Oregon falls to No. 42 in CNBC business ranking

Catch up quick: Oregon was ranked as high as No. 28 just three years ago but fell 11 spots on the list between 2024 and 2025.

How it works: CNBC scores all 50 states across 10 weighted categories — including infrastructure, workforce, quality of life and cost of doing business — worth up to 2,500 points.

• Oregon totaled 1,193 points this year, six points fewer than in 2025.

By the numbers: Oregon lost ground in several key categories from last year's ranking.

• Infrastructure fell from No. 14 to No. 17.
• Workforce dropped from 23 to 24.
• Quality of life sank from 19 to 22.

Technology & innovation went from 14 to 18, and the cost of doing business stayed flat at 43.

Yes, but: We improved in the economy category, from 41 to 39, and business friendliness, where we moved from 47 to 43.

Between the lines: Oregon's economic woes have been well documented — from the state's inability to attract new business and retain old ones, to the high tax burden, to the hurdles small business owners face.

• Last year's CNBC ranking seemed to serve as a wake-up call of sorts for Kotek, who laid out her plan to turn the tide in a "Prosperity Roadmap" released in December.

• In it, she said breaking into the ranking's top 10, overall and in the workforce category, was a priority.
• Kotek did not respond to a request for comment on Oregon's new, lower score.

What's next: Last month, a council convened by Kotek released its recommendations for righting the economic ship — including lowering taxes, cutting regulations and investing in education.

• Many of the recommendations, like overhauling the tax system and cutting red tape, face uphill battles in the state legislature.