2018’s Best & Worst State Economies

From WalletHub, June 4, 2018

U.S. economic growth depends heavily on the performance of individual states. But some contribute more than others. California, for instance, blossomed in 2017 as the fifth largest economy in the world, boasting a GDP larger than that of countries like the U.K., France and India. Meanwhile, Alaska, a state with valuable natural resources, is struggling with the highest unemployment rate in the country, at 7.3%.

In order to determine which states are pulling the most weight, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 28 key indicators of economic performance and strength. Their data set ranges from GDP growth to startup activity to share of jobs in high-tech industries.

read … Full Report

State Economy Rankings

• 43 -- Overall Rank (1 = Best)
• 35.13 -- Total Score
• 41 -- ‘Economic Activity’ Rank
• 29 -- ‘Economic Health’ Rank
• 44 -- ‘Innovation Potential’ Rank
• 51 — Exports per Capita  (NOTE: Tourism is an export and they seem to have not counted it.)
• 1 – Lowest Unemployment Rate
• 51 – Median Annual Household Income (adj for cost of living)
• 1- Highest State Government Surplus per Capita
• 49- Percentage of Jobs in Tech Industries

HNN: Report says Hawaii has the 9th worst state economy, but experts raise doubts

SA: Hawaii-has-9th-worst-economy-in-nation-report-says