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Population Estimate (2017): 87,395
Civilian Workforce (Nov. 2017): 43,000 (approx.)
Growth: All counties in the region are growing.
Data Sources:
US Census, State Employment Depts., StatsAmerica, State Broadband Report, Portland State University Population Research Institute, Washington State Office of Financial Management – Data & Research
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 76% identifying their race as white-alone. There is a growing Hispanic/ Latino population, composing 18% or more of the region’s population and in some communities exceeding one third of school-age children.
Urban-Rural Digital Divide: 55% in rural areas have broadband access vs 94% in urban settings.
Mean Travel Time to Work in 2016: 20 min
The region’s population is aging. As of 2016, 17% of the population was 65+. It is projected to grow significantly by 2022.
Each of the five counties have a higher percentage of veterans than the US average.
Educational Attainment (%)
Income/ Housing
Poverty
Income disparities remain a significant issue for economic prosperity. The poverty rate continues to climb, with the regional poverty rate at 14.5% (2016).
Housing
- Number of housing units in 2016: over 37,500; 70% of which are single units
- Built before 1940: 15%
Disparities between individuals, groups, communities, and counties remain a significant concern.
ECONOMIC CONTEXT
Employment
The unemployment rate continues trending down with a 24 month average for the five county region of 4.95% for the period ending December 2017.
Seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment is increasing slowly, from approx. 28,731 in November 2012 to 31,368 in November 2017.
Major Industries By Jobs
The regional industry mix is shifting, with top employment categories in 2017 by Jobs:
By Payroll
When sorting by payroll, the categories are similar, but the distribution shifts.
Wage
In the first quarter of 2016, 35% of jobs paid $10-14.99 per hour, representing the largest share of the job market.
Wages and Income
Click here for the 2016 Gorge Wage Survey (xls)
2016 per capita personal income was $44,857 (vs the US at $49,246):
| County | 2016 |
| Hood River | 48,498 |
| Klickitat | 45,595 |
| Sherman | 55,846 |
| Skamania | 40,338 |
| Wasco | 42,287 |
Median Household Income ($)
| County | 2015 | 2016 |
| Hood River | 53,726 | 56,581 |
| Klickitat | 50,043 | 49,633 |
| Sherman | 51,448 | 41,389 |
| Skamania | 53,733 | 53,082 |
| Wasco | 45,110 | 46,814 |