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 increase to 7.6 percent in December, up from November’s 7.2 percent. Occupations in demand include retail, stockers, registered nurses and fast-food workers. Healthcare companies are posting the largest number of job ads.
Note: Employment numbers are reported approximately three weeks into the following month, for example, September data is published near the end of October.
In-Demand Occupations – Online Job Postings
Basic Food Participants
Clark County
171,774 Total Employment
(Q3 2020)
$56,474 Avg. Annual Wage
(Q3 2020)
8.1% Unemployment Rate
(Sept. 2020)
Top 5 Industries by Employment Q3 2020
| Industry | Number Employed | Avg. Annual Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare & Social Services | 26,878 | $57,024 |
| Retail Trade | 19,099 | $35,944 |
| Educational Services | 16,501 | $42,804 |
| Construction | 15,978 | $61,740 |
| Manufacturing | 13,862 | $61,712 |
Cowlitz County
40,581 Total Employment
(Q3 2020)
$53,705 Avg. Annual Wage
(Q3 2020)
8.4% Unemployment Rate
(Sept. 2020)
Top 5 Industries by Employment Q3 2020
| Industry | Number Employed | Avg. Annual Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 6,631 | $71,358 |
| Healthcare & Social Assistance |
6,447 | $49,986 |
| Retail Trade | 4,992 | $31,245 |
| Educational Services | 3,338 | $49,102 |
| Accommodation & Food Services |
2,965 | $20,092 |
Wahkiakum County
1,005 Total Employment
(Q3 2020)
$37,908 Avg. Annual Wage
(Q3 2020)
8.4% Unemployment Rate
(Sept. 2020)
Top 5 Industries by Employment Q3 2020
| Industry | Number Employed | Avg. Annual Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting |
194 | $36,885 |
| Utilities | 130 | $67,471 |
| Educational Services | 105 | $39,485 |
| Healthcare & Social Assistance | 93 | $25,607 |
| Public Administration | 80 | $38,189 |
Workforce-Related Information
Demographics and Household Profiles
Public School Statistics
