Stevens County

Home values in Stevens County have climbed 7.9% since bottoming in late March, rising from $162,498 to $175,351 as of mid-July — signaling stabilization in the local housing market. The recovery has been consistent across two consecutive readings, suggesting renewed buyer confidence or reduced inventory pressure in the county's 5,200-person population.

The housing gain contrasts sharply with a deteriorating employment picture. Unemployment has ticked back up to 3.2% as of June, rising 33.3% from its December 2025 low of 2.4%. The unemployment rate has now climbed for two straight months after a brief dip in April, reversing earlier labor-market momentum. The county's labor force stands at 2,817 residents.

The divergence raises a key question: whether the housing recovery reflects genuine economic strength or speculative activity masking underlying job softness. Stevens County residents should watch whether the unemployment trend continues climbing and whether rising home values attract new employers to the county or simply reflect outside investment. Local reporters should investigate what sectors are driving recent job losses and whether workers are being pulled to neighboring counties for employment.