Idaho ranks third in 2020 state economic competitiveness ranking

| August 23, 2020 1:00 AM

States ranked based on 15 policies that spur economic growth

ARLINGTON, Va. — Idaho ranks third in the nation for economic outlook, according to the latest edition of “Rich States, Poor States” from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). In addition to its third best economic outlook ranking, Idaho currently has 11th best economic performance among the 50 states.

“Idaho’s economic outlook ranking showcases the positive impact of free market, pro-growth policies in the Gem State,” said ALEC Chief Economist and report co-author Jonathan Williams. “States would be wise to follow Idaho’s example and pursue fiscally sound policies, especially as they work through the economic fallout from COVID-19.”

The 15 policy variables used to rank the economic outlook of states have proven over time to be the most influential for state growth. More details on these variables can be found at RichStatesPoorStates.org.

The top 10 and bottom 10 states for 2019 are:

Top 10

1. Utah

2. Wyoming

3. Idaho

4. Indiana

5. North Carolina

6. Nevada

7. Florida

8. Tennessee

9. Oklahoma

10. Arizona

Bottom 10

41. Maine

42. Oregon

43. Rhode Island

44. Hawaii

45. Minnesota

46. California

47. Illinois

48. New Jersey

49. Vermont

50. New York

Read the full report at https://bit.ly/2E1OOQY.

Used by state lawmakers since 2008, Rich States, Poor States is authored by Reagan Economist Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, economic policy expert Stephen Moore and ALEC Chief Economist Jonathan Williams.

“The data outlined in the 13th edition of Rich States, Poor States shows how economically competitive states thrive and how those that don’t make proactive pro-growth reforms, like Connecticut and Illinois, are left in the dust,” said author Dr. Arthur B. Laffer.

“Sound tax policy and eliminating excessive government regulations continue to stand strong and true in improving states’ competitiveness, and we hope these states’ stories serve as a guide as we navigate the economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.”