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:
Total Population & Annual Growth Rate
The just-released 2024 estimate (as of April 1) for Whitman County is 48,750. While a bit higher than the prior two years, the population in the county is still nearly 1,500 short of the peak reached in 2019. The result is largely driven by student numbers at WSU, although the pandemic and relatively high home prices (see below) may be playing some role.
Share of Population by Age Groups
The distribution of population in Whitman County is unique but likely not surprising to many. The share of the population taken by the 18-34 group is outsized. In 2023, it was estimated to be about 47%. Still, this is lower than a decade ago, when it was about 53%. Over the past decade, the share of the 65+ population has increased the most of the four groups.
To simplify the graph, click on those elements in the legend you would like removed.
In ECONOMIC VITALITY:
Quarterly Taxable Retail Sales & Annual Growth Rate from Same Quarter of Previous Year
This measure gives a relatively real-time pulse of the local economy. Of course, most services are not taxed in Washington state; nor are certain goods like food and drugs. But many sectors beyond retail trade are included, such as construction. After outpacing the growth of the state for nearly two years, Whitman County taxable retail sales in the first quarter of this year dipped below the state average growth rate (and actually was negative on a year-over-year basis).
Quarterly Residential Building Permits & Number per 1,000 Residents
Residential building permits offer a window into the near-term economic future of a significant segment of the construction sector. The sector is typically one of the most important of the local economy, ranking here 6th- or 7th-largest as of 2023. Building permits in Whitman County in the first quarter of this year plunged – to a mere 14.
Share of Employment in Top-5 Largest Employing Sectors
To understand the workforce distribution by sector is to understand the local economy's structure. Compared to the Washington average (and other eastern Washington counties), the structure in Whitman County is unique. As of 2023, 41% of all employees worked in government. Rounding out the top five were, in order: hospitality, healthcare & social assistance, retail, and professional & technical services. Manufacturing is likely in the top 5 in the county but due to its concentration in a few firms, its data are suppressed. Further, sole proprietors are not a part of this look at the economy.
To simplify the graph, click on those elements in the legend you would like removed.
In EDUCATION:
Public High School On-Time Graduation Rate
The receipt of a high school diploma is a major milestone in a young person’s life. The rate at which high school students receive a diploma is also part of a scorecard of school districts. The most recent average, four-year graduation rate of all the public-school districts in Whitman County was 88%. This is about the same rate as a decade ago, although it has fallen from peak from a few years ago. Still, the local rate is several percentage points higher than the Washington average.
The USDA Census of Agriculture occurs every 5 years and last took place in 2022. For that year, the USDA estimated that the value of agricultural goods sold (at the farmgate) in Benton and Franklin Counties was over $2.2 billion. This implies an average per farm of approximately $1.1 million, nearly three times the size of the Washington state average.
In EDUCATION:
The housing market plays a significant role in the ability of a local economy to attract a workforce and to keep it. This indicator captures the “middle” price at which existing homes, the larger part of the housing market, turn over. For the first quarter of this year, that median was nearly $438,000. While much lower than the state median, the result is nearly $150,000 higher than the same quarter in pre-pandemic 2019.
Counting the homeless is often difficult. The U.S. Housing & Urban Development Department relies on a one-day count in January. Another federal metric, the McKinney-Vento count, is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education for K-12 students and relies on schools. Taken in the fall, the measure captures those students who do not have a permanent roof over their heads, even if they are sheltered. For the most recent school year, the total for all public-school districts was 53, the second lowest level on record. Generally, rates here are much lower than throughout the state.
In PUBLIC SAFETY:
Total Property Crimes & Property Crimes per 1,000 Residents
The receipt of a high school diploma is a major milestone in a young person’s life. The rate at which high school students receive a diploma is also part of a scorecard of school districts. The most recent average, four-year graduation rate of all the public-school districts in Whitman County was 88%. This is about the same rate as a decade ago, although it has fallen from peak from a few years ago. Still, the local rate is several percentage points higher than the Washington average.
updated 8.21.24
Graduating Interns
In this issue, we say goodbye to four graduating interns. They have accomplished so much over the past year at the institute. Left to right, they are: Laura Velasquez-Neal (mechanical engineering), Jessica Phan (Visual Communications Design), Angelica Cortes (Data Analytics) and Miranda Carmona (Economics). Angelica and Miranda have each received the Frances Houston medal, awarded to 20 graduating seniors for excellence in academics. All four will do well wherever they go.