Best States for Business

Minnesota cracks the top 10 for a second straight year based on a strong current economic climate and quality of life. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area is home to 62% of the state’s population. It is also serves as the state’s economic hub, with companies such as Target, U.S. Bancorp, General Mills, 3M and Medtronic headquartered there. Minnesota has the fourth highest percentage of adults with a high school degree at 92.4%. With its good schools, low poverty rate and healthy populous, the state ranks second overall on Forbes' quality of life measurements.

At a Glance

• Population: 5,439,200

• Governor: Mark Dayton

• Median Household Income: $60,311

• Job Growth (2014): 1.5%

• Cost of Doing Business: 0.2% below nat'l avg

• College Attainment: 33.5%

• Net Migration (2013): 11,100

• Moody's Bond Rating: Aa1