Posted February 2025
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
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 December 2024
Monthly labor force and unemployment
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As of December 2024, Columbia County has experienced notable employment and unemployment trends. Employment levels remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease in total labor force, employment and unemployment remained unchanged.
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Columbia County has over 1,652 people in the labor force, with a decrease of -3.8% or -65 workers from December 2023. Employed workforce decreased by -4.0% or -65 workers from December 2023 to December 2024. Unemployed remained unchanged. About 89 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 5.4% in December 2024, which increased from 4.9% in November 2024 and unemployment rate increased from 5.2 % in December 2023. Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
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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As of December 2024, total nonfarm employment in Columbia County was 1,530 jobs. Total nonfarm employment remained unchanged in both over-the-month and over-the-year. Private sectors remained unchanged over-the-month with 910 jobs and recorded increase 10 jobs or 1.1% in over-the-year change.
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Goods producing sectors increased November to December by 10 jobs or 5.9% and increased by 10 jobs or 5.9% from December 2023 to December 2024.
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Service providing sectors decreased by -10 jobs or -0.7% in over-the-month change and decreased by -10 jobs or -0.7% from December 2023 to December 2024. Trade, transportation, and utilities remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 10 jobs or 3.0% in over-the-year change.
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Leisure and hospitality decreased by -10 jobs or -4.5% from November to December and decreased by -10 jobs or -4.5% in over-the-year change. Government services including public educational services remained unchanged over-the-month and decreased by -10 jobs or -1.6% in over-the-year change.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Walla Walla Metropolitan Statistical Area (Walla Walla and Columbia Counties)
| 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 | 1,530 | 1,530 | 1,530 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Total Private | 910 | 910 | 900 | 0 | 10 | 1.1% |
| Goods Producing | 180 | 170 | 170 | 10 | 10 | 5.9% |
| Service Providing | 1,350 | 1,360 | 1,360 | -10 | -10 | -0.7% |
| ---Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 340 | 340 | 330 | 0 | 10 | 3.0% |
| ---Leisure and Hospitality | 210 | 220 | 220 | -10 | -10 | -4.5% |
| ---Other Services | 30 | 30 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Government | 620 | 620 | 630 | 0 | -10 | -1.6% |
| Workers in Labor/Management Disputes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
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 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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