Kitsap County profile

- Posted June 2025

May 2025 highlights

In May, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased up to 4.0% from 3.7% in April. Total nonfarm employment dropped by 2,000 jobs compared to May 2024.

Summary

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0% in May 2025, up from 3.7% in April 2025 and down 4.3% in May 2024. Kitsap County’s labor force had an estimated 118,691 workers in May 2025. Total nonfarm employment, at 94,900 jobs, was 500 jobs below last month and was 2,000 jobs below last year.

Location

Kitsap County is the northern end of the Kitsap Peninsula, jutting into the Puget Sound between the Olympic Peninsula to the west and King County to the east. It is between Hood Canal and Admiralty Strait. Water transportation is dominant in the culture and economy.  The county seat is Port Orchard.

Kitsap County is one of the smallest counties in the state in terms of land area at about 395 square miles. It ranks third, however, in the state in terms of its population density, with 750 people per square mile.

Kitsap County is synonymous with the Bremerton-Silverdale Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Kitsap County is part of the Olympic Workforce Development Area. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the 12 regions.

Employment situation for May 2025

Labor force and unemployment

• The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0% in May 2025, up from 3.7% in April 2025 and down to 4.3% in May 2024.

• The labor force estimated was 118,691 workers, down 3,632 workers compared to May 2024 and down 581 over the month.

Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted

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

Payroll employment

• Total nonfarm employment was estimated at 94,900 in May 2025, lower by 2,000 jobs from May 2024 and 500 below last month.

• Goods producing industry employment was up 100 jobs over the month and down 300 jobs over the year.

• Service providing industry jobs were down by 600 jobs over the month and down 1,700 jobs over the year.

• Professional and business services jobs were unchanged over the month, however declined by 600 jobs over the year.

• Leisure and hospitality gained 300 jobs since April; however, the industry is 400 jobs below a year ago.

• Federal government jobs declined by 700 jobs over the month and were down 400 jobs below last year.

Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Kitsap County

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.

Industry employment (covered employment)

Employment by industry, Kitsap County 2023 annual average

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

Average annual covered employment in Kitsap County was 93,040 in 2023. Covered employment refers to state workers covered by state unemployment insurance (UI) laws and federal workers covered by federal unemployment compensation program.

Top sectors in terms of employment in 2023:

• Government (33,850)

• Health care and social assistance (12,227)

• Retail trade (10,803)

• Accommodation and food services (8,413)

• Professional, scientific and technical services (5,615)

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 Kitsap County for all industries was $67,613 in 2023.

Top sectors in terms of wage in 2023:

• Information ($128,317)

• Utilities ($124,893)

• Management of companies and enterprises ($99,098)

• Professional, scientific and technical services ($97,273)

• Finance and insurance ($90,796) 

Workforce demographics in Kitsap County

Age

Race or Hispanic origin

Sex

Females with children

Poverty status in the past 12 months

Disability status

Educational attainment

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.