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South central workforce
The South Central Workforce region, covering Yakima, Kittitas, Klickitat, and Skamania counties, is home to a diverse economy shaped by both long‑standing industries and emerging sectors. Yakima County, the largest in the region, serves as a major hub for agriculture and food processing, producing billions in annual sales and employing tens of thousands. Health care and social assistance, government, retail trade, manufacturing, and education are also key employers. Kittitas County blends its agricultural and forestry roots with a growing tourism and outdoor recreation economy, supported by its proximity to the Cascade Mountains.
Klickitat and Skamania counties border the Columbia River Gorge and are known for their natural resources, recreation opportunities, and small‑scale agriculture. Forestry, tourism, and renewable energy are important contributors to local employment. Across the region, industries range from large‑scale crop production to health care, manufacturing, government services, and hospitality, creating a labor market that is both seasonally dynamic and rich with opportunity.
For more details about each county, explore the sections below, or visit the Labor Market County Profiles on the Employment Security Department’s website and select your county of interest for additional information.
See up-to-date labor market information for Kittitas County: Kittitas County Profile
Kittitas County
Kittitas County’s economy is anchored by government, education, retail trade, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing, with a strong agricultural heritage. In 2023, the county had about 16,780 covered jobs and an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which improved to 4.0% in early 2025. While retail and hospitality sectors have grown, government employment has slightly declined. Workforce development efforts emphasize skill building in education, retail, and tourism, supporting small businesses and leveraging the county’s natural beauty to promote economic diversification. The county’s 16‑and‑older population was 37,765 in 2023.
See up-to-date labor market information for Klickitat County: Klickitat County Profile
klickitat county
Klickitat County’s economy is shaped by three distinct regions: the west centers on unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) manufacturing, wood products, and fruit orchards; the east focuses on vegetable farming and the Roosevelt Regional Landfill; and the central area features Goldendale, cultural attractions like the Maryhill Museum, and Columbia River recreation, alongside a growing wine industry. Manufacturing—especially drones—has been the primary driver of job growth, while agriculture, wood products, and tourism also play key roles. Although the pandemic slowed nonmanufacturing sectors such as hospitality and education, the county continues to diversify, with priorities including improved transportation infrastructure and expanded broadband access to support future growth.
See up-to-date labor market information for Skamania County: Skamania County Profile
SKAMANIA COUNTy
Skamania County’s economy has continued its long‑term transition from timber to tourism, with average annual employment reaching 2,535 and a payroll of $128.1 million in 2023. Tourism, a major economic driver, is steadily recovering from the sharp pandemic‑related decline, adding jobs in recent years. The 2023 unemployment rate averaged 4.8%, reflecting stabilization in the local labor market. Key developments shaping future growth include the Goldendale Energy Storage Project, the Port of Skamania’s Cascades Business Park, and water system upgrades by Skamania PUD, all aimed at supporting economic diversification and resilience.
See up-to-date labor market information for Yakima County: Yakima County Profile
yakima county
Yakima County’s economy is driven by agriculture, food processing, health care, education, manufacturing, and retail trade, with agriculture as its cornerstone—producing apples, hops, dairy products, and wine grapes that generate over $2.3 billion in annual sales from 2,523 farms spanning 1.8 million acres. In 2023, the county had about 88,900 covered jobs and an annual unemployment rate of 5.3%, reflecting seasonal shifts tied to farming. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing accounted for 28,695 jobs, while health care, education, and manufacturing provided year‑round stability. Workforce development focuses on strengthening skills in agriculture, food processing, and trade industries, supporting small businesses, expanding tourism, and fostering economic diversification. Yakima County’s 16‑and‑older population was 189,087 in 2023.