Personal finance website WalletHub has recently determined which U.S. states have contributed most to America’s innovative success and which have been lacking.
The site analyzed the states (and the District of Columbia) across 18 key metrics such as share of STEM professionals, scientific knowledge output, eighth grade math and science performance, R&D spending per capita, tax friendliness, and average internet speed.
Below are some of the highlights from the analysis followed by the ten most and least innovative states:
- The District of Columbia has the highest share of STEM professionals, 9.4 percent, 2.8 times higher than in Mississippi and Nevada, which have the lowest at 3.3 percent each.
- Virginia has the highest share of technology companies, 7.52 percent, 3.9 times higher than in West Virginia, which has the lowest at 1.95 percent.
- New Mexico has the highest research and development (R&D) intensity, 6.31 percent, 19.7 times higher than in Wyoming, which has the lowest at 0.32 percent.
- The District of Columbia has the fastest average Internet speed, 22.47 Mbps, 2.1 times faster than in Idaho, which has the slowest at 10.65 Mbps.
- The District of Columbia has the highest share of public high-school students who completed advanced-placement (AP) exams, 60.2 percent, 4.4 times higher than in North Dakota, which has the lowest at 13.8 percent.
Most Innovative States
1. District of Columbia
2. Maryland
3. Massachusetts
4. California
5. Colorado
6. Washington
7. Virginia
8. Utah
9. Connecticut
10. New Hampshire
Least Innovative States
42. Maine
43. South Dakota
44. Iowa
45. Tennessee
46. North Dakota
47. Oklahoma
48. Kentucky
49. Louisiana
50. Mississippi
51. West Virginia
For the full list and an in-depth look at the methodology, click here.
Related Stories
Market Data | Sep 21, 2018
Mid-year forecast: No end in sight for growth cycle
The AIA Consensus Construction Forecast is projecting 4.7% growth in nonresidential construction spending in 2018.
Market Data | Sep 19, 2018
August architecture firm billings rebound as building investment spurt continues
Southern region, multifamily residential sector lead growth.
Market Data | Sep 18, 2018
Altus Group report reveals shifts in trade policy, technology, and financing are disrupting global real estate development industry
International trade uncertainty, widespread construction skills shortage creating perfect storm for escalating project costs; property development leaders split on potential impact of emerging technologies.
Market Data | Sep 17, 2018
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator hits a new high in second quarter of 2018
Backlog is up 12.2% from the first quarter and 14% compared to the same time last year.
Market Data | Sep 12, 2018
Construction material prices fall in August
Softwood lumber prices plummeted 9.6% in August yet are up 5% on a yearly basis (down from a 19.5% increase year-over-year in July).
Market Data | Sep 7, 2018
Safety risks in commercial construction industry exacerbated by workforce shortages
The report revealed 88% of contractors expect to feel at least a moderate impact from the workforce shortages in the next three years.
Market Data | Sep 5, 2018
Public nonresidential construction up in July
Private nonresidential spending fell 1% in July, while public nonresidential spending expanded 0.7%.
Market Data | Aug 30, 2018
Construction in ASEAN region to grow by over 6% annually over next five years
Although there are disparities in the pace of growth in construction output among the ASEAN member states, the region’s construction industry as a whole will grow by 6.1% on an annual average basis in the next five years.
Market Data | Aug 22, 2018
July architecture firm billings remain positive despite growth slowing
Architecture firms located in the South remain especially strong.
