PART 1
Editor’s Note: We will be doing this in a series as it is a tremendous amount of information…..Keep watching for Part 2!
The state of Texas leads the nation in new residents and has one of the nation’s best business climates, according to a newly developed 50-State Scorecard launched today by the Comptroller’s office.
Texas also scored well in cost of living, growth in average wages and per-capita state debt according to the Web tool, which uses data from a variety of sources to score each state in four key categories: business and opportunity; economic indicators; population and demographics; and tax and debt.
“The 50-State Scorecard allows Texans to quickly compare Texas to other states,” Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “We’re proud of where we score high, but these issues involving the economy, taxes, debt and personal wages are more than just bragging rights — they have critical implications for our future.”
Hegar said the scorecard takes a balanced look at Texas and paints a mostly positive picture, but added there are still challenges the state needs to address. For example, the scorecard shows Texas has some of the nation’s highest local debt; has a population in which 10 percent of households have no bank account; and has the second-highest percentage of residents above the age of 25 who lack a high school diploma.
50-State Scorecard
As proud Texans, our policymakers and taxpayers want to know how the Lone Star State stacks up across the country.
How’s the economy? What about taxes? Debt? Personal wages? These facts are more than mere bragging rights — they can have critical implications for our future.
As the chief fiscal officer for Texas, the Comptroller of Public Accounts forecasts revenue for the state, making it vitally important that we keep a finger on the pulse of our economy.
Third-party sources compiled the source data for these rankings; our office has not independently verified the data. The Comptroller does not control or guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of any source data —provided as of the date indicated — or related website. When you access any third-party website, you will be leaving the Comptroller’s website.
How does Texas rank?
Business And Opportunity
Policy can help attract new businesses and investments — or it can discourage them. How does Texas compare when it comes to fostering economic growth?
BEST AND WORST STATES FOR BUSINESS, 2015
About the ranking: Texas is the best state for business in 2015, according to a survey by Chief Executive Magazine of the U.S.’s top CEOs. Texas has taken the top spot every year since the beginning of the survey in 2005. Key factors in the ranking include taxation and regulation, workforce quality and living environment.
Key takeaway: With a strong economy and growth prospects, Texas is a national leader in attracting and cultivating business.
01. Texas
02. Florida
03. North Carolina
04. Tennessee
05. Georgia
06. Indiana
07. Louisiana
08. Nevada
09. Arizona
10. South Carolina
11. Colorado
12. Wisconsin
13. Iowa
14. Virginia
15. Utah
16. Oklahoma
17. Wyoming
18. Idaho
19. North Dakota
20. Delaware
21. New Hampshire
22. Ohio
23. South Dakota
24. Alabama
25. Nebraska
26. Missouri
27. Kansas
28. Kentucky
29. Montana
30. Maine
31. Minnesota
32. Washington
33. Arkansas
34. Alaska
35. Pennsylvania
36. New Mexico
37. Rhode Island
38. West Virginia
39. Mississippi
40. Maryland
41. Vermont
42. Oregon
43. Michigan
44. Hawaii
45. Connecticut
46. Massachusetts
47. New Jersey
48. Illinois
49. New York
50. California
BEST STATES TO MAKE A LIVING, 2014
About the ranking: Each year, MoneyRates.com ranks states’ income potential based on measures including average salaries, cost of living, employment rates and workplace conditions. In 2014, Texas ranked second-highest among states.
Key takeaway: Based on workplace quality, Texas is one of the nation’s best places to make a living.
Source: “Best and Worst States to Make a Living 2014: All 50 States,” Moneyrates, June 9, 2014, http://www.money-rates.com/research-center/best-states-to-make-a-living/2014-complete-list.htm.
01. Washington
02. Texas
03. Minnesota
04. Colorado
05. Utah
06. North Dakota
07. Virginia
08. Nevada
09. Oklahoma
10. Nebraska
11. Illinois
12. Delaware
13. Georgia
14. Maryland
15. Iowa
16. Arizona
17. Wyoming
18. Massachusetts
19. Kansas
20. Indiana
22. Ohio
23. Montana
24. Tennessee
24. Wisconsin
25. North Carolina
26. South Dakota
27. Louisiana
28. Kentucky
29.California
30. New Hampshire
31. Vermont
32. Michigan
33. Florida
34. Idaho
35. Maine
36. Pennsylvania
37. West Virginia
38. Oregon
39. New Mexico
40. Missouri
41. South Carolina
42. New Jersey
43. Arkansas
44. Alabama
45. Alaska
46. Connecticut
47. Rhode Island
48. Mississippi
49. New York
50. Hawaii
