ECRP covers Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, and Pacific counties in southwest Washington. The region stretches from the Pacific Ocean to Puget Sound, and from the Columbia River to the Olympic Mountains. It’s centrally located—just a 90-minute drive from both Seattle and Portland.
Our economy is built on natural resources, with strong industries in wood products and agriculture—more than double the national average. Public sector jobs are also a major driver, thanks to state government, public lands, and nearby military bases.
The region is proud to include six sovereign tribal nations, each with its own government and leadership, contributing to our cultural richness and economic vitality.
Our Region
Grays Harbor County
Mason County
Pacific County
Thurston County
Our Region
Grays Harbor, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties share a common economy, geography, and history of collaboration. The economy in the region is a unique mix of historic, resource-based sectors such as forestry, fishing and aquaculture; public administration; tourism; logistics; and emerging sectors such as media, health care, and value-add manufacturing.
Region Statistics
Population (ACS): 463,755
Median Age: 46.1
Median Household Income: $74,588.25
Per Capita Income: $39,330.50
Veterans, Age 18-64: 7.70%
Median House Value: $345,600.00
Poverty Level (of all people): 12.00%
Grays Harbor County
Grays Harbor County is mostly rural, bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean. It’s the largest of the four counties in the region, with Aberdeen as its largest city and Montesano as the county seat. The Quinault Indian Reservation and Olympic National Forest are key features of the landscape.
Once driven by timber and fishing, the county’s economy now includes manufacturing, services, and a growing tourism sector.
Grays Harbor Statistics
Population (ACS): 76,397
Median Age: 44.7
Median Household Income: $63,539.00
Per Capita Income: $33,763.00
Veterans, Age 18-64: 6.50%
Median House Value: $279,500.00
Poverty Level (of all people): 14.10%
Mason County
Mason County is a mostly rural area known for its natural beauty, including parts of the Olympic National Forest and Park. Shelton is the county seat and only incorporated city, with a population of about 10,800. The county is home to the Skokomish and Squaxin Island Tribes and offers abundant outdoor recreation.
Historically rooted in timber and logging, Mason County’s economy now includes manufacturing, services, and tourism. Government is the largest employer, and many residents commute to nearby counties—including Thurston, Pierce, and Kitsap—due to its proximity to Naval Base Kitsap and Olympia.
Mason County Statistics
Population (ACS): 66,968
Median Age: 44.8
Median Household Income: $78,359.00
Per Capita Income: $38,685.00
Veterans, Age 18-64: 8.30%
Median House Value: $377,400.00
Poverty Level (of all people): 12.60%
Pacific County
Pacific County is in the southwest part of the region. It is the most rural county of the four. Nearly a quarter of the county’s 1,223 square miles is water, including Willapa Bay—home to 25% of the nation’s oyster harvest. The county’s economy is built on forestry, fishing, and tourism. The Long Beach Peninsula draws visitors year-round with events like the Washington State International Kite Festival.
Pacific County Statistics
Population (ACS): 23,750
Median Age: 54.9
Median Household Income: $62,350.00
Per Capita Income: $40,228.00
Veterans, Age 18-64: 6.30%
Median House Value: $274,000.00
Poverty Level (of all people): 11.60%
Thurston County
Thurston County is the easternmost county, located along Puget Sound. It’s Washington’s sixth most populated county and home to the state capital, Olympia. As the region’s largest population center—making up 64% of the total—it plays a key role in shaping local industries and supply chains. Olympia is a cultural hub with a vibrant arts scene, and the county benefits from its proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and state government.
