Strong Tribal Economies Benefit All of Washington
An economic impact study released this week shows that Washington’s 29 federally recognized tribes generated more than $7.4 billion in gross state product in 2023 alone—up from $6.6 billion in 2020.
Commissioned by the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA) and authored by economists Amy Besaw Medford and Jonathan B. Taylor, The Economic & Community Benefits of Tribes in Washington explains how tribal economies—supported by gaming and a growing and diverse range of businesses—are investing in essential services, creating jobs and supporting families and communities across the state.
“We’re witnessing a remarkable transformation in Indian Country,” said Jonathan Taylor, co-author of the report. “Tribes in Washington have gone from having very few jobs on reservations to being leading employers. Today, tribes together are the state’s 8th largest employer.”
Key Tribal Economic Impacts:
- $3.9 billion in wages and benefits
- $1.5 billion in state and local taxes
- 52,000+ jobs supported statewide—most held by non-Indian employees
This growth is having a powerful impact on the quality of life in the state. Since 1990, the real income of American Indians on reservations in Washington has grown by 59%, college degrees have doubled, and family poverty has dropped by 46%. But significant challenges remain: Native households still face poverty at four times the statewide average.
“While I’m proud of Washington tribes’ success, we have a long way to go,” said Ron Allen, Chairman of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, who also chairs WIGA. “It’s important for the public to understand the impact tribal revenues have on our communities. These flexible revenues are a critical tool for our self-reliance.”
As tribes continue to drive economic growth and social progress, Washingtonians across the state stand to benefit for generations to come.