sources , including hydropower , wind and solar ( Table 45B ), with natural gas the second largest energy source at 13 %.
Washington remains a high-cost state for businesses across multiple categories . The state has the highest workers ’ compensation benefits paid ( Table 26 ) and the highest average weekly unemployment insurance payments , up one position from the previous year ( Table 25 ). Washington employers also pay nearly half of all state and local taxes , with the percentage increasing from 48.4 % to 49.7 % ( Table 11 ). As of Jan . 2 , 2024 , the state has the second-highest minimum wage in the country ( Table 27 ).
Housing affordability is a top challenge , even as price growth slowed in 2023 . Washington home prices rose 0.6 % year over year , falling from 20th to 47th in housing price appreciation ( Table 55 ). But in the last 25 years , Washington ’ s housing prices have grown by 5.9 % per year on average , the seventh highest in the nation .
We encourage readers to use this book as a resource to help guide and champion Washington ’ s economy , and to strengthen all people , industry sectors and communities .