Serving the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, providing regional economic development and business assistance.Mid–Columbia Economic Development District

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Mid Columbia Economic Development District strives to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania Counties

MCEDD is organized as a government non-profit in Oregon as an ORS-190 and in Washington through RCW 39.34.010.

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Data & Analysis

Population

Population Estimate: 85,672

Civilian Workforce: 44,319 (approx.)

Growth: All counties in the
region are growing,
with the exception of
Sherman County
which has seen a
slight decline in
population.

Data Sources:

US Census
State Employment
Departments
StatsAmerica

SOCIAL CONTEXT

While there are individual differences between the characteristics of communities within the five counties, regionally some of the primary data points include:

The region’s population lacks diversity, with 92% of the population in the five county area
identifying their race as white-alone.

There is a growing Hispanic/Latino
population, composing 18.7% of the five county population. Hood River County data shows the Hispanic/Latino population at 32%.

Broadband access in homes has been steadily increasing, ranging from over 74% in Sherman and Wasco counties to 83% in Hood  River County.

Mean Travel Time to Work: ranges from an average of 17 minutes in Hood River and Wasco counties to 30 minutes in  Skamania County.

The region’s population is aging. As of 2018, 20% of the population
was 65+. It is projected
to grow significantly in
the coming years.

The region has a higher percentage of veterans (8%) than the averages for the US (6%), Oregon (7%), and Washington (7%).

Educational Attainment (%)

Income/ Housing

Poverty

Income disparities remain a significant issue for economic prosperity. The poverty rate has declined, with the regional poverty
rate at 12%.

Housing

  • Number of housing
    units in 2017: 38,202;
    70% of which are
    single units
  • Built before 1940: 15%
  • Units constructed
    since 2014: 271

Disparities between
individuals, groups,
communities, and
counties remain a
significant concern.

ECONOMIC CONTEXT

Employment

The unemployment rate is trending down from 5.0% in December 2018 to 3.8% in December 2019. The 12 month average is 4.6%.
Seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment has
slightly decreased in the last year, from 32,195 in December 2018 to 32,005
in December 2019.

Major Industries By Jobs

The regional industry mix is shifting, with top employment categories in 2018 by Jobs:

By Payroll

When sorting by payroll, the categories are similar, but the distribution shifts (2018 data).

Average Wages

In 2018, over 65% of jobs in the region earned less than $3,000/month (~$18/hr),
representing the largest share of the job market.

Wages and Income

Wages and Income Average 2018 per capita
personal income for the region was $49,407 (vs the US at $54,446).

Median Household Income ($)

County 2013 2018
Hood River 56,725 62,935
Klickitat 41,694 54,056
Sherman 42,639 48,056
Skamania 53,712 58,598
Wasco 43,765 50,973

 

 

MCEDD

802 Chenowith Loop Rd,
The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: (541) 296-2266

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