(The Center Square) – Maryland is ranked No. 42 in the country in economic outlook in the 19th annual Rich States, Poor States ranking.
Fifteen state policy variables are measured in the ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index, released Wednesday by the American Legislative Exchange Council. Better scores go to states spending and taxing less to attain higher growth rates.
Utah, Tennessee and Idaho are the top three, respectively.
Maryland was also No. 42 last year and No. 43 in 2024.
“Generally speaking,” the report explains, “states that spend less – especially on income transfer programs – and states that tax less – particularly on productive activities such as working or investing – experience higher growth rates than states that tax and spend more.”
The 19th largest state in America has a population estimated at 6.2 million, up an estimated 100,000 since 2020.
The economic performance rank is No. 38. In the 15 categories scored, the state’s best was No. 8 in sales tax burden ($15.03) and No.13 in average workers’ compensation costs (89 cents).
The worst rankings were each No. 50 – for the levy on estate or inheritance tax, recently legislated tax changes ($4.89) and for being a right to work state.
