Washington’s Economic Scorecard: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Competitiveness Redbook

Washington’s Economic Scorecard: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Competitiveness Redbook​

​The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has released the 2025 Competitiveness Redbook, a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of Washington State's economic standing. This annual publication offers a side-by-side comparison of Washington's performance across 60 key economic indicators relative to other states, providing valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and community stakeholders. 

Key Highlights from the 2025 Redbook

• Job Growth: Washington added 77,100 jobs, ranking 11th nationally in both the number of jobs gained and percentage growth. 
• Exports: The state improved its position in exports per capita, moving from fifth to fourth, and in total export value, from eighth to seventh, underscoring its role as a leading exporter. 
• Technology and Innovation: Washington leads the nation in tech sector employment as a share of overall employment and ranks second in overall research and development spending. 
• Energy Costs: The state boasts the lowest electricity rates for residential and industrial customers and the eighth lowest for commercial users. Approximately 76% of Washington's electricity is generated from renewable sources, including hydropower, wind, and solar. 

Challenges Identified

• Business Costs: Washington has the highest workers’ compensation benefits paid and the highest average weekly unemployment insurance payments. Employers contribute nearly half of all state and local taxes, with the percentage increasing from 48.4% to 49.7%. 
• Minimum Wage: As of January 2, 2024, Washington has the second-highest minimum wage in the country. 
• Housing Affordability: Despite a slowdown in price growth, housing affordability remains a significant challenge. Home prices rose 0.6% year over year, and over the past 25 years, prices have grown by 5.9% annually on average. 

The 2025 Competitiveness Redbook serves as a vital resource for understanding Washington's economic landscape, highlighting both its strengths and areas needing attention. Stakeholders are encouraged to utilize this information to inform decisions and strategies aimed at fostering economic growth and competitiveness. 
For more detailed information or to access the full Redbook, visit the AWB's official page.