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:
Most Independent State
Utah ranked #1 most independent state
WalletHub — June 2025
Best State Economy
Utah ranked #2 for best state economy
WalletHub — June 2025
Best State
Utah ranked as the #1 state for the third consecutive year
U.S. News & World Report — May 2025
Best Economic Outlook
Utah ranked #1 for the 18th year in a row
Rich States Poor States — April 2025
Best Small Cities to Start a Business
3 of the top 5 small cities are in Utah
WalletHub — April 2025
Cheapest State to Start a Business
Utah is the #1 cheapest state to start a business
CNBC — March 2025
Best State to Start a Business
Utah is the #3 best state to start a business
WalletHub — January 2025
Top 10 Friendly States for Entrepreneurs
Utah ranked the #3 friendliest state for entrepreneurs
Inc.com — January 2025
Best-Performing Cities 2025
Milken Institute — January 2025
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 Small Cities for Starting a Business
3 of the top 5 best small cities for starting a business are in Utah
WalletHub — April 2024
Most Affordable States 2024
Utah is the #1 most affordable state
USA Today — March 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
WalletHub — June 2022
Best State 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