Olympia, WA Capitol Building

Quality of Life and Innovation

5

Patents Granted

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Patents are a symbol of innovation and a leading indicator of economic potential. Washington innovators received 4,767 utility patents in 2011, good for 5th in the U.S.
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8

Private Sector Job Growth

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Private sector job growth is a fundamental measure of economic health. It means more people looking to buy homes and spending money in their communities — and fewer suffering from crippling debt. Private sector jobs also represent a key driver of state revenue that can help improve Washington's financial picture. Job growth is measured based on the percentage change in the number of jobs from December 2010 to December 2011.Get the data.

37

High School Graduation Rate

U.S. Department of Education

Washington’s graduation rate in 2009 was 73.7 percent – ranking the state 37th in the nation. More than 22,000 students in that class didn't make it to graduation.
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37

Average Commute Time

U.S. Census Bureau — Annual American Community Survey

Average commute time is a measure of the functional efficiency of the state's entire transportation system — one that can have a dramatic effect on quality of life, worker productivity and environmental quality. Washington's average of 25.3 minutes is longer than all but 13 states in the nation.
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12
15

Student Achievement in Math and Science

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

Math is a foundation for organized, logical thinking and a clear indicator of future career success. Science is key to future economic growth and an informed citizenry. Yet less than half of all students in Washington meet state standards in these critical subjects by the time they reach 8th grade. According to NAEP results in Washington, 40 percent of 8th graders were proficient or better in math, ranking the state 12th nationally. Only 35 percent were proficient in science, putting the state in a five-way tie for 15th..
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16

Road Conditions

Federal Highway Administration

The percentage of roads in "good" or "very good" condition provides a critical reading on the state's transportation infrastructure. A strong reading is an indication of safe and efficient movement of people and products. Currently less than half of Washington's roads meet this standard, landing the state at 16th in the nation.
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38

Bachelor's Degrees Awarded per Capita

National Center for Education Statistics

Despite having one of the most innovation-dependent economies in the nation, Washington ranks 38th in bachelor's degrees awarded per capita. Increasing this ranking indicates a higher percentage of the population prepared for career success and stronger economic prospects for the state.
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42

Functionally Obsolete Bridges

Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Functionally obsolete bridges affect both commerce and quality of life, representing choke points that impair safety and mobility. Improving Washington's ranking in this category supports commerce and encourages economic growth. To enter the top 10, Washington must address bottlenecks, lane widths and shoulders, and other congestion factors that affect bridges.
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Cost of Business

1

Electricity Rates

U.S. Energy Information Administration

Electricity is a key cost of doing business. With an average cost of 5.65 cents per kilowatt hour, Washington's electricity rates are the lowest in the nation.
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36

Business Tax Burden

Ernst & Young and the Council on State Taxation

Washington ranks 36th among the states based on the lowest business tax burden as a share of private sector GSP (FY 2010). Improving this ranking encourages job creation and investment.
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46

Unemployment Insurance Taxes

U.S. Dept. of Labor

Washington's average rate per full time employee ($803) is far higher than the national average ($455). High unemployment taxes contribute to high business costs, and discourage job creation and investment. Reducing this cost improves the business climate and encourages employers to keep and create jobs here.
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50

Workers' Compensation Benefits Paid

National Academy of Social Insurance

Washington is the most expensive state in the nation for workers' compensation benefits paid per covered worker. Important state-level policy reforms adopted in 2011 should help improve this ranking over time.
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