Seattle
Gary Corbett | Age Fotostock | Getty Images
Category Score 2013 Rank 2012 Rank
Cost of Doing Business1214437
Workforce1492421
Quality of Life2181015
Infrastructure & Transportation1813136
Economy2202445
Education742813
Technology & Innovation24845
Business Friendliness1092336
Cost of Living153636
Access to Capital2273
Overall13572121

ECONOMIC PROFILE

Governor: Jay Inslee (D)

Population: 6,897,012

GDP growth: 3.6 percent

Unemployment rate (May 2013): 6.8 percent

Top corporate rate: None, but has gross receipts tax

Top individual tax rate: None        

Gasoline tax: 37.5 cents/gallon

Bond rating/outlook: Aa1/Negative (multiple)

Major private employers: Microsoft Corp., Sea-Tac International Airport, Providence Health & Services, Barrett Business Services, South Seattle Community College, Stewart Title Co., St. Joseph Medical Center, Batelle, Genie Industries, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital

Economic profile sources: American Petroleum Institute (April 2013), Bureau of Economic Analysis (2012), Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2013 release), CareerOneStop, Moody's Investors Service (senior-most tax-backed ratings), National Governors Association, Tax Foundation (2013), U.S. Census Bureau (2012 estimate)