Accolades & Rankings

Utah consistently earns top accolades as one of the nation's leading states for economic performance and quality of life. Nationally recognized for its business-friendly environment, innovative spirit, and strong community values, Utah has been ranked by Forbes, the Milken Institute, WalletHub, and many other top outlets as a powerhouse for economic growth and opportunity.

Check out some of our recent recognitions below:

Best States for Small Businesses

Utah ranked as the #2 friendliest state for small businesses

Bankrate — Nov. 2024

Best Business Climate

Utah ranked #1 for best business climate in the country

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) — Sept. 2024

Best State to Move to

Utah ranked the #1 best state to move to

ConsumerAffairs — August 2024

Best Employment

Utah was determined the #2 best state for job opportunities

U.S. News & World Report — August 2024

Best State Economy

Utah ranked #2 for best state economy

WalletHub — June 2024

Best State

Utah ranked as the #1 state for the second consecutive year

U.S. News & World Report — April 2024

Best Small Cities for Starting a Business

3 of the top 5 best small cities for starting a business are in Utah

WalletHub — April 2024

Best Economic Outlook

Utah ranked #1 for the 17th year in a row

Rich States Poor States — April 2024

Most Affordable States 2024

Utah is the #1 most affordable state

USA Today — March 2024

Best-Performing Cities 2024

Salt Lake #4, Provo #5, and St. George #4 for small cities

Milken Institute — February 2024

Best State to Start a Business

Utah is the #1 best state to start a business

WalletHub — January 2024

Best State for Social Mobility

Utah #1 best environment for social mobility

Archbridge Institute — January 2024

Best Growth

Utah was determined the #3 best state for growth

U.S. News & World Report — August 2022

State with the Most Civic Engagement in Racial Equality

Utah #3 for racial equality

WalletHub — June 2022

Best State for the Middle Class

Utah #1 for the middle class

SmartAsset — April 2022

Best State for COVID-19 Performance

Utah #1 for its combined ranking of economy, education, and mortality

The Wall Street Journal — April 2022