New report from POLITICO names Minnesota the 2nd-Strongest State in the Union
ST. PAUL, MN – Ahead of tonight’s State of the Union Address,
POLITICO released a new report naming Minnesota the 2nd-Strongest State in the Union. This is the fourth time Minnesota has ranked among the top two strongest states in the nation in the POLITICO study.
“This ranking affirms what we already know: Minnesota is one of the very best states in the country,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “However, we have much more work to do to ensure that Minnesota is a place where everyone can succeed. I urge the Legislature to work with me this session to protect our fiscal stability, and defend the investments that have made Minnesota a national leader in education, health care, infrastructure, and economic opportunity for all.”
POLITICO’s annual analysis is based on 14 separate categories that demonstrate the educational attainment, quality of life, and economic health of each of the 50 states. Ranking overall as the 2nd-strongest state in the nation, here is how Minnesota scored in each category, according to Politico.
Annual Per Capita Income – At $31,642, Minnesota’s per capita income is the 10th-highest in the nation. Median household income in Minnesota is $70,218 which is also the 10th-highest in the nation.
Percent Unemployed – At 3.1 percent, Minnesota’s statewide unemployment rate is the 10th-lowest in the nation.
Percent Below Poverty Level – Minnesota ranks 5th-lowest for the percent of those living below the poverty level. According to POLITICO’s analysis, 9.9 percent of Minnesotans are living below the poverty level – which is still far too many Minnesotans.
Homeownership Rate – With 71.3 percent of Minnesotans owning their own homes, Minnesota ranks 3rd in this category.
High School Graduation Rate – Minnesota ranks 3rd for the percent of our students (92.9 percent) who graduate from high school.
Life Expectancy at Birth – Minnesotans live longer than almost anyone else in the country. With a life expectancy of 80.9 at birth, Minnesota ranks 2nd in the nation in this category.
Wellbeing – Minnesota has a wellbeing score of 63.2, ranking us 8th in this category.
Average Math Scores in 8th Grade – Minnesota 8th Graders have the 2nd-highest math scores in the country.
Average Reading Scores in 8th Grade – Minnesota 8th Graders have the 6th-highest reading scores in the country.
Income Inequality – According to the GINI Index, which measures the income distribution of a state’s residents, Minnesota ranks 9th–lowest in the country in income inequality. Given the economic disparities facing Minnesotans of color in particular, Governor Dayton and his administration are working hard to secure economic opportunity for all Minnesotans.
Violent Crime Rate – Minnesotans are the 9th-safest from violent crime, according to POLITICO’s analysis, and records provided by the FBI.
Jobs in Science, Engineering, and Math – Minnesota has the 11th-highest percentage of our workforce employed in jobs involving science, engineering, and math.
H.L. Mencken’s 1931 Rankings – As a benchmark, POLITICO also lists the rankings of each individual state from a 1931 study by H.L. Mencken and Charles Angoff. According to that study, Minnesota was the 6th-strongest state in the nation in 1931.
Other Top Rankings
Today’s new study follows other recent recognitions of Minnesota’s successes. Below, see some of Minnesota’s other top rankings from recent years.
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#1 Best-Run State
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Minnesota is the best-run state in the nation, according to a study published by USA Today that cites Minnesota’s strong fiscal management, low unemployment and poverty rates, above-average median household income, and the state’s nearly perfect credit rating. Since ranking tenth in 2012, Minnesota has consistently climbed in the rankings under the same study, including ranking second last year.
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#1 Best State to Retire In
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Minnesota is the best state to retire, according to a study from AARP – the nation’s largest advocate for seniors. The study looked at affordability, housing, health care, quality of life, supports for family caregivers, and more.
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#1 Best State for Women
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Minnesota is the best state for women, according to a study from WalletHub. The study looked at women’s wages, health and safety, and economic and social well-being across all fifty states.
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#2 Best State for Families
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Minnesota is the #2 Best State to Raise a Family, according to a report from WalletHub. The study looked at family salaries, education opportunities, family fun, health and safety, affordability, unemployment rates, and more.
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#2 Strongest State in the Nation
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Minnesota is the #2 Strongest State in the Union, according to a study issued by POLITICO. The annual analysis is based on 15 separate categories that demonstrate the educational attainment, quality of life, and economic health of each of the 50 states.
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#3 Best State for Business
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Minnesota is America’s #3 Best State for Business in 2017, according to a report released by CNBC. Minnesota moved into the third spot this year, after placing fourth in 2016 and coming in first as America’s Top State for Business in 2015.
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#3 Best State Overall
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Minnesota is the #3 Best State in America, according to a study from U.S. News and World Report. The study cited economic opportunities, great educations, and quality health care in Minnesota. It also ranked Minnesota as the #1 Best State in the Region, when compared to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri.
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