Local Economy

  • 240% increase in new construction; past 5 year average
  • Ranked in the top 5 emerging wine markets in the U.S.
  • 35+ wineries
  • Recent private investment of $1 million + in downtown improvements
  • 3,972 households with average income of $52,624
  • 10 mile radius average household income is $53,377
  • 67.9% residents age 25+ have high school diploma or above

Prosser Major Industrial Employers

Tree Top, Inc. a grower owned apple and pear products and concentrate processor (1,750 grower/owners in WA, ID & OR); 132 employees.
2780 Lee Road (509) 786-2926

Milne Fruit a locally owned processor and purveyor of fruit based ingredients, 90 employees.
804 Bennett Ave.; 509 786-2611 Fax 509 786-4915

Zirkle Fruit: Fruit – vegetable growers and shippers employs 150 at it's Prosser facility.
101 Benitz Rd. 509 786-3993

Columbia Crest Winery employs 291 individuals and produces award winning, affordble wines.
Hwy. 221, Paterson, WA; 509 875-2061

Prosser Major Non-Farm Employers

Companies Employees
Benton Co. Government 144
Benton Rural Electric  54
City of Prosser   50
Prosser Memorial Hospital 300
Prosser School District 316
WSU/IAREC 207 Full time, 150 Part time

Benton County reports unemployment numbers well below the national and state averages. Favorable economic conditions and a viable labor force have been a mainstay, aiding local economic development.

Benton County Resident Labor Force

Employment Data Number of People
Labor Force 96,320
Employment 89,520
Unemployment and % 6,240 – 7.1%

Figures as of December 2010 – Data from WA Employment Security Dept. 
 

City of Prosser Resident Labor Force

 

Employment Data Number of People
Labor Force 2,296
Employment 2,001
Unemployment and % 293- 12.8% 

Data from Choose Washington.com Washington Prospector 2010.