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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      MCEDD provides loans to businesses and individuals. Our financing can help you start, grow and expand your business.
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      MCEDD offers a fund specifically to encourage the development of attainable housing in our three Oregon counties.
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      The Investment Board provides financing in the National Scenic Area for small and growing businesses, nonprofits and economic development activities.
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      A source of gap financing loans for businesses in Clackamas, Hood River and Wasco Counties.
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    • map of the MCEDD bi-state service areaAbout The Plan
      From vision to implementation, explore how and why the plan was developed.
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      Facts and figures on the regional economy. Data on where we are thriving and where we still have work to do.
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      Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats. This analysis helps guide the identification of regional priorities
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      MCEDD provides county economic development, grant writing services, infrastructure project administration and planning.
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      To support businesses create and retain jobs, MCEDD provides loans for the financing needs of businesses with favorable rates, terms and requirements.
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      MCEDD has been a leader in the development of industry clusters including arts, wine, high tech, renewable energy, healthcare, & more.
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        MCEDD supports a variety of special projects that align with the regional economic development strategy. Learn more about one of those projects: The Hood River Energy Plan.
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    Home   ::   Strategy   ::   Data & Analysis

    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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