Money Power Rankings
Every state and metro, ranked on the numbers that matter.
Ten rankings built only from public, cited datasets — jobs, gas, housing, taxes, paychecks, migration, and more. Zero opinion. Every figure traces to its source, and each is tied to the governor or mayor accountable for it.
Choose a ranking
The ten franchises
monthly · Governor
Jobs
Currently #1: North Dakota · 50 states + D.C. Based on 65% of intended metrics
annual · Governor
Tax Burden
Currently #1: Alaska · 50 states + D.C. Based on 45% of intended metrics
annual · Governor
Richest States
Currently #1: New Hampshire · 50 states + D.C. Based on 68% of intended metrics
quarterly · Governor
Real Paycheck
Currently #1: District of Columbia · 50 states + D.C. Based on 65% of intended metrics
monthly · Mayor
Housing Affordability
Currently #1: Syracuse, NY · 100 metros Based on 85% of intended metrics
annual · Governor
Money Migration
Currently #1: Florida · 50 states + D.C. Based on 90% of intended metrics
quarterly · Mayor
Cities for Business
Currently #1: Nevada · 50 states + D.C. Based on 61% of intended metrics
weekly · Governor
Gas & Energy
Currently #1: Oklahoma · 50 states + D.C. Based on 40% of intended metrics
2x/year · Governor
Surplus & Fiscal Health
Currently #1: California · 50 states Based on 50% of intended metrics
monthly · Mayor
Cost-of-Living
Currently #1: McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX · 100 metros
annual · Governor
Minimum Wage
Currently #1: District of Columbia · 50 states + D.C.
Each ranking is a weighted 0–100 composite of normalized, sourced metrics. Weights and sources are public on every methodology page, so the rankings can’t be called rigged.