Posted March 2025
Summary
With a population of 7,497 people, Ferry County has one of the state’s smallest labor markets. The largest demographic is people aged 65 to 74 years with 20.0% of total population share. There are around 245 firms in the county. About half of the 1,709 jobs in the labor market are private and half are government jobs. In the sparsely populated and very rugged mountainous regions of Ferry County, unemployment is typically higher than most other counties in the state. Many of the county’s jobs are in mining and logging. There are around 2,296 workers in the labor market. Currently Ferry County has the highest unemployment rate in the state at 8.4% in 2023.
Ferry County geographic overview
Ferry County is located in the northeastern part of Washington. It is known for its rugged natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Republic serves as the county seat and is the largest city in Ferry County.
The county spans 2,257 square miles, including 24 square miles of water. Its landscape features forests, mountains, and several lakes and rivers.
Ferry County was created out of Stevens County in 1899 and is named after Elisha P. Ferry, the first governor of Washington.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Ferry County is part of Area 10, the Eastern Washington Partnership. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Ferry County employment situation for January 2025
Monthly labor force and unemployment
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As of January 2025, Ferry County has experienced notable employment and unemployment trends. Employment levels remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease in total labor force, employment and unemployment.
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Ferry County has over 2,363 people in the labor force, with a decrease of -2.1% or -51 workers from January 2024. Employed workforce decreased by –2.5% or -56 workers over-the-year. Unemployed workers increased by 2.3% or 5 workers. About 221 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 9.4% in January 2025, which increased from 8.5% in December 2024 and unemployment rate increased from 8.9% in January 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 Ferry County
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As of January 2025, total nonfarm employment in Ferry County was 1,680 jobs. Total nonfarm employment remained unchanged in over-the-month changes and over-the-year. Private sectors increased by 10 jobs or 1.3% over-the-month with total 800 jobs and recorded decrease -10 jobs or -1.3% over-the-year.
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Goods producing sectors decreased from December to January remained unchanged and decreased by -20 jobs or -11.1% from January 2024 to January 2025.
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Construction industry cluster decreased by remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.
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Manufacturing remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.
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Service providing sectors total with 1,500 jobs remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 30 jobs or 2.0% from January 2024 to January 2025.
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Trade, transportation, and utilities recorded an increase of 10 jobs or 6.3% over-the-month and remained unchanged over-the-year.
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Leisure and hospitality remained unchanged from December to January and recorded an increased by 10 jobs or 5.6% in over-the-year change.
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Government services including public educational services decreased by -10 jobs or 1.1% over-the-month with total 880 jobs and recorded increase of 10 jobs or 1.1% in over-the-year change.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Ferry County
| NAICS Industry Title | Jan 2025 (Preliminary) | Dec 2024 (Revised) | Jan 2024 (Revised) | Dec 2024 to Jan 2025 change | Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 change | Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 1,680 | 1,680 | 1,680 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| --Total private | 800 | 790 | 810 | 10 | -10 | -1.2% |
| ---Goods-producing | 180 | 180 | 200 | 0 | -20 | -10.0% |
| -----Mining and logging | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 | -20 | -100.0% |
| -----Mining, Logging and Construction | 80 | 80 | 100 | 0 | -20 | -20.0% |
| -----Construction | 80 | 80 | 80 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Manufacturing | 100 | 100 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Durable goods | 90 | 90 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Nondurable goods | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---Service-providing | 1,500 | 1,500 | 1,470 | 0 | 30 | 2.0% |
| -----Trade, transportation, and utilities | 160 | 150 | 160 | 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Wholesale Trade | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Retail trade | 140 | 130 | 140 | 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Information | 20 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Financial activities | 30 | 30 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Professional and business services | 70 | 70 | 60 | 0 | 10 | 16.7% |
| -----Private education and health services | 110 | 110 | 110 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Leisure and hospitality | 180 | 180 | 170 | 0 | 10 | 5.9% |
| -----Other services | 40 | 40 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Government | 880 | 890 | 870 | -10 | 10 | 1.1% |
| -------Federal government | 120 | 130 | 120 | -10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------State government | 20 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---------State government education | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Local government | 740 | 740 | 720 | 0 | 20 | 2.8% |
| ---------Local government education | 260 | 270 | 240 | -10 | 20 | 8.3% |
Note: Data benchmarked through September 2024, updated March 17, 2025.
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Washington employment estimates (WA-QB & CES)
Total covered employment
Employment by industry, Ferry County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
The average annual covered employment in Ferry County was 1,709 during 2023. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
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 Ferry County was $48,274 in 2023.
Top five sectors in terms of employment during 2023:
- Government (860)
- Other (691)
- Accommodation and food services (149)
- Retail trade (142)
- Construction (92)
Top five sectors in terms of earnings during 2023:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services ($58,096)
- Government ($57,218)
- Information ($56,811)
- Other ($55,378)
- Transportation and warehousing ($46,016)
Workforce demographics is Ferry County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 25-29 age group at 74.3%, while the 65-74 age group has the lowest at 22.5%.
Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (62.5%) compared to female workers (59.8%). Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 78.1%, while those with a high school diploma have the lowest at 61.4%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for mor quick facts about Ferry County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 6,204 | 44.4% | 10.1% |
| 16 to 19 years | 236 | 36.0% | 38.8% |
| 20 to 24 years | 305 | 58.7% | 27.9% |
| 25 to 29 years | 261 | 74.3% | 2.6% |
| 30 to 34 years | 281 | 46.3% | 6.2% |
| 35 to 44 years | 769 | 72.7% | 7.3% |
| 45 to 54 years | 861 | 69.8% | 4.5% |
| 55 to 59 years | 565 | 57.5% | 11.7% |
| 60 to 64 years | 717 | 43.4% | 5.1% |
| 65 to 74 years | 1,465 | 22.5% | 13.3% |
| 75 years and over | 744 | 5.4% | 37.5% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 4,751 | 40.8% | 8.0% |
| Black or African American alone | 12 | 41.7% | 0.0% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 757 | 58.9% | 12.3% |
| Asian alone | 19 | 15.8% | 0.0% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 123 | 59.3% | 50.7% |
| Some other race alone | 49 | 87.8% | 37.2% |
| Two or more races | 493 | 50.1% | 6.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 179 | 49.2% | 59.1% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 4,669 | 40.3% | 6.2% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 3,759 | 61.2% | 8.0% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,847 | 62.5% | 8.5% |
| Female | 1,912 | 59.8% | 7.6% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 349 | 61.6% | 10.7% |
| With own children under 6 only | 95 | 52.6% | 36.0% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 66 | 71.2% | 10.6% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 188 | 62.8% | 0.0% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 568 | 28.5% | 25.3% |
| At or above the poverty level | 3,147 | 67.9% | 6.7% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 827 | 35.6% | 23.1% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 3,454 | 61.4% | 6.4% |
| Less than high school graduate | 259 | 38.2% | 5.1% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 1,158 | 61.7% | 12.0% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 1,453 | 58.6% | 4.5% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 584 | 78.1% | 1.3% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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