Custom Homes in Pullman, WA

BY wpadmin March 11, 2025

Are You Looking for a New Home in Pullman, WA?

Pullman is a terrific market. Lots of fun things to do. The largest retail presence on the Paulouse!

In Pullman, the median home price was $530,000 as of January 2025 (per Redfin), up 15.3% from last year

Five Reasons to Choose Pullman

#1) Access to Amenities & Services – Cities offer better access to hospitals, schools, shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues. You won’t have to drive long distances for basic needs or emergencies.

#2) Job Opportunities – Urban areas generally have more diverse job markets, with opportunities in various industries, better salaries, and networking possibilities compared to rural areas.

#3) Public Transportation & Infrastructure – Cities provide better roads, public transit (buses, trains, rideshares), and internet connectivity, making commuting and remote work easier.

#4) Social & Cultural Life – More events, concerts, museums, sports, and recreational activities are available in cities, offering a richer social life and opportunities to meet new people.

#5) Property Value & Investment Potential – Real estate in cities often appreciates faster than in rural areas, making it a better long-term investment with higher rental potential.

Here we compare the Job Market Overview of the Pullman area to a nearby city: Albion, WA

Albion, WA

  • Size and Scope: Albion is a small, rural community with a population of about 509. Its job market is extremely limited due to its size and lack of major employers. Most employment opportunities are tied to agriculture (e.g., wheat, barley, lentils) or small-scale local businesses.
  • Key Industries: Agriculture dominates, with some residents likely working as farmers, foresters, or in related support roles. Neighborhood data suggests that 54.4% of Albion’s working population is in executive, management, or professional roles, but these are likely tied to farming operations or small enterprises rather than a diverse professional sector. Sales and service jobs (18.9%) round out the mix, possibly in local retail or seasonal work.
  • Job Availability: Specific job listings for Albion are scarce. Platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn rarely show openings directly in Albion, with most opportunities requiring commuting to nearby towns like Pullman or Colfax. The lack of industry diversity means new jobs are infrequent, and growth is stagnant.
  • Employment Data: Whitman County, which includes Albion, had a total nonfarm employment of 22,350 as of late 2024, but only a tiny fraction would be in Albion itself. The county’s 4.0% unemployment rate suggests a tight labor market, but Albion’s rural nature likely means fewer openings overall.

Pullman, WA

  • Size and Scope: Pullman, with a population of around 32,900, is a bustling college town driven by Washington State University (WSU), a major economic engine. Its job market is significantly larger and more dynamic than Albion’s, offering diverse opportunities across multiple sectors.
  • Key Industries: WSU is the largest employer, accounting for 30% of Whitman County’s employment (roughly 5,860 jobs based on 2023’s 19,538 covered employment figure). Education, research, and administrative roles dominate, alongside growing private-sector players like Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), which recently planned to add 400 jobs, over half in the Pullman area. Other sectors include healthcare (e.g., Pullman Regional Hospital), retail, manufacturing (3,430 jobs county-wide), and hospitality.
  • Job Availability: As of early 2025, job boards like Indeed list over 1,400 jobs in Pullman, ranging from entry-level (e.g., crew members at $17/hr) to professional roles (e.g., engineers at SEL, up to $60/hr). LinkedIn reports over 2,000 openings, reflecting a robust market boosted by WSU’s presence and private-sector growth. New jobs are added daily, especially in tech, education, and health.
  • Employment Data: Pullman’s share of Whitman County’s 22,350 nonfarm jobs is substantial, with private sectors (10,950 jobs) and goods-producing industries (3,430 jobs) showing slight growth (0.4% and 0.6% over-the-month in late 2024). The city’s unemployment rate aligns with the county’s 4.0%, but its larger population and employer base mean more openings and turnover.

Key Comparisons

  1. Job Diversity
    • Albion: Limited to agriculture and minimal service roles. If your Albion job isn’t in farming, options for career shifts or side work are nearly nonexistent locally.
    • Pullman: Offers a wide range—education, tech, healthcare, retail, and more. Even if your Albion job is specific, Pullman provides fallback opportunities or career growth without relocating far.
  2. Job Growth
    • Albion: Static, with little evidence of new employers or industries emerging. The high vacancy rate (10.5%) in housing hints at low economic demand, possibly tied to job scarcity.
    • Pullman: Expanding, with SEL’s hiring push and WSU’s consistent demand for staff and faculty. The university’s presence ensures a steady influx of jobs, especially in high-skill fields.
  3. Income Potential
    • Albion: Median household income is $59,180 (2021 ACS estimates), decent for a rural area but constrained by the lack of high-paying roles outside agriculture management. Per capita income data is unavailable, but it’s likely lower due to limited professional jobs.
    • Pullman: Median household income is lower at $34,581 (skewed by students), but full-time workers earn more—$51,430 for males and $42,657 for females (2021 ACS). Professional roles at WSU or SEL can exceed $70,000-$80,000 annually, offering greater earning potential.
  4. Commute Impact
    • Albion: If you live and work in Albion, your commute is negligible, but job options are so sparse you might need to travel anyway—likely to Pullman (15 minutes).
    • Pullman: Living in Pullman and commuting to Albion is a quick 7-mile, 15-minute drive. You’d gain access to Pullman’s job market while meeting your Albion obligation, with minimal time lost.
  5. Stability and Flexibility
    • Albion: Reliant on agriculture, which can be seasonal or weather-dependent. Losing your Albion job could mean leaving the area entirely for work.
    • Pullman: Anchored by WSU and growing firms like SEL, the market is more stable and adaptable. If your Albion job ends, Pullman’s opportunities reduce relocation stress.

Jasper Homes’ Case for Pullman

For Jasper Homes, the job market comparison strongly favors Pullman. If you’re moving for a job in Albion, living there might seem logical—but its tiny, stagnant job market limits your future. Pullman, just 15 minutes away, offers a thriving economy with thousands of jobs across diverse fields, from university roles to engineering at SEL. You’d enjoy career flexibility, higher earning potential, and a safety net if your Albion gig changes. Plus, Pullman’s housing market—while pricier (median $429,145 vs. Albion’s $253,700)—reflects its vitality and long-term value, something Jasper Homes can help you navigate with tailored options. Why settle for Albion’s quiet isolation when Pullman delivers opportunity and convenience without sacrificing your work commitment? Let Jasper Homes find your perfect Pullman home—your career and lifestyle will thank you!