Markets
Business
Investing
Tech
Politics
CNBC TV
Watchlist
Investing Club
PRO
NEW!

28. Montana

Big Sky Country offers pristine quality of life and a strong infrastructure. But its workforce is among the least productive.

Category
Score
2015 Rank
2014 Rank
Workforce 141 48 46
Cost of Doing Business 223 16 12
Infrastructure 218 12 (Tie) 25
Economy 216 16 (Tie) 38
Quality of Life 211 13 (Tie) 11
Technology & Innovation 76 41 (Tie) 45
Education 93 32 (Tie) 21
Business Friendliness 59 30 42
Cost of Living 32 30 25
Access to Capital 12 39 (Tie) 27
Overall 1281 28 33

Economic Profile

Governor: Steve Bullock, Democrat

Population: 1,023,579

GDP growth: 1.8 percent

Unemployment rate (May 2015): 3.9 percent

Top corporate tax rate: 6.75 percent

Top individual income tax rate: 6.9 percent

Gasoline tax: 46 cents/gallon

Bond rating/outlook: Aa1/stable

Major private employer: Wal-Mart, Albertson's

Economic profile sources: Federation of Tax Administrators, American Petroleum Institute, Moody's Investor Service, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana FY 2014 CAFR

FULL LIST: 2015 TOP STATES FOR BUSINESS

More From Top States For Business

Latest Special Reports

  • Sustainable Future

    More than ever, the hope for a sustainable world has gained traction among the next generation of businesses, policymakers and investors. CNBC’s Sustainable Future focuses on how smart investments, new ideas and tech innovation can generate commerce — and a world — with staying power.

  • Women and Wealth

    CNBC’s Women & Wealth explores ways that women can increase their income, save for the future and make the most out of current opportunities.

  • Innovative female entrepreneur examining prototype
    Evolve

    In an era of rapid technological advances and demographic change, how do legacy companies adapt, innovate and evolve? CNBC Evolve features iconic global companies and executives who are embracing change and transforming for the future.