Summary:
From 2011 to 2023, Oregon consistently ranked between 3rd and 7th in infrastructure competitiveness. The state demonstrated resilience during this period but also faced challenges, particularly with declines in road conditions, bridge safety, and state spending per functional mile of roads. Despite these setbacks, Oregon saw modest improvements in broadband access and average commute times, which helped the state maintain its overall infrastructure competitiveness. Although individual metrics fluctuated, Oregon’s consistent focus on infrastructure development has supported both economic growth and resident well-being. However, the declines in key infrastructure components highlight the need for renewed attention to ensure continued competitiveness in the future.
Oregon's Infrastructure Performance
Oregon’s Infrastructure Competitiveness Index has demonstrated resilience from 2011 to 2023. Despite minor fluctuations, Oregon’s relative ranking among states decreased by only one spot, moving from 3rd to 4th, consistently placing the state within the top 10% of all states and the District of Columbia. A ranking closer to 1st indicates greater competitiveness relative to other states.
The Infrastructure Competitiveness Index is based on five key metrics that assess Oregon's infrastructure performance over time. While the state has maintained a strong ranking, the index value has declined by 4.2% from 2011 to 2023, indicating a relative loss in competitiveness compared to other states. This decline reflects weaknesses in specific areas of infrastructure, even though Oregon's overall ranking has remained relatively high.
The slight decline in Oregon’s competitiveness can be attributed to specific changes in infrastructure components. From 2011 to 2023, the state experienced an 8.7% decline in both acceptable road conditions and structurally deficient bridges, and state spending per functional mile of roads decreased by 8.1%. These drops signal a deterioration in critical infrastructure elements. In contrast, Oregon saw a 2.4% improvement in average commute time to work and a 2.2% increase in the percentage of households with broadband internet subscriptions, reflecting modest progress in these areas.
Infrastructure competitiveness is crucial to a state’s economy as it impacts producers' access to essential inputs and the efficient distribution of products and services. It also directly affects residents through factors like work commute times and reliable internet access—particularly important as remote work continues to grow. Despite Oregon’s strong historical performance, these recent declines underscore the need for renewed investment and focus on infrastructure to maintain and improve the state’s economic competitiveness.
Several key metrics have been used to evaluate Oregon's infrastructure competitiveness:
- The percentage of acceptable road conditions
- The percentage of structurally deficient bridges
- Average commute time to work
- The percentage of households with broadband internet access
- State spending per functional mile of roads
Recent Trends and Developments:
Acceptable Road Conditions: Oregon’s acceptable road condition index declined by 8.7% from 2011 to 2023. This represents a significant drop in road quality over the years, indicating a loss of competitiveness in road infrastructure maintenance.
Structurally Deficient Bridges: Similarly, Oregon saw an 8.7% decline in its structurally deficient bridges ranking. The state has faced challenges in improving the condition of its bridges, reflecting a notable decrease in bridge quality and safety compared to previous years.
Average Commute Time to Work: On a positive note, Oregon’s ranking for average commute time improved by 2.4% over the same period. This suggests that the state has made progress in managing traffic and reducing commute times, which is a competitive advantage.
Percentage of Households with Broadband Internet Subscription: Oregon's broadband access ranking increased by 2.2% from 2011 to 2023, reflecting modest improvements in expanding internet access to households across the state.
State Spending per Functional Mile of Roads: Oregon's spending efficiency on roads declined by 8.1% during this period. Despite increased spending, the state has become less competitive in terms of how effectively it uses its resources for road infrastructure.
Infrastructure Competitiveness Index: Overall, Oregon’s infrastructure competitiveness index declined by 4.2% from 2011 to 2023. This general decline reflects Oregon's lagging infrastructure improvements compared to other states, despite some progress in specific areas.
Oregon’s Infrastructure in Context: A Regional Outlook
From 2011 to 2023, Oregon has maintained strong infrastructure competitiveness, consistently ranking between 3rd and 7th place. Compared to its neighboring states, Oregon consistently outperformed California and Washington, with California fluctuating between 20th and 34th, and Washington steadily declining from 12th to 20th. Nevada has maintained a strong position, consistently ranking in the top 5, ending at 5th place in 2023. Idaho experienced fluctuations but showed notable improvement, finishing 8th in 2023. Overall, Oregon remains a top performer in the region, staying competitive with Nevada throughout the period.