Introduction and Methodology

Results and Rankings

Rankings for 12 Factors for Each State

List of Tables Included:

Negative Factors

1. Percent Change in Unemployment Rate: 1995 to 2004, Table 75 (-)

2. Percent Change in Average Annual Family Coverage Health Insurance Premium Per Enrolled Employee: 1993 to 2002, Table 225 (-)

3. Percent Change in Average Student Costs at Public Institutions of Higher Education: 1994 to 2003, Table 287 (-)

4. Percent Change in Child Poverty Rate: 1993 to 2002, Table 321 (-)

5. Change in Percent of Population Receiving Food Stamps: 1995 to 2004, Table 351 (-)

6. Percent Change in Per Capita State and Local Government Expenditures For Public Welfare Programs: 1993 to 2002, Table 371 (-)

7. Change in State and Local Government Tax Revenue As a Percent of Personal Income: 1993 to 2002, Table 435 (-)

Positive Factors

8. Percent Change in Average Annual Pay: 1994 to 2003, Table 55 (+)

9. Percent Change in Average Revenue Collection per Federal Individual Income Tax Return: 1995 to 2004, Table 149 (+)

10. Change in Percent of Population Covered by Health Insurance: 1994 to 2003, Table 173 (+)

11. Change in Percent of Private-Sector Establishments That Offer Health Insurance: 1993 to 2002, Table 205 (+)