Posted March 2025
Summary
Skamania County has experienced significant economic shifts from 2019 to 2023. The transition from a timber-reliant economy to one focused on tourism, which began decades prior, continued to influence the county's economic landscape.
Average annual employment was 2,535 with total payroll of $128.1 million. The tourism sector, a significant part of Skamania County’s economy, has been gradually recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial months of the pandemic saw a sharp decline in employment, but 2021 and 2023 marked the beginning of a slow but steady recovery by adding significant number of jobs.
As of the latest data available in 2023, the unemployment rate in Skamania County has stabilized, reflecting the broader economic recovery. The county’s average 4.8% unemployment rate for 2023 has been trending downward, aligning with state and national trends.
Significant projects include the Goldendale Energy Storage Project, Port of Skamania’s Cascades Business Park development, and Skamania PUD’s water system upgrades.
Skamania County geographic overview
Skamania County is in the southwestern part of Washington. It is part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area. The town of Stevenson is the county seat. Carson is the largest community in the county. Skamania County’s population was 12,036 in the 2020 census. In 2022, the Census estimated the population at 12,460, which is 3.5% growth from the 2020 census.
The county covers 1,683 square miles, including 28 square miles of water. It features a mix of forested areas and rugged terrain marked by rivers and mountains.
Skamania County was created out of Clark County in 1854 and derives its name from a Chinook word meaning swift waters.
Washington has 12 regional Workforce Development Areas. Skamania County is part of Area 9, South Central Workforce Development Area. Visit the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board website for information about the workforce regions.
Skamania County employment situation for January 2025
Monthly labor force and unemployment
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As of January 2025, Skamania County has experienced notable employment and unemployment trends. Employment levels remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease in total labor force, employment and small increase in unemployment.
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Skamania County has over 5,958 people in the labor force, with a decrease of -1.7% or -102 workers from January 2024. Employed workforce decreased by -1.7% or -99 workers over-the-year. Unemployed workers decreased by -0.9% or -3 workers. About 320 people were unemployed and looking for work.
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The unemployment rate in the county was 5.4% in January 2025, which increased from 5.1% in December 2024 and unemployment rate increased from 5.3% in January 2024.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Local area unemployment statistics
Monthly payroll employment in Skamania County
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As of January 2025, total nonfarm employment in Skamania County was 2,180 jobs, recorded decrease of -10 jobs or -0.5% over-the-month and recording total of 80 jobs or 3.7% growth from last January 2024. Private sectors, totaling 1,520 jobs, saw decreased -10 jobs or -0.7% in over-the-month change, and recorded an increase of 70 jobs or 4.6% from January 2024 to January 2025.
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Goods producing sectors, with 410 jobs, remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 40 jobs or 9.8% from January 2024.
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Mining, logging, and construction remained unchanged over-the-month, and over-the-year.
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Manufacturing, totaling 320 jobs, remained unchanged from over-the-month and recorded an increase of 30 jobs or 9.4% over-the-year.
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Service providing sectors, with total of 1,770 jobs, decreased by -20 jobs or -1.1% from December to January and increased by 40 jobs or 2.3% from January 2024.
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Trade, transportation, and utilities remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 10 jobs or 4.0% over-the-year.
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Information and financial activities remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.
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Professional and business services remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 10 jobs or 9.1% over-the-year.
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Private education and health services remained unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year.
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Leisure and hospitality recorded decrease of -10 jobs or -1.9% over-the-month while recording an increase of 10 jobs or 1.9% over-the-year.
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Government services including public educational services totaled 660 jobs, remained unchanged over-the-month and increased by 10 jobs or 1.5% from January 2024.
Nonfarm employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted, Skamania 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 | 2,180 | 2,190 | 2,100 | -10 | 80 | 3.8% |
| --Total private | 1,520 | 1,530 | 1,450 | -10 | 70 | 4.8% |
| ---Goods-producing | 410 | 410 | 370 | 0 | 40 | 10.8% |
| -----Mining, Logging and Construction | 80 | 80 | 80 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Mining and logging | 20 | 20 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 100.0% |
| -----Construction | 70 | 70 | 60 | 0 | 10 | 16.7% |
| -----Manufacturing | 320 | 320 | 290 | 0 | 30 | 10.3% |
| -------Durable goods | 230 | 230 | 210 | 0 | 20 | 9.5% |
| -------Nondurable goods | 90 | 90 | 80 | 0 | 10 | 12.5% |
| ---Service-providing | 1,770 | 1,790 | 1,730 | -20 | 40 | 2.3% |
| -----Trade, transportation, and utilities | 250 | 250 | 240 | 0 | 10 | 4.2% |
| -------Wholesale Trade | 40 | 40 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Retail trade | 170 | 170 | 170 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities | 40 | 40 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Information | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Financial activities | 50 | 50 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Professional and business services | 110 | 110 | 100 | 0 | 10 | 10.0% |
| -----Private education and health services | 100 | 100 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Leisure and hospitality | 540 | 550 | 530 | -10 | 10 | 1.9% |
| -------Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 20 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Accommodation and food services | 520 | 530 | 510 | -10 | 10 | 2.0% |
| -----Other services | 50 | 50 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -----Government | 660 | 660 | 650 | 0 | 10 | 1.5% |
| -------Federal government | 90 | 80 | 80 | 10 | 10 | 12.5% |
| -------State government | 20 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| -------Local government | 550 | 560 | 550 | -10 | 0 | 0.0% |
| ---------Local government education | 230 | 220 | 220 | 10 | 10 | 4.5% |
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 in Skamania County
In 2023, Skamania County wages totaled more than $128 million with an average annual wage of $50,470. Average annual covered employment was 2,537. Covered employment refers to workers who received wages in Washington state and are eligible for state and federal unemployment insurance (UI) compensation programs.
The construction sector employed 67 individuals with an average wage of $67,413. Manufacturing had 321 employees earning an average of $39,890. Wholesale trade and professional services offered the highest wages, at $112,650 and $132,973 respectively, though they employed fewer people.
The accommodation and food services sector was a major employer, with 533 employees earning an average of $32,486. Government employment was substantial, with 626 employees and an average wage of $63,135.
Overall, Skamania County’s employment trends reflect a diverse economy with strong contributions from construction, manufacturing, and government sectors, alongside high-wage professional services.
Employment by industry, Skamania County 2023 annual average
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
Top sectors in terms of employment in 2023:
- Government (626)
- Accommodation and food services (533)
- Manufacturing (321)
- Retail trade (171)
- Health care and social assistance (103)
- Construction (67)
Wages can vary substantially from one industry sector to another. The 2023 average annual wage in Skamania County for all industries was $50,470. Total payroll was $128 million.
Top sectors in terms of wage in 2023:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services ($132,973)
- Wholesale trade ($112,650)
- Construction ($67,413)
- Government ($63,135)
- Manufacturing ($39,890)
Workforce demographics in Skamania County
The labor force participation rate is highest among the 30 to 34 years age group at 90.3%, while the 65 to 74 age group has the lowest at 26.5%. Participation rate for prime working population 20 to 64 years of age was 75.1%.
Male workers have a slightly higher participation rate (81.0%) compared to female workers (69.1%). People with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest participation rate at 81.6%, while those with less than a high school diploma have the lowest at 52.8%.
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website for quick facts about Skamania County.
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 10,439 | 58.4% | 5.7% |
| 16 to 19 years | 515 | 57.1% | 16.0% |
| 20 to 24 years | 476 | 88.4% | 23.0% |
| 25 to 29 years | 547 | 83.0% | 8.1% |
| 30 to 34 years | 701 | 90.3% | 0.3% |
| 35 to 44 years | 1,459 | 79.6% | 4.9% |
| 45 to 54 years | 1,713 | 86.2% | 3.8% |
| 55 to 59 years | 922 | 63.1% | 8.6% |
| 60 to 64 years | 1,234 | 46.3% | 0.0% |
| 65 to 74 years | 1,825 | 26.5% | 0.4% |
| 75 years and over | 1,047 | 1.8% | 0.0% |
Race or Hispanic origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 9,150 | 57.3% | 5.1% |
| Black or African American alone | 34 | 38.2% | 0.0% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 146 | 52.1% | 2.6% |
| Asian alone | 142 | 81.7% | 7.8% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone | 20 | 55.0% | 0.0% |
| Some other race alone | 332 | 81.6% | 2.2% |
| Two or more races | 615 | 60.0% | 16.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 613 | 84.0% | 7.8% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 8,842 | 56.4% | 5.1% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 7,052 | 75.1% | 5.6% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,574 | 81.0% | 7.8% |
| Female | 3,478 | 69.1% | 3.1% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 | 872 | 74.9% | 4.0% |
| With own children under 6 only | 181 | 84.5% | 0.0% |
| With own children under 6 and 6 to 17 | 177 | 62.1% | 7.3% |
| With own children 6 to 17 only | 514 | 75.9% | 4.6% |
Poverty status in the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 640 | 38.6% | 19.4% |
| At or above the poverty level | 6,370 | 79.3% | 5.0% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 726 | 41.5% | 1.0% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 6,576 | 74.2% | 4.1% |
| Less than high school graduate | 468 | 52.8% | 8.9% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 1,702 | 78.2% | 4.4% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 2,427 | 69.5% | 3.4% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1,979 | 81.6% | 4.0% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
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