Reading the Economic Fault Lines
Washington’s recession anxiety leads the nation
By Sarah Stackhouse May 14, 2025
Washington residents are Googling recession-related terms more than anyone else in the country.
A new study from Techr, an online HR platform, ranked states based on Google searches like “Trump recession 2025,” “are we in a recession 2025,” and “layoffs 2025.” Washington tops the list with 56.33 searches per 100,000 residents — more than 200% above the national average and well ahead of the next most concerned states: Wyoming and Vermont.
It makes sense. We’re a state of preppers. We like to have a plan — especially for the worst-case scenario. More than a million Washingtonians regularly take part in the annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, practicing how to drop and cover. We sign up for emergency alerts, worry about fault lines, and stash tubs of freeze-dried food in the basement. And now the headlines full of economic dread have us wondering if it’s time to reassess the budget and scan the pantry.
Washington’s economy has been hit hard in ways that aren’t showing up everywhere. Cross-border towns are still reeling from the drop in Canadian visitors. Local businesses are offering discounts just to lure B.C. shoppers back. Inflation fears are rising again with more tariff hikes on the table. Housing costs are high, businesses are closing, nonprofits are scrambling to stay afloat, and regional trade is taking a hit. And now some of the biggest employers in the state are making cuts. Microsoft just announced it’s laying off around 6,800 employees — about 3% of its global workforce — with nearly 2,000 of those cuts happening here in Washington, mostly in the Seattle area.
No wonder people are anxious.
The five most recession-concerned states:
Washington – 4,540 monthly searches (56.33 per 100,000 residents)
Wyoming – 210 monthly searches (35.58 per 100,000 residents)
Vermont – 230 monthly searches (35.48 per 100,000 residents)
Alaska – 210 monthly searches (28.24 per 100,000 residents)
North Dakota – 220 monthly searches (27.36 per 100,000 residents)
The report only lists the top ten, but coming in last is Rhode Island. Maybe the Ocean State is too busy enjoying the beach.
Find the full report here. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Follow Us
Restaurant Roundup: Halal Bagels and Mario Party
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.
OK, we’ll say it—we love Seattle Restaurant Week, but it also gives us a little bit of anxiety and a lot of FOMO. There are just so many choices. Hundreds of restaurants, food carts, cafes, and bars can be a tad overwhelming, but 10? That’s a much more manageable number. Thankfully, Secret Seattle put together…
Toll Talk: World Cup Could Bring Higher Tunnel Rates
Seattle may see temporary toll hikes on Highway 99 during next summer’s global event.
Driving through the Highway 99 tunnel in Seattle could be pricier during next summer’s FIFA World Cup. With traffic expected to surge when the city hosts several matches, the Washington State Transportation Commission may temporarily hike tolls for the two-mile tunnel to defray additional costs associated with the international sporting event. Earlier this week, commissioners…
Harvest Moon Rising
Seattle’s skyline will glow under October’s supermoon.
If your backyard seemed unusually lit last night, that was the near-full moon showing off, and tonight will be even better. This is October’s Harvest Moon, the one that lands closest to the fall equinox and, this year, doubles as a supermoon. According to NASA, it can appear up to 30% brighter and 14% larger…
Seattle’s WALK DONT RUN Festival is a Major Success for Downtown
Featuring more than 100 local artists, the 2-mile route drew thousands throughout the day.
Last week, Seattle’s streets were abuzz with creativity during the inaugural WALK DON’T RUN art marathon. Inspired by NEPO 5K—an art event organized by local artist Klara Glosova in Chinatown International District and Beacon Hill—WALK, DONT RUN wound through the heart of the city, with dozens of installations, performances, pop-ups, open galleries, and merriment along…