Recently released employment data reveals a mixed economic picture for Benton and Franklin counties, with slight upticks in unemployment rates despite year-over-year job growth in several key industries across the Tri-Cities region.

The state Employment Security Department released the May 2025 data on July 22.

Benton County

Benton County’s unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in May 2025, up from 4% in the previous month, though still slightly below the 4.6% rate recorded a year ago in May. 

The county’s total labor force contracted by 2.4%, shedding 2,375 workers over the past year, from May 2024 to May 2025. Unemployed workers decreased by 318 (6.2%) workers and about 4,309 people were unemployed and looking for work in the same period.

Franklin County

Franklin County’s unemployment rate increased to 5% in May 2025, a slight increase from the previous month and a year ago when it was 4.9%. 

The county’s total labor force decreased by 1.8%, or 830 workers, over the past year, from May 2024 to May 2025. The employed workforce decreased by 840 workers (1.9%) and unemployed workers increased by a dozen workers, or 0.5%. About 2,265 people were unemployed and looking for work.

Regional job growth

Despite the rising unemployment rates, the broader Kennewick-Pasco-Richland region saw a 1.7% increase in total nonfarm employment, adding 2,200 jobs over the year to reach 131,000 positions over the past year, from May 2024 to May 2025.

The private sector led the way, adding 2,400 jobs (2.2%), while government employment declined by 200 jobs (1%).

Industries showing strong growth:

• Trade, transportation and utilities: +2,000 jobs (8.8%)
• Construction, mining, logging: +700 jobs (6.1%)
• Private education and health services: +1,000 jobs (4.8%)
• Administrative and support services and waste management services: +900 jobs (7.6%)
• Other services: +200 jobs (5.6%)
• Food services and drinking places: +100 jobs (1.0%)

Industries facing declines:

• Manufacturing: -1,200 jobs (12.8%)
• Financial activities: -700 jobs (16.3%)
• Professional and business services: -300 jobs (1.3%)
• Retail trade: -100 jobs (0.7%)
• Leisure and hospitality: -200 jobs (1.6%)

Government employment totaled 20,100 jobs, with state and local government each losing 100 jobs, while federal employment remained stable.