at 61,890, which is a decrease of 1.1% from the 2020 census.
The county covers 1,299 square miles, including 29 square miles of water. It features a mix of agricultural land and rolling prairie-like terrain.
Walla Walla County was created out of a larger area in 1854 and was named after the Walla Walla tribe.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Walla Walla County is part of Area 10, the Eastern Washington Partnership. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Walla Walla County employment situation for December 2024
Monthly labor force and unemployment
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As of December 2024, Walla Walla 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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Walla Walla County has over 28,798 people in the labor force, with a decrease of -2.0% or -594 workers from December 2023. Employed workforce decreased by -1.2% or -346 workers from December 2023 to December 2024. Number of unemployed decreased by -16.2% or -248 workers. About 1,287 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 4.5% in December 2024, which increased from 3.9% in November 2024 and unemployment rate decreased from 5.2 % in December 2023.
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
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In December 2024, total nonfarm employment in Walla Walla County was 27,230 jobs, recording increase of 120 jobs or 0.4% over-the-month and recording loss of -220 jobs or -0.8% from last December 2023.
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Private sectors, totaling 20,920 jobs, saw an increase of 150 jobs or 0.7% in over-the-month change, and recorded a decrease of -170 jobs or -0.8% from December 2023 to December 2024.
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Goods producing sectors, with 5,110 jobs, increased by 100 jobs or 2.0% in over-the-month change and increased by 240 jobs or 4.9% from December 2023. Mining, logging, and construction increased by 30 jobs or 2.6% over-the-month, and increased by 50 jobs or 4.4% from December 2023. Manufacturing, totaling 3,930 jobs, increased by 70 jobs or 2.3% over-the-month and increased by 190 jobs or 5.1% in over-the-year change.
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Service providing sectors, with total of 22,120 jobs, increased by 20 jobs or 0.1% from November to December and decreased by -460 jobs or -2.0% from December 2023. Trade, transportation, and utilities increased by 40 jobs or 1.1% in over-the-month change and decreased by -100 jobs or -2.6% over-the-year.
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Information and financial activities, totaling 980 jobs, increased by 20 jobs or 2.1% and decreased by -40 jobs or -3.9% over-the-year. Professional and business services increased by 20 jobs or 1.9% in over-the-month, totaling 1,070 jobs, while recording no change over-the-year. Private education and health care serviced represented total of 6,850 jobs, recorded decreases in both over-the-month and over-the-year, respectfully. Leisure and hospitality (with total of 2,660 jobs) increased by 90 jobs or 3.5% over-the-month while recording 190 job or 7.7% growth over-the-year.
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Government services including public educational services totaled 6,310 jobs, decreased over-the-month by -30 jobs or -0.5% and over-the-year decreased by -50 jobs or -0.8% from December 2023.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Walla Walla 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 | 27,230 | 27,110 | 27,450 | 120 | -220 | -0.8% |
| Total Private | 20,920 | 20,770 | 21,090 | 150 | -170 | -0.8% |
| Goods Producing | 5,110 | 5,010 | 4,870 | 100 | 240 | 4.9% |
| ---Mining, Logging, and Construction | 1,180 | 1,150 | 1,130 | 30 | 50 | 4.4% |
| ---Manufacturing | 3,930 | 3,860 | 3,740 | 70 | 190 | 5.1% |
| -------Durable Goods | 810 | 810 | 790 | 0 | 20 | 2.5% |
| -------Nondurable Goods | 3,120 | 3,050 | 2,950 | 70 | 170 | 5.8% |
| -----------Food Manufacturing | 1,580 | 1,550 | 1,470 | 30 | 110 | 7.5% |
| Service Providing | 22,120 | 22,100 | 22,580 | 20 | -460 | -2.0% |
| ---Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 3,690 | 3,650 | 3,790 | 40 | -100 | -2.6% |
| -------Wholesale Trade | 800 | 770 | 810 | 30 | -10 | -1.2% |
| -------Retail Trade | 2,300 | 2,290 | 2,400 | 10 | -100 | -4.2% |
| -------Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities | 590 | 590 | 580 | 0 | 10 | 1.7% |
| ---Information and Financial Activities | 980 | 960 | 1,020 | 20 | -40 | -3.9% |
| ---Professional and Business Services | 1,070 | 1,050 | 1,070 | 20 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Education and Health Services | 6,850 | 6,980 | 7,310 | -130 | -460 | -6.3% |
| -------Private Educational services | 2,340 | 2,500 | 2,850 | -160 | -510 | -17.9% |
| -------Health Care and Social Assistance | 4,510 | 4,480 | 4,460 | 30 | 50 | 1.1% |
| ---Leisure and Hospitality | 2,660 | 2,570 | 2,470 | 90 | 190 | 7.7% |
| ---Other Services, except Public Administration | 560 | 550 | 560 | 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Government | 6,310 | 6,340 | 6,360 | -30 | -50 | -0.8% |
| -------Federal Government | 1,840 | 1,860 | 1,850 | -20 | -10 | -0.5% |
| -------State and Local Government | 4,470 | 4,480 | 4,510 | -10 | -40 | -0.9% |
| -----------State and Local Government Education | 2,070 | 2,090 | 2,140 | -20 | -70 | -3.3% |
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 Walla Walla County
In 2023, Walla Walla County wages totaled more than $1.55 billion with an average annual wage of $53,602. Average annual covered employment was 29,054. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
The agriculture sector was significant, employing 3,624 individuals with an average wage of $36,260. Manufacturing was a major contributor, with 3,918 employees earning an average of $65,291. The government sector was the largest employer, with 6,018 employees and an average wage of $65,999.
Professional, scientific, and technical services offered the highest average wage at $75,099 for 502 employees. The finance and insurance sector also provided competitive wages, with 528 employees earning an average of $72,956. Retail trade, while employing 2,411 individuals, had a lower average wage of $35,219. Overall, Walla Walla County’s employment trends reflect a diverse economy with strong contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and government sectors, alongside high-wage professional services.
Employment by industry, Walla Walla County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
Top sectors in terms of employment in 2023:
- Government (6,018)
- Health care and social assistance (4,400)
- Manufacturing (3,918)
- Agriculture (3,624)
- Retail trade (2,411)
- Accommodations and food services (2,178)
Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The 2023 average annual wage in Walla Walla for all industries was $53,602. Annual payroll totaled more than $1.55 billion.
The top sectors in terms of wage in 2023:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services ($75,099)
- Finance and insurance ($72,956)
- Government ($65,999)
- Manufacturing ($65,291)
- Wholesale trade ($64,264)
Workforce demographics in Walla Walla County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 25-29 age group at 80.5%, while the 65 to 74 age group has the lowest at 26.5%. Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (74.7%) compared to female workers (74.4%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 87.1%, while those with less than a high school diploma have the lowest at 56.2%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for quick facts about Walla Walla County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 50,787 | 59.1% | 5.7% |
| 16 to 19 years | 4,469 | 53.7% | 11.6% |
| 20 to 24 years | 5,318 | 78.4% | 12.0% |
| 25 to 29 years | 3,611 | 80.5% | 13.2% |
| 30 to 34 years | 3,838 | 79.4% | 3.7% |
| 35 to 44 years | 7,464 | 75.2% | 2.6% |
| 45 to 54 years | 6,645 | 75.0% | 1.3% |
| 55 to 59 years | 3,481 | 73.6% | 4.4% |
| 60 to 64 years | 3,888 | 58.0% | 1.7% |
| 65 to 74 years | 6,837 | 27.5% | 3.6% |
| 75 years and over | 5,236 | 3.6% | 1.6% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 39,181 | 57.6% | 5.1% |
| Black or African American alone | 1,033 | 53.0% | 0.7% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 756 | 58.1% | 20.3% |
| Asian alone | 986 | 44.8% | 13.8% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 136 | 39.0% | 0.0% |
| Some other race alone | 4,495 | 74.5% | 6.3% |
| Two or more races | 4,200 | 62.1% | 7.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 10,149 | 70.9% | 8.5% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 36,328 | 56.5% | 4.4% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 34,245 | 74.6% | 5.3% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 18,197 | 74.7% | 5.6% |
| Female | 16,048 | 74.4% | 5.0% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 5,566 | 76.8% | 2.3% |
| With own children under 6 only | 943 | 64.1% | 0.0% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 1,232 | 73.9% | 5.2% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 3,391 | 81.4% | 1.9% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 3,068 | 48.9% | 15.7% |
| At or above the poverty level | 28,386 | 83.0% | 4.6% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 3,899 | 46.8% | 11.9% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 28,927 | 73.9% | 4.0% |
| Less than high school graduate | 3,530 | 56.2% | 8.3% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 6,633 | 68.6% | 5.8% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 10,667 | 72.9% | 3.3% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 8,097 | 87.1% | 2.4% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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