Posted June 2025
May 2025 highlights
In May, the not seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate increased from 3.0% to 3.5%. Total nonfarm employment decreased by 1,630 jobs in Whitman County from May 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 May 2025
Monthly labor force and unemployment
- The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5% during May 2025, down from 3.8% in May 2024.
- The labor force decreased by 1,769 workers from May 2024 to May 2025.
- The total employed workers decreased by 1,625 workers from May 2024 to May 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 May 2025, total nonfarm employment in Whitman County was 21,570 jobs, a decrease of 860 jobs from the previous month and a decrease of 1,630 jobs from May 2024. Private sectors, totaling 10,720 jobs, increased by 180 jobs from the previous month, but was down 20 jobs from May 2024.
- Goods producing sectors, with 3,520 jobs, an increase of 10 jobs from the previous month and increased by 140 jobs from May 2024.
- Mining, logging, and construction had 480 jobs, was unchanged from the previous month and increased 30 jobs from May 2024.
- Manufacturing had 3,040 jobs, an increase of 20 jobs from the previous month and increased 110 jobs over the year.
- Service providing sectors, with 18,060 jobs, decreased 870 jobs from the previous month and decreased 1,760 jobs from May 2024.
- Trade, transportation, and utilities, with 2,090 jobs, decreased by 20 jobs from the previous month and decreased 130 jobs over the year. The retail trade sub-sector accounted for 110 of the jobs decreased from May 2024.
- Professional and business services, with 780 jobs, increased by 10 jobs over the month but decreased 20 jobs over the year.
- Private education and health services, with 1,680 jobs, increased by 20 jobs from the previous month but decreased 80 jobs over the year.
- Leisure and hospitality, with 1,690 jobs, increased by 180 jobs over the month and increased 130 jobs from May 2024.
- Government services including public educational services, with 10,850 jobs, decreased 1,040 jobs from the previous month and decreased 1,610 jobs from May 2024.
- State government, with 7,990 jobs in May 2025, decreased 1,050 jobs over the month and decreased 1,640 jobs over the year.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Whitman County
| NAICS Industry Title | May 2025 (Prelim) | Apr 2025 (Revised) | May 2024 (Revised) | Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change | May 2024 to May 2025 Change | May 2024 to May 2025 % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 21,570 | 22,430 | 23,200 | -860 | -1,630 | -7.0% |
| Total private (total nonfarm less government) | 10,720 | 10,540 | 10,740 | 180 | -20 | -0.2% |
| Goods-producing | 3,520 | 3,510 | 3,380 | 10 | 140 | 4.1% |
| - Mining, logging and construction | 480 | 480 | 450 | 0 | 30 | 6.7% |
| - Manufacturing | 3,040 | 3,020 | 2,930 | 20 | 110 | 3.8% |
| Service-providing | 18,060 | 18,930 | 19,820 | -870 | -1,760 | -8.9% |
| - Wholesale trade | 540 | 530 | 560 | 10 | -20 | -3.6% |
| - Retail trade | 1,180 | 1,230 | 1,290 | -50 | -110 | -8.5% |
| - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | 370 | 350 | 370 | 20 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Information | 110 | 110 | 110 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| - Financial activities | 500 | 500 | 530 | 0 | -30 | -5.7% |
| - Professional and business services | 780 | 770 | 800 | 10 | -20 | -2.5% |
| - Private education and health services | 1,680 | 1,660 | 1,760 | 20 | -80 | -4.5% |
| - Leisure and hospitality | 1,690 | 1,510 | 1,560 | 180 | 130 | 8.3% |
| - Other services | 370 | 370 | 380 | 0 | -10 | -2.6% |
| - Government | 10,850 | 11,890 | 12,460 | -1,040 | -1,610 | -12.9% |
Note: Data benchmarked through December 2024, updated June 18, 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.