Accolades & Rankings

Utah continues to be at the forefront of innovative and awe-inspiring economic opportunity initiatives. The state’s robust list of accolades is impressive, such as being the best-managed state in America and the number one state for economic outlook and recovery. Utah also maintains a AAA bond rating dating back to 1965 when Standard & Poor’s initiated its rating system. And today, all three rating organizations continue to classify Utah with a AAA bond rating.

Below, we’ve included a sampling of some of our recent recognition.

Best Economic Outlook


Utah ranked No. 1 for the 16th year in a row
Rich States Poor States — April 2023

Best State & Best Economy


Utah ranked the nation’s best economy and No. 1 overall
U.S. News & World Report — April 2023

Best Small Cities for Starting a Business


#2 Most Financially Literate State


Best State to Start a Business


#2 Best Employment


Utah was determined the No. 2 best state for job opportunities
U.S. News & World Report — August 2022

#3 Best Growth


Utah was determined the No. 3 best state for growth
U.S. News & World Report — August 2022

#2 Best State Economy 


Utah No. 2 for best state economy
WalletHub — June 2022

#3 State with the Most Civic Engagement in Racial Equality


Utah No. 3 for racial equality
WalletHub — June 2022

#1 State for the Middle Class


Utah No. 1 for the middle class
SmartAsset — April 2022

#1 State for COVID-19 Performance


Best-Performing Large Cities


Best-Performing Cities 2022
#1 = Provo-Orem
#3 = Salt Lake City
#13 = Ogden-Clearfield
Milken Institute — March 2022

Best-Performing Small Cities


Best-Performing Cities 2022
#1 = Logan
#2 = St. George
Milken Institute — March 2022

#1 State for GDP Growth


Utah No. 1 for GDP Growth (2021)
Forbes — August 2021

#1 State Economy


Utah ranked No. 1 for best economy
WalletHub — June 2021

Best Economic Outlook


Utah ranked No. 1 for the 14th year in a row
Rich States Poor States — May 2021

#4 State For Millennial Business Owners


#3 Economy


#1 Economy


Most Independent State