Data
Through our partnerships with labor market analysts, economic development agencies, industry and “real-time” labor information tools such as Jobs EQ, we determine the employment, wage, demographic data, and occupational projections to forecast workforce changes in our area.
We compare business skills demand against training supply and inform training and education providers, colleges and partners so that industry needs for skilled talent can be addressed, while helping individuals gain the needed skills for employment in our region’s high-growth industries.
SW WA Monthly Employment Report
Unemployment in our three counties (Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum) continued to decrease in July 2021 down to 5.3% from 7.6% in December 2020. Occupations in demand include retail salesperson, stockers and order fillers, truck drivers, fast-food workers, software developers and repair workers. Healthcare companies and school districts are posting the largest number of job ads.
Clark County
167,401 Total Employment
(Q1 2021)
$60,019 Avg. Annual Wage
(Q1 2021)
5.1% Unemployment Rate
(Q1 2021)
Top 5 Industries by Employment Q1 2021
| Industry | Number Employed | Avg. Annual Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare & Social Assistance | 27,581 | $58,238 |
| Retail Trade | 18,822 | $38,340 |
| Construction | 15,801 | $63,676 |
| Educational Services | 15,279 | $44,685 |
| Manufacturing | 13,558 | $65,100 |
Cowlitz County
40,083 Total Employment
(Q1 2021)
$55,672 Avg. Annual Wage
(Q1 2021)
5.8% Unemployment Rate
(Q1 2021)
Top 5 Industries by Employment Q1 2021
| Industry | Number Employed | Avg. Annual Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Services | 2,973 | $52,243 |
| Construction | 2,943 | $68,203 |
| Accommodation and Food Services | 2,796 | $20,869 |
| Public Administration | 2,143 | $67,510 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 1,814 | $103,930 |
Wahkiakum County
1,064 Total Employment
(Q1 2021)
$37,568 Avg. Annual Wage
(Q1 2021)
5.6% Unemployment Rate
(Q1 2021)
Top 5 Industries by Employment Q1 2021
| Industry | Number Employed | Avg. Annual Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | 189 | $39,871 |
| Utilities | 133 | $67,507 |
| Retail Trade | 117 | $27,281 |
| Public Administration | 104 | $37,365 |
| Educational Services | 84 | $38,602 |
Workforce-Related Information
Demographics and Household Profiles
Public School Statistics
