36. Vermont

The Green Mountain State is near the pinnacle for quality of life, but it’s a long climb when it comes to workforce and capital.

Top States Vermont
Source: George Kavallines
Category
Score
2016 Rank
2015 Rank
Workforce 166 47 47
Cost of Doing Business 111 43 42
Infrastructure 139 41 44
Economy 178 26 (Tie) 33 (Tie)
Quality of Life 260 3 2
Technology & Innovation 116 30 (Tie) 28
Education 131 7 3 (Tie)
Business Friendliness 61 30 42
Cost of Living 17 40 41
Access to Capital 2 49 48 (Tie)
Overall 1181 36 42

Economic Profile

Governor: Peter Shumlin, Democrat

Population: 626,042

GDP growth: 0.2 percent

Unemployment rate (May 2016): 3.1 percent

Top corporate tax rate: 8.5 percent

Top individual income tax rate: 8.95 percent

Gasoline tax: 48.86 cents/gallon

Bond rating/outlook: Aaa, stable

Major private employers: Fletcher Allen Health Care, Casella Waste Systems

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

Latest Special Reports

  • CNBC Changemakers

    CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business is an annual list spotlighting women whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the business world.

  • A look at 50 private companies set to reshape the business landscape.

  • Automation, AI and machine learning will radically influence the relationship between employers and their workforce.