12. North Dakota

The economy has become quiet in the Peace Garden State, but low oil prices have also calmed the quality of life.

Top States North Dakota
Source: George Kavallines
Category
Score
2016 Rank
2015 Rank
Workforce 275 4 1
Cost of Doing Business 174 29 25
Infrastructure 219 6 8
Economy 178 26 (Tie) 13
Quality of Life 242 7 19
Technology & Innovation 70 44 (Tie) 41 (Tie)
Education 122 14 (Tie) 15
Business Friendliness 118 4 1
Cost of Living 38 26 29
Access to Capital 18 33 31 (Tie)
Overall 1454 12 6

Economic Profile

Governor: Jack Dalrymple, Republican

Population: 756,927

GDP growth: -2.1 percent

Unemployment rate (May 2016): 3.2 percent

Top corporate tax rate: 4.31 percent

Top individual income tax rate: 2.90 percent

Gasoline tax: 41.40 cents/gallon

Bond rating/outlook: Aa1, negative

Major private employers: Sanford-Health, MDU Resources Group

Economic profile sources: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federation of Tax Administrators, American Petroleum Institute, Moody's Investor Service, S&P Global Market Intelligence

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