on the strength of its education system and its workforce. But net migration to the state among college-educated workers has slowed, according to Census figures, hurting the commonwealth's Workforce ranking.finishes at No. 4 on the strength of America's top Workforce as measured by the CNBC study. Nearly 42% of Centennial State workers hold a bachelor's degree or higher, according to the Census Bureau, making Colorado workers the nation's second most educated .
Residents, meanwhile, have limited options for child care. Health-care resources are stretched, too, in the state with the largest percentage of people without health insurance. Texas is another one of the five states with no anti-discrimination law for nondisabled residents. And it is further chipping away at inclusiveness under Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
While multiple measures aimed at transgender youth and their parents have either died in the legislature or been stalled in court, the deeply controversialthat went into effect this year has made Texas one of the most difficult states to vote in, according to researchers at Northern Illinois University.
Put it all together, and Texas finishes at No. 49 for Life, Health and Inclusion, dragging down its overall ranking. The state's many other strengths keep it in the Top Five, just barely hanging on by 4 points over No. 6 Tennessee.Oregon . The Beaver State rises 17 spots to finish at No. 18 overall. Like neighboring Washington, Oregon benefits from the CNBC study's renewed emphasis on Workforce over costs. But the state's economy has also bounced back sharply following the worst of the pandemic. Gross domestic product improved by 5.4% last year, following a 2.8% contraction in 2020.