Minnesota's "Best State" Ranking: A Dubious Narrative Masking Economic Reality
Recently, CNBC released its annual "America's Top States for Business" study, highlighting the states that supposedly offer the best quality of life and work opportunities. Surprisingly, Minnesota secured a spot in the top ten, lauding its life, health, and inclusion metrics. However, a closer examination reveals that these rankings may not reflect reality and are, in fact, a veiled measure of a state's liberalism rather than its true economic prosperity.
While CNBC touts Minnesota as one of the best states to live and work in, the data presents a different story. Despite its purported attractiveness, Minnesota experienced a net loss of 19,400 residents to other parts of the United States in 2021-2022, along with six other states in the top ten rankings. In stark contrast, the states labeled as the "worst" by CNBC saw significant population gains, with a net increase of 752,683 residents in the same period.
What becomes evident is that CNBC's ranking appears to be tied more to a state's perceived "liberalism" rather than its actual appeal to residents. This skewed narrative ignores the economic realities on the ground and the genuine concerns of citizens who might be looking for better opportunities elsewhere. Moreover, the assumptions that "culture wars" only "rage" in conservative states demonstrate a clear bias that undermines the credibility of the ranking.
For liberals celebrating the state's high ranking, the irony lies in the correlation between liberalism and population loss. The more "liberal" a state is according to CNBC's standards, the more residents seem to leave, as Census Bureau data shows.
In the end, these rankings may provide comfort to certain ideologies, but they do little to address the challenges faced by states like Minnesota. Instead of relying on such dubious measures, it is essential to focus on practical solutions that promote economic growth, attract businesses, and offer genuine opportunities for residents. While we may wish to celebrate Minnesota's place in the "top ten," it is crucial not to ignore the underlying economic realities that demand real-world solutions and actions. Only then can we ensure a prosperous future for all citizens, regardless of political narratives.