U.S. News & World Report released its third annual rankings of the best states in the country and Washington state won thanks to the growth of companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Starbucks.
"We are thrilled that U.S. News & World Report has named Washington the No. 1 state in the country," Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement shared by U.S. News. "This confirms what we, in Washington have always known, that our state is great for businesses, workers, and investments, coupled with natural beauty and innovative, creative people.
Connecticut has a population of 3.5 million, 47% are college educated and the median income is $42,029.
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Rankings (lower is better)
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Category
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CT Rank
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NY Rank
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Wa Rank
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Healthcare
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3
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13
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4
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Education
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12
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22
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4
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Economy
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30
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33
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3
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Infrastructure
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46
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22
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2
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Opportunity
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33
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47
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19
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Fiscal Stability
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46
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26
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22
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Crime & Corrections
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7
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10
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15
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Natural Environment
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6
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24
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14
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Overall
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21
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25
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1
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In both New York and Connecticut, there is a tale of two states. Fairfield County, Connecticut is doing far better than the rest of the state and likewise for Manhattan in New York.
In fact, Manhattan is doing well economically – it has a growing tech, financial and construction market.
Salaries are certainly high.
Connecticut infrastructure is certainly lagging – it seems shocking that the state 46th though.
This is especially true when you consider when you realize the train system which connects Connecticut to New York. Traffic can be horrendous going both ways but the train, while not up to Japanese precision, can get people into New York from Stamford in about an hour when you factor in parking.
Manhattan provides jobs and wealth all the way up the train line and this expands opportunity.
So we would rate opportunity far higher in Manhattan as well as Westchester and Fairfield County.
Putting taxes aside – as much of the North East has high taxes, Connecticut businesses with access to Manhattan companies and people fare better than if they focus on the state alone.
What may be of more concern however to us at Apex Technology Services, a 5-star IT services company serving New York and Connecticut, is the poor state of cybersecurity in the Nutmeg State.
Connecticut is the fifth riskiest state in terms of cybersecurity and this has serious implications for businesses! The only solution is better cybersecurity training, which we would recommend for every computer user.
Apex Technology Services
