The COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the U.S. economy, leaving no corner of the country untouched by those consequences. However, some states have emerged better off than others. To determine the states with the best and worst economies, Wall Street created an index of five measures—a 5-year economic growth, 5-year employment growth, the poverty rate, unemployment rate and share of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Here are the best and worst states, according to the index.

Best:

1. Utah—unemployment rate of 2.9%, 5-year average GDP change of +3.9%
2. Idaho—unemployment rate of 3.2%, 5-year average GDP change of +3.9%
3. Washington—unemployment rate of 5.4%, 5-year average GDP change of +4.3%
4. Colorado—unemployment rate of 6.4%, 5-year average GDP change of +2.8%
5. New Hampshire—unemployment rate of 3.0%, 5-year average GDP change of +0.6%

Worst:

1. Hawaii—unemployment rate of 9.0%, 5-year average GDP change of -0.5%
2. West Virginia—unemployment rate of 5.9%, 5-year average GDP change of -0.2%
3. New Mexico—unemployment rate of 8.3%, 5-year average GDP change of +1.1%
4. Mississippi—unemployment rate of 6.3%, 5-year average GDP change of +0.5%
5. Louisiana—unemployment rate of 7.3%, 5-year average GDP change of +0.3%

Read the full report here. (The Center Square, 05.20.21)

Related Stories:

National Economy Activity Accelerates

NYC to Launch $30 Million Campaign to Bring Back Tourism

STR, Tourism Economics Updates U.S. Hotel Forecast