Ferry County profile

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• Goods producing sectors decreased from December to January remained unchanged and decreased by -20 jobs or -11.1% from January 2024 to January 2025.

  • Construction industry cluster decreased by remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.

  • Manufacturing remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.

• 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.

  • Trade, transportation, and utilities recorded an increase of 10 jobs or 6.3% over-the-month and remained unchanged over-the-year.

  • Leisure and hospitality remained unchanged from December to January and recorded an increased by 10 jobs or 5.6% in over-the-year change.

• 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

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

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

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