Posted July 2025
June 2025 highlights
In June, the not seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate increased from 3.6% to 3.8%. Total nonfarm employment decreased by 580 jobs in Whitman County from June 2024.
Summary
Whitman County, found in Eastern Washington, is a part of the Palouse region — an area of prairie land primarily used for agriculture. As of 2024, the county had approximately 48,399 residents, with the largest age demographic share in the 20 to 24 years old group. Pullman, where Washington State University is located, is the largest city in Whitman County. Colfax is the county seat.
Whitman County is most influenced by the agriculture industry, specializing in wheat, barley, dry peas, and lentils. It is the largest wheat producing county in the United States. Its largest employer is Washington State University, accounting for 30% of county employment. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, headquartered in Pullman, is a significant manufacturing presence that develops critical infrastructure and energy transmission systems.
In 2024 the average annual labor force supply for the area was around 22,151 workers, with an average unemployment rate of 4.1%. There were approximately 1,192 businesses in the county during 2023.
Whitman County geographic overview
Whitman County is located in the southeastern part of Washington. It is not part of a larger metropolitan area but is known for its rich agricultural contributions. The city of Colfax serves as the county seat, while Pullman is the largest city in Whitman County, housing Washington State University.
The county spans 2,178 square miles, including 16 square miles of water. Its landscape features rolling hills, fertile farmland, and the scenic Palouse region.
Whitman County was created out of Stevens County in 1871 and is named after Marcus Whitman, an early missionary in the region.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Whitman County is part of Area 10, the Eastern Washington Partnership. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Whitman County employment situation for June 2025
Monthly labor force and unemployment
-
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.8% during June 2025, down from 4.5% in June 2024.
-
The labor force decreased by 1,067 workers from June 2024 to June 2025.
-
The total employment decreased by 877 workers from June 2024 to June 2025.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Monthly payroll employment in Whitman County
-
As of June 2025, total nonfarm employment in Whitman County was 19,660 jobs, a decrease of 1,630 jobs from the previous month and a decrease of 580 jobs from June 2024. Private sectors, totaling 10,490 jobs, increased by 40 jobs from the previous month, but was down 50 jobs from June 2024.
-
Goods producing sectors, with 3,550 jobs, increased 30 jobs from the previous month and increased 160 jobs from June 2024.
-
Mining, logging, and construction, with 480 jobs, was unchanged from the previous month and increased 20 jobs from June 2024.
-
Manufacturing, with 3,070 jobs, increased 30 jobs from the previous month and increased 140 jobs over the year.
-
-
Service providing sectors, with 16,110 jobs, decreased 1,660 jobs from the previous month and decreased 740 jobs from June 2024.
-
Wholesale trade, with 530 jobs, decreased 10 jobs over the month and decreased 50 jobs from June 2024.
-
Retail trade, with 1,190 jobs, remained unchanged over the month but decreased 70 jobs over the year.
-
Professional and business services, with 770 jobs, decreased 10 jobs over the month and decreased 40 jobs over the year.
-
Private education and health services, with 1,720 jobs, increased 40 jobs from the previous month but decreased 10 jobs over the year.
-
Leisure and hospitality, with 1,340 jobs, decreased 80 jobs over the month and decreased 60 jobs from June 2024.
-
-
Government services including public educational services, with 9,170 jobs, decreased 1,670 jobs from the previous month and decreased 520 jobs from June 2024.
-
State government, with 6,340 jobs in June 2025, decreased 1,650 jobs over the month and decreased 510 jobs over the year.
-
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Whitman County
| NAICS Industry Title | Jun 2025 (Prelim) | May 2025 (Revised) | Jun 2024 (Revised) | May 2025 to Jun 2025 Change | Jun 2024 to Jun 2025 Change | Jun 2024 to Jun 2025 % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 19,660 | 21,290 | 20,240 | -1,630 | -580 | -2.9% |
| Total private (total nonfarm less government) | 10,490 | 10,450 | 10,540 | 40 | -50 | -0.5% |
| Goods-producing | 3,550 | 3,520 | 3,390 | 30 | 160 | 4.7% |
| - Mining, logging and construction | 480 | 480 | 460 | 0 | 20 | 4.3% |
| - Manufacturing | 3,070 | 3,040 | 2,930 | 30 | 140 | 4.8% |
| Service-providing | 16,110 | 17,770 | 16,850 | -1,660 | -740 | -4.4% |
| - Wholesale trade | 530 | 540 | 580 | -10 | -50 | -8.6% |
| - Retail trade | 1,190 | 1,190 | 1,260 | 0 | -70 | -5.6% |
| - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | 400 | 350 | 380 | 50 | 20 | 5.3% |
| - Information | 100 | 110 | 110 | -10 | -10 | -9.1% |
| - Financial activities | 510 | 500 | 530 | 10 | -20 | -3.8% |
| - Professional and business services | 770 | 780 | 810 | -10 | -40 | -4.9% |
| - Private education and health services | 1,720 | 1,680 | 1,730 | 40 | -10 | -0.6% |
| - Leisure and hospitality | 1,340 | 1,420 | 1,400 | -80 | -60 | -4.3% |
| - Other services | 380 | 370 | 360 | 10 | 20 | 5.6% |
| - Government | 9,170 | 10,840 | 9,690 | -1,670 | -520 | -5.4% |
Note: Data benchmarked through December 2024, updated July 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.
Total covered employment
Employment by industry, Whitman County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
During 2023, Whitman County’s average annual covered employment was 19,538. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
Given the presence of workers associated with Washington State University, employment in the county is about half private and half government jobs.
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. The average annual wage in Whitman County was $60,846 in 2023.
Top sectors in terms of employment in 2023:
- Government (8,004)
- Health care and social assistance (1,564)
- Retail trade (1,342)
- Accommodation and food services (1,697)
- Construction (618)
Top average annual earnings by sector in 2023:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services ($85,250)
- Finance and insurance ($76,596)
- Wholesale Trade ($71,196)
- Government ($69,732)
- Construction ($60,117)
Workforce demographics in Whitman County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 25-29 age group at 83.2%, while the 65 to 74 age group has the lowest at 26.2%.
The male labor force has a slightly higher participation rate (76.1%) compared to the female labor force (71.2%). Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 83.8%, while those with less than a high school diploma have the lowest at 50.6%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for more quick facts about Whitman County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 40,563 | 62.5% | 6.5% |
| 16 to 19 years | 5,358 | 42.8% | 26.6% |
| 20 to 24 years | 10,848 | 65.4% | 9.6% |
| 25 to 29 years | 3,504 | 83.2% | 1.3% |
| 30 to 34 years | 3,072 | 78.7% | 0.5% |
| 35 to 44 years | 4,717 | 80.6% | 2.9% |
| 45 to 54 years | 3,585 | 81.6% | 2.4% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,864 | 72.6% | 3.4% |
| 60 to 64 years | 2,159 | 66.5% | 0.7% |
| 65 to 74 years | 3,124 | 26.2% | 6.7% |
| 75 years and over | 2,332 | 12.1% | 4.6% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 31,598 | 63.1% | 6.6% |
| Black or African American alone | 728 | 41.1% | 0.3% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 333 | 63.7% | 15.1% |
| Asian alone | 3,083 | 56.8% | 9.1% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 73 | 50.7% | 8.1% |
| Some other race alone | 1,039 | 72.5% | 1.7% |
| Two or more races | 3,709 | 63.3% | 4.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 3,134 | 71.8% | 4.1% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 30,483 | 62.4% | 6.6% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 29,749 | 73.8% | 4.4% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 15,437 | 76.1% | 3.7% |
| Female | 14,312 | 71.2% | 5.2% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 3,530 | 67.6% | 2.9% |
| With own children under 6 only | 944 | 70.2% | 2.0% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 669 | 55.5% | 1.9% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 1,917 | 70.5% | 3.7% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 7,891 | 53.8% | 13.2% |
| At or above the poverty level | 19,659 | 84.0% | 1.2% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 3,116 | 53.1% | 7.5% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 18,901 | 78.6% | 1.9% |
| Less than high school graduate | 654 | 50.6% | 9.4% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 2,495 | 72.1% | 2.0% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 5,857 | 75.6% | 2.8% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9,895 | 83.8% | 1.2% |
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.