Overview
- The 19th Rich States, Poor States report, released Wednesday, ranks states by a 15-factor policy index focused on taxes, labor rules, and other choices under state control.
- Utah holds the top outlook for a 19th year, with ALEC crediting a flat income tax, pension reforms, and a light overall tax burden.
- New York places last for the 13th straight year, with ALEC citing high personal and corporate tax rates and about 1.5 million more people leaving than arriving since 2015.
- California lands at No. 47 and has seen roughly 1.4 million residents depart over the past decade, while Arizona climbs to No. 5 and Colorado drops to 29.
- ALEC highlights a political pattern in the rankings and argues policy drives migration and investment, though economists in the coverage note housing costs and industry mix also shape outcomes.