Hold on a second. Let’s put this in perspective. Finishing in 45th place would be nothing to crow about were it not for the fact that this is Rhode Island’s best finish since we began rating the states in 2007. Just one year ago the Ocean State finished dead last. The improvement is no accident. Every time we rank Rhode Island at or near the bottom, state officials take it to heart. “Take a fresh look at Rhode Island,” Gov. Gina Raimondo urged us last year, pointing to a slate of reforms. Sure enough, Rhode Island’s economy notched a solid improvement this year. Other things — like the nation’s worst infrastructure — will take more time, but baby steps. Baby steps.
Overall score: 1,052 out of 2,500 points
Worst categories: Infrastructure (No. 50), Access to Capital (No. 44)
Best categories: Education (No. 20), Workforce (No. 27)
2016 rank: No. 50