Oregon among best states for women's equality based on several factors, study finds

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Women in Oregon are generally better off than women living in other U.S. states, according to a new study from experts at WalletHub.

The study found that women’s equality ranked seventh overall in areas where the nation frequently sees a gap, such as education, earnings and political representation.

“Ensuring women’s equality requires more than simply giving men and women the same fundamental rights,” WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe said. “States also need to work to make sure that women receive equal treatment to men when it comes to financial opportunities, education, and politics. The best states for women’s equality have drastically reduced the disparities between men and women on multiple fronts.”

Overall, Oregon ranked above average in the study’s seven key indicators: Earnings, executive positives, work hours, educational attainment, minimum wage work, entrepreneurship, and political representation.

Among these key indicators, Oregon was found to have the best educational attainment in the county and ranked first for advanced degree holders. It also has the second best entrepreneurship rate and fourth best earnings gap, according to WalletHub.

“To increase the number of women in senior management, companies need to focus on every step of the corporate ladder, including the bottom rung,” Women’s Institute Director Dr. Jessie B. Ramey said. “That ‘broken rung’ is the crucial first promotion in organizations that research shows is the leakiest part of the pipeline for career advancement, especially for women of color, women with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people.”

The state also excelled in political representation, ranking 15th in the nation. For instance, Dr. Ramey said many states have never had a female governor. In 2023, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek was sworn in as one of the first openly lesbian women to be elected into the role in the U.S.

“For instance, many states have never had a female governor, and most do not come close to parity in their legislatures,” Dr. Ramey said. “Normalizing women in politics at the local level could help.”

The best state for women’s equality, according to the study, was Hawaii thanks to its lack of gap in men and women hired as minimum-wage workers and unemployment among women. 

“On the education front, by eighth grade, there is no math test score disparity between boys and girls. And when it comes to politics, Hawaii has no gender disparity among its national representatives,” Happe said.

The 10 best states for gender equality:

1. Hawaii
2. California
3. Minnesota
4. Maine
5. New Mexico
6. New York
7. Oregon
8. Massachusetts
9. Rhode Island
10. Maryland