America's Top States for Business - Utah

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CNBC Presents America's Top States For Business 2007

Carlton A. on Florida:
"Florida has long been regarded as a place for tourists and retirees. However, because of it's location, univeristy system, void of income tax, well maintained and developed highway infrastructure, numerous international and regional airports, sea ports..."

Tracy F. on North Dakota:
"Leadership gurus around the globe say that today’s companies want a workforce whose actions speak louder than their words. Companies want to hire and promote people who get to the point, get the job done and get results...."

Claude L. on North Carolina:
"North Carolina is certainly among the top five states in business. All you have to do is ask people from Manteo to Murphy why they live, work, worship and play here...."

Betty K. on Texas:
"I think Texas is # 1. This is a great state to work and reside in. San Antonio has great medical facilities and research."

Joseph R. on Nevada:
"NEVADA! It is very hard to believe that you have ranked Nevada at #43! In Nevada there is no state income tax, no corporate tax, no inheritance tax, we have one of the best economies in the nation..."

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Utah

Previous: Texas | Next: Vermont

U.S. skier Lindsey Van speeds down the K-120 jump during practice in Olympic Park, Park City, Utah. / AP

Year of Statehood:	1896
Governor:	Jon Huntsman, Jr. (R)
Population:	2,469,585
Gross State Product:	$36,758 (per capita)
Growth Rate:	6.8%
Unemployment Rate:	2.5%
Major Industries:	Steel-Making, Farming, Oil, Natural Gas, Mining, Tourism
Related Links:	- State Economic Development - Official State Website

Utah scored 1231 out of the 2021 points. It made the top five in two categories, ranking No.2 in Quality of Life and No. 5 in Workforce and the top ten in three others. Utah, however, scored poorly in Education (45) and Transportation (30).

Utah may not be a state that brings up images of business or Corporate America, but that may be a case of ignorance or bad PR. The state motto is “Industry.” Mining, IT and tourism are among the top employers.

Utah is the birthplace of a couple of famous inventors: John Moses Browning, who designed guns and rifles; and Philo Farnsworth, inventor of the electronic TV. Another major contribution to the world of business and finance came from Utah native Marriner Stoddard Eccles, who served as Chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1934-1948.

On The Road With Scott Cohn In Utah

Rank	Category	Score
3	OVERALL	1231
8	Cost of Doing Business	310
5	Workforce	234
6	Economy	190
45	Education	71
2	Quality of Life	195
22	Technology & Innovation	83
30	Transportation	45
24	Cost of Living	26
9	Business Friendliness	40
14	Access to Capital	37