Columbia County profile

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

 

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

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
Total nonfarm	1,400	1,430	1,380	-30	20	1.4%
Total private (total nonfarm less government)	760	790	730	-30	30	4.1%
Goods-producing	160	160	160	0	0	0.0%
- Mining, Logging and Construction	120	130	130	-10	-10	-7.7%
- Construction	120	130	130	-10	-10	-7.7%
- Manufacturing	30	30	30	0	0	0.0%
Service-providing	1,250	1,270	1,220	-20	30	2.5%
- Wholesale trade	10	10	10	0	0	0.0%
- Retail trade	100	100	90	0	10	11.1%
- Transportation, warehousing, and utilities	220	220	210	0	10	4.8%
- Information	10	10	10	0	0	0.0%
- Financial activities	20	20	30	0	-10	-33.3%
- Professional and business services	40	40	40	0	0	0.0%
- Private education and health services	60	70	70	-10	-10	-14.3%
- Leisure and hospitality	100	130	100	-30	0	0.0%
- Other services	30	30	30	0	0	0.0%
- Government	650	640	640	10	10	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

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

Race or Hispanic origin

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

Sex

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

Females with children

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

Poverty status in the past 12 months

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

Disability status

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

Educational attainment

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

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

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