This story appears in the January issue of Utah Business. Subscribe.
Once again, Utahns have proof of what we’ve always known — Utah is the best state in America. The incomparable business community and startup culture of the state greatly contribute to Utah’s economic outlook, but Utah also ranks highly in work hours, volunteerism, affordability, happiness, outdoor recreation, social mobility and more. These national rankings and awards celebrate the place we call home and each citizen’s contribution to the awesome state of Utah.
Best state overall (2nd year in a row)
#1 best state to start a business
#1 state for economic outlook (17th year in a row)
#1 state in employment
#1 state for government efficiency, regulatory freedom and energy resiliency
#1 best state to move to
#1 most affordable state
#1 state for social mobility
Tied at #1 state for volunteerism
#1 youngest state in the nation: median age 32.1 years old
#1 most independent state
#1 hottest job market in the nation: Salt Lake City
#1 fastest growing state
#1 healthiest state for seniors
#1 state for work environment
#1 state for fewest work hours
#1 best state for kids’ online safety
#1 state for innovation capacity and outcomes
#1 jurisdiction in the world for mining*
*Based on the investment attractiveness index, which takes into account the impact of both policy factors and mineral endowment.
#1 airport in the U.S. and #8 globally: Salt Lake City International Airport
#1 city for young adults: Salt Lake City
Family Travel Award winner for all-season fun: Salt Lake City
Cities with the fastest internet in the U.S.:
#1 metropolitan city: Salt Lake City
#1 medium city: West Valley City
#1 small city: Layton
#2 small city: Orem
#3 major city: Provo
#3 small city: Murray
#2 best place to retire
#2 economy in the U.S.
#2 least federally dependent state government
#2 best state for remote work
#2 state in education
#2 state in standardized test scores
#2 startup city attracting startups away from Silicon Valley in 2024: Salt Lake City
#3 city with the best drinking water: Provo
#3 state for labor force participation rate
#3 best state for teachers
#3 most festive state for Halloween
#4 happiest state in the U.S.
#4 state for fiscal health
#4 PeopleForBikes’ city ratings: Springdale, Utah
#5 state for average leisure time spent per day
#7 state for highest fertility rate: 61.3 births per 1,000
#8 in customer satisfaction for large airports: Salt Lake City International Airport
#12 tech talent market
#14 best place to live and work as a movie maker
Among 25 certified welcoming cities and counties in the U.S.: Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County
Top 30 best small cities in the U.S. for starting a business:
#1 Cedar City
#2 St. George
#4 Washington
#8 Lehi
#12 Eagle Mountain
#14 Midvale
#15 American Fork
#19 Springville
#26 Spanish Fork
#28 Orem
Best performing cities:
#4 Salt Lake City
#5 Provo-Orem
Best ski resorts in the U.S.:
#1 Powder Mountain
#3 Snowbasin Resort
#13 Alta Ski Area
#17 Deer Valley
Top ski resorts in the West for weekend getaways:
#1 Deer Valley Resort
#3 Snowbasin Resort
#4 Powder Mountain
#5 Park City Resort
