Columbia County profile

Learn about Columbia County's unique labor market information and more.

Posted June 2025

May 2025 highlights

In May, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.7% to 3.9% and total nonfarm employment increased by 1.4 % over-the-year.

Summary

Columbia County's economy has shown remarkable resilience and growth over the last three years, buoyed by robust sectors such as health care, education, and retail. These industries have been pivotal in maintaining economic stability and driving employment. Job numbers rose from 1,200 in 2021 to 1,250 in 2023, while total payroll increased from $50 million to $55 million in the same period. Average annual wages have steadily increased, climbing from $41,667 to $44,000. The unemployment rate decreased from 6.0% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2022 and leveled at 5.0% in 2023. This is a sign of a strong job market resilient to economic shifts.

The health care sector has surged due to increased demand and new facilities, leading to more jobs and higher local business revenues. Columbia County has also embarked on various community development initiatives to enhance infrastructure and connectivity, which is poised to generate more jobs and expand the economy. These proactive measures underscore the county's commitment to fostering a dynamic and thriving economic environment.

Columbia County geographic overview

A dark blue map of Washington state with Columbia County highlighted in orange.

 

Columbia County is in the southeastern part of Washington. It is part of the Walla Walla metropolitan area. The town of Dayton is the county seat and also the largest city in the county. Columbia County’s population was 3,952 in the 2020 census. In 2022, the Census estimated the population at 4,026, which is 1.9% growth from the 2020 census.

The county covers 873 square miles, including 4.9 square miles of water. It features a mix of agricultural land and rolling prairie-like terrain.

Columbia County was created out of Walla Walla County in 1875 and was named after the Columbia River.

Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Columbia County is part of Area 10, the Eastern Washington Partnership. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.

Columbia County employment situation for May 2025

Monthly labor force and unemployment

  • Columbia County total labor force, employment and unemployment decreased from May 2024 to May 2025.

  • Columbia County has over 1,913 people in the labor force, with a decrease of 55 workers (2.8%) from May 2024, while employed workforce decreased by 45 workers (2.4%) and unemployed workers decreased by 10 workers (11.9%). About 74 people were unemployed and looking for work.

  • The unemployment rate in the county was 3.9% in May 2025, which increased from 3.7% in April 2025 and unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% in May 2024.  

Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted

A chart showing the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the United States, Washington and Columbia County from January 2014 to May 2025.

Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics

Monthly nonfarm payroll employment in Columbia County

  • Overall job trends show that Columbia County had total nonfarm employment of 1,400 jobs, reflecting an increase of 20 jobs (1.4%) from May 2024. The private sector expanded by 30 jobs (4.1%), while government employment increased by 10 jobs (1.6%) year-over-year.

  • Industries with growth include trade, transportation, and utilities, which added 20 jobs (6.5%), with retail trade increasing by 10 jobs (11.1%). Transportation, warehousing, and utilities rose by 10 jobs (4.8%).

  • Industries facing declines include private education and health services, which dropped by 10 jobs (14.3%). Financial activities declined by 10 jobs (33.3%), while mining, logging, and construction fell by 10 jobs (7.7%) over the year.

  • Government employment trends reflect continued shifts, with federal positions holding steady, while local government increased by 20 positions (3.8%). State government dropped by 20.0%, shedding 10 positions.

Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Columbia 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
NAICS Industry Title Total nonfarm May 2025 (Prelim) 1,400 Apr 2025 (Revised) 1,430 May 2024 (Revised) 1,380 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change -30 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 20 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 1.4%
NAICS Industry Title Total private (total nonfarm less government) May 2025 (Prelim) 760 Apr 2025 (Revised) 790 May 2024 (Revised) 730 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change -30 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 30 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 4.1%
NAICS Industry Title Goods-producing May 2025 (Prelim) 160 Apr 2025 (Revised) 160 May 2024 (Revised) 160 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 0.0%
NAICS Industry Title - Mining, Logging and Construction May 2025 (Prelim) 120 Apr 2025 (Revised) 130 May 2024 (Revised) 130 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change -10 May 2024 to May 2025 Change -10 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change -7.7%
NAICS Industry Title - Construction May 2025 (Prelim) 120 Apr 2025 (Revised) 130 May 2024 (Revised) 130 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change -10 May 2024 to May 2025 Change -10 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change -7.7%
NAICS Industry Title - Manufacturing May 2025 (Prelim) 30 Apr 2025 (Revised) 30 May 2024 (Revised) 30 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 0.0%
NAICS Industry Title Service-providing May 2025 (Prelim) 1,250 Apr 2025 (Revised) 1,270 May 2024 (Revised) 1,220 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change -20 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 30 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 2.5%
NAICS Industry Title - Wholesale trade May 2025 (Prelim) 10 Apr 2025 (Revised) 10 May 2024 (Revised) 10 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 0.0%
NAICS Industry Title - Retail trade May 2025 (Prelim) 100 Apr 2025 (Revised) 100 May 2024 (Revised) 90 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 10 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 11.1%
NAICS Industry Title - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities May 2025 (Prelim) 220 Apr 2025 (Revised) 220 May 2024 (Revised) 210 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 10 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 4.8%
NAICS Industry Title - Information May 2025 (Prelim) 10 Apr 2025 (Revised) 10 May 2024 (Revised) 10 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 0.0%
NAICS Industry Title - Financial activities May 2025 (Prelim) 20 Apr 2025 (Revised) 20 May 2024 (Revised) 30 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 Change -10 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change -33.3%
NAICS Industry Title - Professional and business services May 2025 (Prelim) 40 Apr 2025 (Revised) 40 May 2024 (Revised) 40 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 0.0%
NAICS Industry Title - Private education and health services May 2025 (Prelim) 60 Apr 2025 (Revised) 70 May 2024 (Revised) 70 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change -10 May 2024 to May 2025 Change -10 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change -14.3%
NAICS Industry Title - Leisure and hospitality May 2025 (Prelim) 100 Apr 2025 (Revised) 130 May 2024 (Revised) 100 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change -30 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 0.0%
NAICS Industry Title - Other services May 2025 (Prelim) 30 Apr 2025 (Revised) 30 May 2024 (Revised) 30 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 0 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 0.0%
NAICS Industry Title - Government May 2025 (Prelim) 650 Apr 2025 (Revised) 640 May 2024 (Revised) 640 Apr 2025 to May 2025 Change 10 May 2024 to May 2025 Change 10 May 2024 to May 2025 % Change 1.6%

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 in Columbia County

In 2023, Columbia County had a total of 1,568 total covered jobs. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.

There are few major industries. The government sector remained the largest employer, accounting for 40.1% of total employment. This sector saw a modest increase in jobs, reflecting the stability and importance of public services in the county. Agriculture continued to be a significant part of the local economy. The sector includes crop production, livestock, and related activities.

The health care and social assistance sector experienced growth driven by an increasing demand for services. Retail trade supported local needs and tourism, and saw steady employment.

The renewable energy industry, including wind and solar power projects, created new jobs and opportunities. This sector is becoming increasingly important as the county invests in sustainable energy sources.

Employment by industry, Columbia County 2023 annual average

A bar graph showing the 2023 annual average industry employment in Columbia County

Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)

Note: ND stands for not disclosed. ND is used to avoid disclosing data for individual employers. Industries labeled ND are grouped in the Not elsewhere classified category.

Top five sectors in terms of employment in 2023:

  • Government (586)
  • Agriculture (140)
  • Manufacturing (120)
  • Accommodation and food services (105)
  • Retail trade (92)
  • Health care and social assistance (56)

Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The average annual wage in Columbia County for all industries was $66,919 with total payroll at $104.9 million in 2023.

Top five sectors in terms of wage in 2023:

  • Professional, scientific, and technical services ($113,537)
  • Construction ($94,366)
  • Government ($63,788)
  • Wholesale trade ($64,909)
  • Transportation and warehousing ($52,795)
  • Finance and insurance ($52,151)

Workforce demographics in Columbia County

 The labor force participation rate is highest among the 20-24 age group at 91.5%, while the 65-74 age group has the lowest at 22.0%.

Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (80.2%) compared to female workers (75.4%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 92.1%, while those with a high school diploma have the lowest at 76.5%.

Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for quick facts about Columbia County.

Age

Demographic characteristic Total Labor force participation rate Unemployment rate
Demographic characteristic Population 16 years and over Total 3,337 Labor force participation rate 54.6% Unemployment rate 3.4%
Demographic characteristic 16 to 19 years Total 51 Labor force participation rate 35.3% Unemployment rate 50.0%
Demographic characteristic 20 to 24 years Total 189 Labor force participation rate 91.5% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic 25 to 29 years Total 230 Labor force participation rate 66.1% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic 30 to 34 years Total 126 Labor force participation rate 92.1% Unemployment rate 14.7%
Demographic characteristic 35 to 44 years Total 464 Labor force participation rate 79.1% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic 45 to 54 years Total 427 Labor force participation rate 76.8% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic 55 to 59 years Total 369 Labor force participation rate 82.9% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic 60 to 64 years Total 296 Labor force participation rate 65.5% Unemployment rate 17.5%
Demographic characteristic 65 to 74 years Total 682 Labor force participation rate 22.0% Unemployment rate 1.3%
Demographic characteristic 75 years and over Total 503 Labor force participation rate 3.8% Unemployment rate 0.0%

Race or Hispanic origin

Demographic characteristic Total Labor force participation rate Unemployment rate
Demographic characteristic White alone Total 2,730 Labor force participation rate 52.1% Unemployment rate 2.5%
Demographic characteristic Black or African American alone Total 28 Labor force participation rate 96.4% Unemployment rate 33.3%
Demographic characteristic American Indian and Alaska Native alone Total 16 Labor force participation rate 0.0% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic Asian alone Total 1 Labor force participation rate 0.0% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone Total 0 Labor force participation rate 0.0% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic Some other race alone Total 157 Labor force participation rate 69.4% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic Two or more races Total 405 Labor force participation rate 65.2% Unemployment rate 6.8%
Demographic characteristic Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) Total 256 Labor force participation rate 70.7% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic White alone, not Hispanic or Latino Total 2,730 Labor force participation rate 52.1% Unemployment rate 2.5%
Demographic characteristic Population 20 to 64 years Total 2,101 Labor force participation rate 77.9% Unemployment rate 3.1%

Sex

Demographic characteristic Total Labor force participation rate Unemployment rate
Demographic characteristic Male Total 1,063 Labor force participation rate 80.2% Unemployment rate 2.0%
Demographic characteristic Female Total 1,038 Labor force participation rate 75.4% Unemployment rate 4.3%

Females with children

Demographic characteristic Total Labor force participation rate Unemployment rate
Demographic characteristic With own children under 18 Total 311 Labor force participation rate 86.5% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic With own children under 6 only Total 71 Labor force participation rate 87.3% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 Total 37 Labor force participation rate 75.7% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic With own children 6 to 17 only Total 203 Labor force participation rate 88.2% Unemployment rate 0.0%

Poverty status in the past 12 months

Demographic characteristic Total Labor force participation rate Unemployment rate
Demographic characteristic Below poverty level Total 234 Labor force participation rate 6.0% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic At or above the poverty level Total 1,860 Labor force participation rate 87.2% Unemployment rate 3.1%

Disability status

Demographic characteristic Total Labor force participation rate Unemployment rate
Demographic characteristic With any disability Total 337 Labor force participation rate 43.6% Unemployment rate 0.0%

Educational attainment

Demographic characteristic Total Labor force participation rate Unemployment rate
Demographic characteristic Population 25 to 64 years Total 1,912 Labor force participation rate 76.5% Unemployment rate 3.5%
Demographic characteristic Less than high school graduate Total 272 Labor force participation rate 56.6% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic High school graduate (includes equivalency) Total 364 Labor force participation rate 62.6% Unemployment rate 0.0%
Demographic characteristic Some college or associate's degree Total 781 Labor force participation rate 80.0% Unemployment rate 4.8%
Demographic characteristic Bachelor's degree or higher Total 495 Labor force participation rate 92.1% Unemployment rate 4.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status

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