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KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON <br />PAGE 24 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN <br />CWU influences the County’s demographic composition and plays an essential role in its current <br />and future economy. <br />In addition to its role as an economic anchor, the presence of CWU is reflected in the area’s demographics. The <br />associated student population provides a source of greater racial and ethnic diversity and translates to a younger- <br />than-average population, particularly in Ellensburg where two-thirds of residents are under 35 years old. CWU also <br />influences educational attainment and income levels. Educational attainment is generally high in Kittitas County <br />and is on par with the state and the nation, with about one-third (32 percent) of residents 25 years or older holding <br />a bachelor’s degree or higher (Figure 10, page 24). However, at first glance, higher education seems to have not <br />translated into higher wages as the median household income for the County and for Ellensburg are below state <br />and national levels (Figure 11, page 25). This finding, in part, reflects the region’s high population of student <br />residents. Students tend to report low incomes because few are able to be full-time employees and full-time <br />students simultaneously. (This same student-influenced phenomenon is shown in poverty rates where both <br />Kittitas County and Ellensburg exceed comparisons.) Going forward, leveraging CWU will be important piece of <br />talent attraction, retention efforts. <br />Figure 10. Educational Attainment, 2019 <br />Population 25 years and older by share of educational attainment. <br /> <br />Source(s): American Community Survey, 2019 5-year sample; TIP Strategies, Inc. <br />Note(s): Educational attainment only measured for population 25 and older. High school includes equivalency. Some college indicates no <br />degree was received. Graduate degree includes professional degrees and doctoral programs.