How well run is your state? Assessing a state’s management quality is no simple task. The current economic climate and standard of living in any given state are not only the results of recent policy choices and developments, but may also be dependent on forces outside a state’s control and, often, decisions made decades ago.

For each of the past 10 years, 24/7 Wall St. has attempted to answer this question by surveying various characteristics of each state. To determine how well states are managed, we examine key financial ratios, as well as social and economic outcomes. This year, North Dakota is the best-run state in the country for the fourth consecutive year, while New Mexico replaced Illinois as the worst-run state.

There is no comprehensive measure of a state government administration and how well or poorly it runs the state. Selecting appropriate criteria to compare the 50 states is difficult because there is so much variation among them. Some states are rich in natural resources, for example, while others rely on high-skilled sectors, such as technology and business services. Some depend disproportionately on one industry, while economies in other states are more balanced. Further, some states are more rural, while others are highly urbanized and densely populated.

As a result, policy decisions that may work in one state might not work in another. For example, while taking on large amounts of debt to fund a state’s spending is often fiscally irresponsible, wealthier states arguably benefit from higher debt levels — they can use the extra funds to pay for public welfare services and are able to pay it back without much effort.
Most of the conditions used to determine how well or poorly run a state is do not tend to fluctuate a great deal from year to year. Measures such as income, poverty, and violent crime rates do not usually change meaningfully from year to year. Still, the rank of some states changed significantly this year. Maine, West Virginia, and Alaska each regressed by at least 10 spots. Alaska, this year’s 18th-best run state, was seventh-best last year. Meanwhile, four states improved by nearly 10 spots. Colorado improved from 17th-best to eighth-best.

This year, a number of the best-run states have again benefited from an abundance of natural resources, although this can often manifest as an overreliance. North Dakota, Wyoming, and Texas are among the top 10 best-run states, and in all three, the mining industry — which includes fossil fuel extraction — is a major contributor to state GDP. Due in large part to the mining sector, North Dakota, Texas and Wyoming led the nation in real GDP growth in 2014. Alaska has utilized its oil wealth to build massive state reserves and to pay its residents an annual dividend. However, the state’s position fell this year largely due to falling oil prices. Similarly, while North Dakota is the leader again this year, the mining industry has been subject to wild fluctuations.

While some states’ economic fortunes are closely tied to the rise and fall of individual industries, which are often outside their control, each state must make the best of its own situation. Governments, as stewards of their own economies, need to prepare for the worst, including the collapse of a vital industry. Good governance is about balancing tax collection and state expenditure in a way that provides essential services to residents without sacrificing a state’s long-term fiscal health. Many of the best-run states in the country set money aside each year for emergencies. For example, Alaska’s rainy day fund — reserves set aside to be allocated in the event of unforeseen budget shortfalls — are equal to 146.4% of its revenue, the highest such percentage of any state.

While each state is different, states at both ends of the list share certain characteristics. For example, people living in the worst-run states tend to have lower standards of living. Violent crime and poverty rates are typically higher in these states, and the share of the population with at least a high school diploma tends to be lower than the national rate.

The worst-run states also tend to have weak fiscal management, reflected by low pension funding, sparsely padded coffers, and poor credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s (S&P). Illinois, the second worst-run state in America, received lower ratings than any other state from both agencies. By contrast, the majority of the 10 best-run states have perfect ratings from both agencies.

Unemployment rates are also relatively low in the nation’s best-run states. North Dakota, the top-ranked state, has an unemployment rate of 2.8%, the lowest of all states. Six of the 10 best-run states have among the 10 lowest unemployment rates. Meanwhile, unemployment is much more prevalent in the worst-run states. Louisiana and New Mexico, both among the lowest-ranked states, have the nation’s fifth- and second-highest unemployment rates, at 6.2% and 6.8%, respectively.

These are the best- and worst-run states in America.

The best run states in America.

5. Minnesota
> Debt per capita: $2,487 (19th lowest)
> Credit rating (S&P/Moody’s): AA+/Aa1
> Unemployment rate: 3.7% (8th lowest)
> Median household income: $61,481 (10th highest)
> Poverty rate: 11.5% (8th lowest)

A typical household in Minnesota earns $61,481 annually, significantly more than the $53,657 the typical American household earns. With a solid tax base, the state is able to collect $3,854 per capita annually, a larger tax revenue than all but a handful of other states. Perhaps the state is better able to manage its finances as a result. The state’s debt is equal to less than 30% of its annual revenue. By contrast, the average state’s debt as a percent of annual revenue is 51.3%.

Few states allocate a larger share of their annual budget to education than Minnesota. On average, states spend 35.6% of annual budgets on education, while Minnesota spends 42.9%. Higher spending may partially explain the higher educational attainment among state residents, which in turn contributed to Minnesota’s high ranking. After Alaska, Minnesota is home to the highest share of adults with a high school diploma. Additionally, 34.3% of adults in the state have a bachelor’s degree, higher than the national rate of 30.1%.

4. Nebraska
> Debt per capita: $981 (2nd lowest)
> Credit rating (S&P/Moody’s): AAA/ N/A
> Unemployment rate: 2.9% (2nd lowest)
> Median household income: $52,686 (24th highest)
> Poverty rate: 12.4% (16th lowest)

In much of the Midwest, agriculture-driven states have benefitted from the stability of the industry, and Nebraska is no different. Though the agriculture industry was impacted by the recession, the economic damage it sustained was minor in comparison to many other U.S. industries. Like its neighbors, Nebraska has had low unemployment for years. The state’s current unemployment rate of 2.9% is the second lowest in the country behind only North Dakota.

Nebraska collects $2,508 per capita each year in taxes, less than the national average of $2,657. Still, the state has a relatively balanced budget. The state government could pay 80% of its pension fund obligations. Nebraska’s government debt in 2013 of just $981 per state resident was the second smallest in the country.

3. Iowa
> Debt per capita: $2,140 (12th lowest)
> Credit rating (S&P/Moody’s): AAA/Aaa
> Unemployment rate: 3.5% (6th lowest)
> Median household income: $53,712 (21st highest)
> Poverty rate: 12.2% (14th lowest)

With the highest possible credit rating from both Moody’s and S&P, as well as a stable outlook, Iowa is one of the best-run states in the country. Competent management has likely led to many of the positive outcomes in the state. More than 92% of adults in the Hawkeye State have graduated from high school, a higher share than in all but a handful of other states. Also, Iowa’s unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country. As of October, only five states had a lower unemployment rate than Iowa.

Home values in Iowa are increasing at a much faster rate than they are across the nation. The value of a typical home in Iowa rose by nearly 8% from 2010 through 2014, much faster than the nationwide increase of less than 1% over that time. The relatively rapid rise in home values may indicate rising incomes, increased demand, or a combination of the two.

2. Wyoming
> Debt per capita: $1,747 (7th lowest)
> Credit rating (S&P/Moody’s): AAA/ N/A
> Unemployment rate: 4.0% (11th lowest)
> Median household income: $57,055 (18th highest)
> Poverty rate: 11.2% (5th lowest)

For years, Wyoming has placed well in the annual ranking of best-run states. One factor may be the state’s relatively manageable size. Home to just over half a million people, Wyoming is the least populated state in the country. Wyoming’s state budget proceedings are particularly well run. According to an annual report on corruption from The Center for Public Integrity, Wyoming earns the third highest marks for its budgetary process. Wyoming’s rainy day fund is equal to 54.1% of annual general fund expenditures, the second largest state rainy day fund in the nation. Only in Alaska is the share larger, and the average state’s rainy day fund is equal to only 5.4% of spending. Furthermore, Wyoming’s debt as a percent of annual revenue is only 13.5%, the smallest share in the country, contributing to its second-place ranking. By contrast, the average state’s debt as a percent of annual revenue is 51.3%.

Wyoming residents are also relatively well off financially. Only 11.2% of Wyoming residents live in poverty, the fifth lowest poverty rate of any state.

1. North Dakota
> Debt per capita: $2,481 (18th lowest)
> Credit rating (S&P/Moody’s): AAA/Aa1
> Unemployment rate: 2.8% (the lowest)
> Median household income: $59,029 (15th highest)
> Poverty rate: 11.5% (8th lowest)

North Dakota is the nation’s best-run state for the fourth consecutive year. The state’s position at the top is largely due to its abundant natural resources, which helped fuel the state’s oil boom over the past several years. The mining industry contributed 2.5 percentage points to North Dakota’s 6.3% economic growth in 2014 — the fastest growth rate of any state. The state, with its nation-leading 2.8% unemployment rate, has attracted large numbers of workers seeking high-paying jobs that require relatively little experience or education. Net migration over the five years through 2014 accounts for 6.6% of North Dakota’s current population, the largest share of any state. The remarkable population growth is a testament to the state’s economic strength over the past several years.

Despite the rapid growth, North Dakota may be overly reliant on its resources. With oil prices plummeting in the past year, the total number of mining jobs dropped by 17.2% over the 12 months through October. Without a strong mining industry, could North Dakota keep its high ranking? That will be the true test of a well-run state.

The worst run states in America

5. Alabama
> Debt per capita: $1,867 (8th lowest)
> Credit rating (S&P/Moody’s): AA/Aa1
> Unemployment rate: 5.9% (9th highest)
> Median household income: $42,830 (4th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 19.3% (4th highest)

Alabama’s poor social and economic outcomes led to its rank as the fifth worst-run state. Alabama’s per capita tax revenue is only $1,911 — a smaller amount than in all but a handful of other states. The state’s weak tax revenue is due in part to low incomes among its residents. The typical Alabama household makes just $42,830 annually, significantly less than the national average of $53,657. Furthermore, nearly one-fifth of state residents live below the poverty line, a higher poverty rate than in all but three other states. Also, Alabama’s 5.9% unemployment rate is among the highest in the country. Benefits for the state’s unemployed workers are among the lowest in the nation. Across the country, the average unemployment insurance beneficiary receives about $321 a week. In Alabama, the average weekly unemployment insurance payout is only $214.

Economic growth in the state is sluggish. While the national economy expanded by 2.2% in 2014, Alabama’s economy grew by only 0.7% in the same time period.

4. Rhode Island
> Debt per capita: $9,068 (2nd highest)
> Credit rating (S&P/Moody’s): AA/Aa2
> Unemployment rate: 5.3% (17th highest)
> Median household income: $54,891 (19th highest)
> Poverty rate: 14.3% (24th lowest)

After Massachusetts, its neighbor to the north, Rhode Island’s debt per capita is the second highest in the nation, contributing to its rank as the fourth worst-run state. While the average state debt per capita across all states is $3,567, Rhode Island’s debt is equal to $9,068 per state resident. With a dwindling tax base, conditions may get worse in the Ocean State before they get better. Rhode Island lost roughly 0.3% of its total population to people relocating from 2010 through 2014, making it one of 12 states with more people moving out than moving in. The population decline likely contributed to the even sharper drop in property values. Home prices in Rhode Island decreased by 7.3% over roughly the same time period, the fourth steepest drop in the country.

Budget allocation in Rhode Island may not be efficient. While the state spends much more on government than is typical, at 5.4% of its annual budget, the government sector actually detracted 0.2 percentage points from the state’s 2014 GDP growth, a larger drag than in all but six other states.

3. Mississippi
> Debt per capita: $2,376 (15th lowest)
> Credit rating (S&P/Moody’s): AA/Aa2
> Unemployment rate: 5.9% (9th highest)
> Median household income: $39,680 (the lowest)
> Poverty rate: 21.5% (the highest)

It may not be surprising to find what may be the worst economy in the country ranked as the third worst-run state. The typical household in Mississippi earns just $39,680 a year, the lowest such amount in the country. Similarly, 21.5% of Mississippi residents live in poverty, the highest poverty rate nationwide. The job climate is also dismal. Mississippi’s unemployment rate of 5.9% is the ninth highest in the nation. From 2010 through 2014, the state’s workforce shrank by 5.4%, while the country’s workforce grew by 6.7%. In the same time period, as a result of people moving in and out of the state, Mississippi’s total population shrank by 0.6%, the fifth largest net migration decline of any state.

2. Illinois
> Debt per capita: $4,942 (11th highest)
> Credit rating (S&P/Moody’s): A-/Baa1
> Unemployment rate: 5.4% (16th highest)
> Median household income: $57,444 (17th highest)
> Poverty rate: 14.4% (25th lowest)

Illinois collects more than $3,000 per capita in state and local taxes each year, one of the highest per capita tax revenues. Yet, the state’s fiscal management system does not appear to be operating optimally, which is the main reason it ranks as the second worst-run state. For example, Illinois has one of the smallest rainy day funds compared to other states, at 1% of its general annual budget — an indication the state may not be able to satisfy its short-term obligations. Illinois’ debt is equal to more than three-fourths of its annual revenue, also one of the highest shares in the nation. Similarly, the state’s pension fund is not financially healthy. The state only has assets on hand to meet 39% of its pension obligations, the lowest ratio of any state. Perhaps as a result of the state’s finances, Illinois has the worst credit rating and outlook from S&P and Moody’s of any state.

The housing market in Illinois is also struggling. One in every 73 housing units is in some state of the foreclosure process, nearly the highest foreclosure rate in the country. As is often the case in states with particularly high foreclosure rates, home prices in Illinois have dropped by more than 10% from 2010 through last year. This decline was the worst in the country during that time.

1. New Mexico
> Debt per capita: $3,468 (22nd highest)
> Credit rating (S&P/Moody’s): AA+/Aaa
> Unemployment rate: 6.8% (2nd highest)
> Median household income: $44,803 (8th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 21.3% (2nd highest)

New Mexico is the worst-run state in the country with some of the worst social and economic outcomes. Only a handful of states struggle with similar levels of extreme poverty as New Mexico. More than one in every 10 households in the state earns less than $10,000 each year, the second highest proportion after Mississippi. The state also struggles with one of the nation’s highest violent crime rates. Close to 600 violent crimes are reported each year per 100,000 state residents, one of the highest rates nationwide.

Like a number of other states towards the bottom of this list, more people left New Mexico than arrived from April of 2010 through the middle of last year. Only Illinois reported a larger net population decline over that period.

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