CNBC ranked Utah in 10 categories to come up with their overall ranking. Utah was in the upper half of states in all 10 categories. The state’s economy was ranked #3 overall, while quality of life was rated 9th best. Education, cost of living and infrastructure were among the lowest-ranked categories. Utah’s ranking for education improved dramatically, jumping 14 places from 34 in 2018 to 20th this year. The infrastructure rank dropped 7 spots to #17.
Category | 2019 rank | 2018 rank | Grade |
Workforce | 18 | 11 |
C+ |
Economy | 3 | 2 |
A+ |
Infrastructure | 17 | 10 | B |
Cost of doing business | 18 | 23 | B+ |
Quality of life | 9 | 12 | B- |
Education | 20 | 34 | B- |
Technology & innovation | 21 | 19 | C+ |
Business friendliness | 13 | 12 | B |
Access to capital | 19 | 18 | B |
Cost of living | 25 | 22 | C+ |
CNBC said Utah’s high ranking was primarily due to the second-best economic growth in the nation last year, along with the state’s finances and a top credit rating. Utah also was near the top because of the rapidly growing tech sector and a surge in manufacturing.
Utah was behind North Carolina, Texas and Virginia in the rankings.