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N.D. named best-run state in the nation

By Staff | Dec 2, 2012

BISMARCK, ND North Dakota is ranked the best- run state in the nation, according to the annual 24/7 Wall St. study. The national study looks at data on financial health, standard of living and government services to determine how well each state is managed. The top five best-run states were: North Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Utah and Iowa.

“This study recognizes that North Dakota’s sound fiscal policies are working,” Gov. Jack Dalrymple said. “We are in a strong position to provide tax relief, maintain a healthy reserve while also investing in our priorities.”

The study determines how well states are run by looking at fiscal management, taxes, exports, and GDP growth by sectors, as well as quality of life components such as poverty, income, unemployment, high school graduation, crime and foreclosure rates. All of the best-run states had certain characteristics in common, including well-managed budgets, high-education levels and low unemployment. The study also reports that each of the top 10 states has a perfect or near-perfect credit rating.

“This study simply reinforces that North Dakota has great qualities to offer businesses and workers,” Commerce Commissioner Al Anderson said. “State and local leaders have worked hard to build an environment that supports business growth and creates a good quality of life for our citizens. It’s great to see this hard work being recognized by 24/7 Wall St.”

This is North Dakota’s first time to be ranked the best-run state in the 24/7 Wall St. study. It’s also the first time the study included data on state industry, exports per capita, tax burdens and current tax business climate.