Washington Business 2018 AWB Rural Jobs Outlook | Page 3

Rural Jobs Outlook
A state of two states
Washington state is a tale of two economies. In
urban areas like King, Spokane, Whatcom, and
Clark counties, job growth has increased by 1.5
percent between 2012 and 2016. Rural areas,
such as Okanogan, Benton, Grays Harbor, and
Ferry counties, have experienced lackluster 0.8
percent job growth over the same time period,
according to the Washington Employment Security Department.
Housing prices tell a similar story. In 2016, the median home price
in urban Washington averaged approximately $106,000 higher than
homes in rural areas. King County led all urban areas in median home
price growth between 2012 and 2016 with the median cost of a
home rising above half a million dollars to $566,200. In Benton
County, the median home price is less than half the price of
King County at $222,800. The gulf is even greater in other
counties such as Okanogan ($182,900), Grays Harbor
($151,600), and Ferry ($95,000).
Despite the growing divide, the health of Washington’s
rural economy remains important to the state as a whole.
Nearly a quarter of Washington’s jobs are found in the state’s
rural areas, and more than 45 percent of rural Washington
employment is concentrated in healthcare and social assistance,
retail trade, agriculture and educational services, followed by
manufacturing. This is a significant portion of the state’s
economy that is falling behind.
Job Growth
Urban
+1.5 %
Washington is one of the most desirable places in the country to live.
It is home to world-class innovation and entrepreneurship, education
and training opportunities. It is imperative that lawmakers, economic
developers, and business leaders harness these resources and work
together to support and encourage growth in the state’s rural industries.
AWB pledges to work with its partners, elected officials, employers and
others to build stronger communities throughout the state.
Sincerely,
Kris Johnson, President, AWB
Rural
+0.8 %
Period between 2012-2016
Source: Washington
Employment Security
Department