A recent U.S. News and World Report study named Colorado as a top state to live and work in.
Ranking ninth in the nation overall, the Centennial State was praised for its healthy economy in particular. The study said Colorado has the second-highest projected job growth over the next five years, making it a hub for an educated young workforce. However, it’s not clear where those workers will live, as Colorado ranked a dismal 48th in the country in housing affordability.
The report also revealed other areas for improvement. Colorado lagged behind neighboring Utah overall, thanks in part to lower scores in infrastructure and state government.
Another recent study, from WalletHub, ranked Colorado fifth in the country for innovation. That study offers lessons for government policymakers across the country.
“They should look critically at every well-meaning regulation in place or proposed, and ask what impact it could have on creative people,” Lex McMillan, president of the Albright College, said in the study. “Mostly, government just needs to step aside rather than promote. The market will reward sustainable innovation.”
