Welcome to the first issue of a quarterly blog featuring Whitman County Trends! The site was launched in May of this year to inform the residents about many aspects of life of Whitman County, via data. The Trends is generously supported by the Port of Whitman. We hope you enjoy the blog which may take you to the website. As always, EWU and Port appreciate feedback.
Recent Updates
In PEOPLE:
For the 2019-2023 interval, Census estimates that over one quarter (26%) of the county’s population consisted of People of Color. For the period 2014-2018, the total was an estimated 21%. The current three largest populations are, in rank order: Hispanic/Latinos, Two or More Races & Asians.
While the POC population in the county has grown over the decade, its share remains considerably below the total share in the U.S. (42%) and the state (36%) over the same period.
To simplify the graph, click on the legend items you would like removed. You can also shorten the number of years by using the scroll feature of your mouse.
The Share of Households with Broadband Access have not grown over the past 10 years
The most recent estimate by Census of broadband penetration in the county, the 2019-2023 interval, was 72%. That is a bit lower than the U.S. share (75%) and Washington’s share (80%) for the same period.
The increase from the 2014-2018 has been slight, moving from 71%.
In ECONOMIC VITALITY:
Median Household Income (MHI) is Much Lower than the Benchmarks, for Obvious Reasons
This summary measure of economic success will always be relatively low in Whitman County due the outsized presence of students. Census includes those students living off-campus in its estimates. Most economists regard the median as a better value of the middle when considering income distribution in the U.S.
For the 2019-2023 interval, estimated MHI in the county was nearly $53,000. For the U.S.: $78,500. And the state? About $95,00.
Employment Shares by Type of Employer show an Outsized Presence of Government
The most recent estimate by Census of broadband penetration in the county, the 2019-2023 interval, was 72%. That is a bit lower than the U.S. share (75%) and Washington’s share (80%) for the same period.
The increase from the 2014-2018 has been slight, moving from 71%.
To simplify the graph, click on the legend items you would like removed. You can also shorten the number of years by using the scroll feature of your mouse.
The Share of Overall Population Living in Poverty is Double that of the U.S. and State
Federal poverty thresholds are based on family size and move up every year by the CPI. A family or individual (if living alone) is said to be in poverty if their money income is below the threshold. (In-kind payments, such as housing vouchers, are not counted.)
For the 2019-2023 interval, Census estimates that about 24% of the total county population lived in poverty. This estimate is far above the U.S. rate (12%) and the state rate (10%). Student living off-campus greatly influence Whitman County’s results.
In EDUCATION:
The Share of the Population Ages 25+ with at Least a Bachelor’s Degree Skews High
With a very large land-grant higher education institution anchoring the county workforce, it should come as no surprise that the educational attainment profile here skews toward the college educated. This indicator tracks the share of the adult population whose highest degree is a bachelor’s and those whose highest degree is a professional or graduate degree.
For the 2019-2023 interval, the Census estimates for the county were 27% and 23%, respectively. This has not changed since the 2014-2018 period. Whitman County’s current total share lies far above those of the benchmarks: U.S. (35%) and Washington (39%).
To simplify the graph, click on the legend items you would like removed. You can also shorten the number of years by using the scroll feature of your mouse.
In HOUSING:
The Share of Owner-Occupied Housing Units is Low but Rising
This indicator follows the path of home ownership in Whitman County. Not surprisingly, it is influenced by the college student population.
For the 2019-2023 period, Census estimates the share to be 47%. This is far less than the U.S. (65%) and the state (64%). The local share has risen a few percentage points since the 2014-2018 interval.
Renters Paying 50%+ of Income on Shelter Much Higher than Elsewhere
A renting household that pays 30% or more of its income on shelter costs (rent, utilities, fees) is viewed by the federal government as “cost burdened.” Those households that pay 50% or more on shelter costs are deemed “extremely cost burdened.”
Given student incomes, it is not surprising to find the recent Census estimate high. In the 2019-2023 interval, the estimated share of county renters in this category was 37%. This is very similar to the share in 2014-2018. Benchmarks for the most recent period are U.S., at 24%, and Washington at 22%.
In TRANSPORTATION:
The Share of Commuters Using Alternate Modes of Transportation Holds Surprises
The US Census tracks five methods of getting to work other than with one’s private auto. These are: carpool, walk, bicycle, public transportation and work from home (WFH). Not surprisingly, WFH, at 9.5% over the 2019-2023 interval, has increased over the decade; in fact, it doubled. The WFH share of workers here, however, remains far less than those of the U.S. and the state.
Surprising perhaps is the share of those who walk to work. At nearly 12%, this modality makes up the largest alternative means to the private auto. And it is a far larger share than that of the U.S. (2%) or Washington (3%).
To simplify the graph, click on the legend items you would like removed. You can also shorten the number of years by using the scroll feature of your mouse.
Pullman-Moscow Airport Total Enplanements Slipped Below 2019 Count in 2023
2023 was the third-best year on record for passenger traffic at the county’s airport. 63,800 boarded a flight leaving the airport. It represented a decline, however, from 2022, when boardings were slightly over 75,000. And a decline from pre-pandemic 2019, when over 70,000 passengers were registered.
On a per capita basis, local boardings over the past two years have diverged (positively) from the experience of the Walla Walla airport.
updated 01.21.25
New Intern Features
Alanna Mesecher
Hometown: Valley, WA
Major: Accounting
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2025
Post-graduation plans: Start looking for a career with a CPA firm, or a non-profit organization.
After a few months of working on the Trends project, my favorite thing so far:
I enjoy collecting data and learning new information. Collecting and providing data that helps community leaders make important decisions is very rewarding, and I’m thankful to be a part of it.
Jimena Ramos
Hometown: Royal City, Washington
Major: Data Analytics
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2025
Post-graduation plans: Find a job in Spokane or Tri-Cities.
After a few months of working on the Trends project, my favorite thing so far:
My favorite thing is the opportunity to see the impact of our work and how it influences strategic decisions. It’s been interesting diving deep into data analysis and learning new skills. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with Dr. Jones, Dr. Cullen, and the other interns as they’re a great team!