Operating Costs & Incentives

CLARK COUNTY: THE PLACE FOR BUSINESS

Clark County offers a nimble business environment in one of the most cost-competitive Communities on the West Coast; providing an ample supply of development-ready land, competitive lease rates, abundant clear water and some of the lowest utility rates in the U.S.

COMPETITIVE BUSINESS CLIMATE

Washington, unlike many states, does not have a personal or corporate income tax. Washington does have a Business and Occupation (B&O) tax that is calculated on the gross income from activities. This means there are no deductions from the B&O tax for labor, materials, taxes, or other costs of doing business. Washington offers a range of business tax incentives and benefits to help your business flourish.

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STATE BUSINESS INCENTIVES

  • Sales & Use Tax Exemption for Machinery & Equipment Employment Training B&O Tax Credit

  • Main Street Tax Credit

  • Renewable Energy Tax Exemption

  • Commercial & Industrial Lighting Incentive Program

  • Natural Gas Equipment Incentive

  • Commute Trip Reduction Program

  • On the Job Training (OJT) Program

  • Incumbent Worker Training Program

  • Clark Public Utilities Custom Projects Incentive

BUSINESS TAX SUMMARY

  • No Corporate or Personal Income Tax

  • State Business & Occupation (B&O) Tax ranges from 0.13%-1.5%

  • State & Local Combined Retail Sales Tax is 8.5%

  • Unemployment Insurance Tax averages 1.43% on the first $67,000 in wages

  • Worker’s Compensation averages $0.65 per hour

  • Tax exemptions available for Manufacturing, Food Processing, and Distribution

 

 

 

“Washington is ranked in the Top 25

business tax climates in the nation.”

– Tax Foundation, 2022

 

 

 

INFRASTRUCTURE

Electrical Power
Clark Public Utilities is the primary electric power supplier in Clark County, offering some of the lowest power prices in the U.S. JD Power and Associates ranked Clark Public Utilities as #1 in customer satisfaction among mid-sized electrical utilities in the West, fifteen years running.

 

Water & Sewer
Water and sewer services are provided by cities within all incorporated areas and some unincorporated areas of Clark County. Cost estimates and comparison can be compiled on specific sites upon request.

 

Natural Gas

Natural Gas service is provided by both NW Natural and Cascade. Natural Gas in Clark County, with current rates at historic lows.

 

Communications
Clark County has a reliable and extensive fiber optic network and offers businesses numerous options for telephone and television service providers.

 

Lease Rates
Clark County offers one of the most cost competitive
lease rates on the West Coast.

Clark PUD Electric Rates

Industry Rate p/kWh
Commercial
$7.47
Industrial
$5.57
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2021

Washington Average Electric Rates

Industry Rate p/kWh
Commercial
$10.08
Industrial
$6.35
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2023

Washington Average Gas Prices

Industry Price p/MCF
Commercial
$12.83
Industrial
$11.41
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2023

Average Lease Rate

Industry Price p/sqft
Industrial
$11.41
Class A Office
$28.72

STRATEGICALLY LOCATED

Situated in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Clark County serves as the premier Pacific Rim gateway to the U.S. and Canada.

It is exceptionally well-positioned to access major West Coast, Midwest & international markets through multimodal connections to I-5 and I-84, deep-water ports, rail, and the Portland International Airport (PDX), voted the nation’s Best Airport for years.

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Ready to begin?

Address

805 Broadway St
Suite 412
Vancouver WA 98660

© 2024 Columbia River Economic Development Council