Cattle prices are low. Oysters are plagued by harmful algal blooms and poor condition, especially in dry years. Salmon are even more problematic with commercial runs being maintained primarily by hatcheries. Long term prospects are not good without serious attention being paid to habitat, hatchery reform, and restoration of natural spawning. The weather is wetter, which is generally good for the natural resources of the area.
Ecological health is good, but rising levels of fecal coliform bacteria are worrisome.
Businesses in general aren't doing so well, especially those in retail sales. Neither is the job market good. There are jobs, but job creation is generally in low wage retail and service sectors. Employment is highly seasonal with unemployment rates lowest during summer. Capital is available for business development from locally owned banks throughout the Willapa Basin.