Montana is the 31st Best State for Business 2014

J.P. Donlon

J.P. Donlon

Montana had a lower ranking than all four of its border states. Idaho came in at 28th; North Dakota was 12th; South Dakota 15th and Wyoming 18th. It’s 2.1% GDP growth is lower than the national average, but so are its unemployment and tax rates (5.2% and 8.6%, respectively.)

Previous State: New Mexico Next State: Alaska

No. 31 Montana

Taxations & Regulations

Workforce Quality

Living Environment

Key Metrics
State GDP 

  • % Growth ’12-’13: 3.0
  • % Growth ’11-’12 v. Nat’l Avg. (2.5%): -0.4

Unemployment

  • Unemployment Rate Dec. 2013 %: 5.2
  • Comparison with Nat’l Rate (6.70%): -1.5

Domestic Migration

  • Domestic Net Migration 2013: 5,467
  • Rank: 14

State Government

  • State Debt per Capita Fiscal Year ’13 ($): 4,521
  • State & Local Gov’t Employees per 10k Residents: 585.2

State-Local Tax Burden

  • Rate (%): 8.6%
  • Compared to Nat’l Avg. (9.9%): -1.25%
Key Companies
  • Stillwater Mining
  • First Interstate BancSystem
  • Glacier Bancorp
Development Trend Indicator: Negative
Nibbled at tax rates last year but needs more reform to reignite growth.


Based on CEO Survey by ChiefExecutive.net

Sources:
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Bureau of Labor Statistics
NewGeography.com
The Tax Foundation


J.P. Donlon

J.P. Donlon

J.P. Donlon is Editor Emeritus of Chief Executive magazine.

MORE LIKE THIS

  • Get the CEO Briefing

    Sign up today to get weekly access to the latest issues affecting CEOs in every industry

    • upcoming events

    SUBSCRIBE TO THE CEO BRIEFING

    In our weekly newsletter, get insight into the biggest issues facing CEOs, along with strategic ideas, solutions, and interviews.

    GET IN TOUCH

    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    Chief Executive Group

    Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.

    Publications

    Communities

    About