Arlington, VA (April 8, 2015) — Utah again earns the top spot for states with the best economic outlook, followed by North Dakota, Indiana, North Carolina and Arizona, according to the newest edition of Rich States, Poor States released today by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

The report also revealed many states significantly improved or fell in the rankings. Kentucky was the biggest winner in the rankings this year and improved by nine spots. Illinois came in second for largest improvements by climbing eight spots, while Oklahoma improved by five spots and Wisconsin by four spots. On the other hand, Michigan was the biggest loser this year and fell in the rankings by 12 spots. Delaware fell 11 spots, Pennsylvania fell eight spots, and South Dakota fell seven spots.

The 15 economic policy variables used by the authors to rank the economic outlook of states have shown over time to be among the most influential variables for state growth. The top ten and bottom ten states for 2015 are:

Overall Economic Outlook for 2015

Top Ten

 

1. Utah

2. North Dakota

3. Indiana

4. North Carolina       

5. Arizona

6. Idaho

7. Georgia

8. Wyoming

9. South Dakota

10. Nevada