The Forbes ranking measured six categories for businesses, including costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, current economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life. Utah finished first on the list and was trailed by Virginia. North Dakota moved up one spot from its 2011 ranking.
North Dakota finished second only to another energy-leading state — Texas — in the area of economic climate.
“North Dakota is a great place to do business right now,” said Dickinson Chamber of Commerce executive director Cooper Whitman. “I know this sounds crazy, but I continue to say it — western North Dakota is home to the most dynamic business climate in the world right now.”
Rounding out the top 10 on the overall Forbes list are North Carolina at No. 4, followed by Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Iowa. Besides top-ranked Utah, North Dakota was the only other state to finish in the top 20 in all six vital categories.Utah, Virgina, North Dakota, North Carolina, Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Iowa.
I was surprised to see North Dakota that far above Texas. Especially in light of some comments from a reader recently comparing oil taxes in North Dakota to Texas.