Three Oregon Cities Among Nation's Best for Business and Careers

Last week, Forbes released its 12th annual rankings of the "Best Places for Business and Careers." Metropolitan areas nationwide were judged several criteria: the cost of doing business; educational attainment of the population; economic, income, and job growth; and net migration.

Two Oregon cities made this year's list for mid-sized and large metropolitan areas (population 245,000 or more). Forbes ranked Portland 19th, and Salem claimed the 54th spot. A Portland Business Journal report cites projected job and economic growth, and educational attainment of residents as the reasons for Portland's favorable ranking. Medford also took honors in the Forbes rankings, earning 42nd place among small metropolitan areas (populations ranged from 55,000 to 245,000).

Metropolitan areas in California and the nation's "rust belt" were among the least favorable locations for businesses and careers in 2010.

Forbes.com has complete listings and an interactive map of this year's best (and worst!) places for business and careers.