PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Both Oregon and Washington dropped a few spots in an annual ranking of the best U.S. states. But while the Evergreen State remained in the top 10, the Beaver State fell to the bottom half of the pack.
U.S. News and World Report released its 2024 list of the top states on Tuesday. The media company analyzes metrics related to health care, education, the economy and more to determine the highest-ranking places.
Oregon placed at No. 31 overall, a significant drop from its position as the 23rd-best state last year.
The state had the highest ranking for its infrastructure, and the lowest for its crime and corrections. Here is how it performed in the eight main categories.
- Infrastructure: No. 2
- Natural environment: No. 18
- Fiscal stability: No. 22
- Health care: No. 23
- Economy: No. 33
- Opportunity: No. 38
- Education: No. 40
- Crime and corrections: No. 46
Similar to last year, U.S. News and World Report highlighted Oregon for holding one of the nation’s best wine-making regions, a growing tech hub in the Portland area and a federally-designated National Scenic Area.
At No. 8 overall, Washington dominated the Beaver State in the rankings.
However, Washington and Oregon had their highest and lowest rankings in the same categories.
- Infrastructure: No. 7
- Health care: No. 10
- Natural environment: No. 11
- Education: No. 13
- Fiscal stability: No. 14
- Economy: No. 14
- Opportunity: No. 37
- Crime and corrections: No. 39
U.S. News and World Report refers to Washington as “an outdoor enthusiast’s dream” with its mountains, deserts, rainforests and location on the Pacific coastline. The state is also recognized as the origin of Starbucks, and for its impact on the aerospace industry and the military and defense sector.
But in 2023, Washington placed second-best after Utah — which was also deemed the top state this year.
New Hampshire, Nebraska, Minnesota and Idaho rounded out the top five states.
