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Illinois rated number 1 by some outfit I never heard of

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Illinois

* The governor’s office forwarded me a story yesterday about a site called MoneyRates.com which just rated Illinois as the best state in the nation to make a living…

1. Illinois

At $41,986.51, Illinois had the best adjusted-average income. The unemployment rate in Illinois is not especially low, but the state benefits from relatively high average wages, a low state tax rate, and a below-average cost of living. As an added plus, you can make good use of your money once you earn it in Illinois. Four of the best banks in America, based on a MoneyRates.com analysis of factors like customer service, checking account fees, and savings and money market rates, have operations in Illinois.

* Here’s how the the ratings were devised…

* Average state wages
* State unemployment rate
* State tax rate
* State cost of living

* The rest of the top ten…

2. Washington (state): The cost of living is higher than average, but so is the average wage and the state imposes no income tax. Adjusted average income: $41,456.
3. Texas: Also benefits from no state income tax. Adjusted average income: $41,427
4. Virginia: $41,120
5. Delaware: $39,105
6. Massachusetts: $38,665
7. Georgia: $38,228
8. Tennessee: $38,038
9. Colorado: $38,020
10. Minnesota: $37,721

* The worst…

1. Hawaii: $22,108
2. Maine: $29,159
3. Montana: $29,496
4. California: $29,772
5. Vermont: $29,986
6. Oregon: $30,343
7. Rhode Island: $30,612
8. Mississippi: $30,953
9. West Virginia: 31,357
10. South Carolina: $31,636

* However, if you are looking for work, you might want to avoid Illinois. Juju.com has published its top ten list and Illinois is nowhere to be found. We’re also 40th on the list of Money-Rates.com’s best places for retirement.

* Related…

* McCarter: Workmen’s comp reform will make Illinois competitive again

* Senate passes workers’ comp bill by vote of 59-0

* Overhaul of workers’ comp proves difficult - Interests on different sides of the issue bring competing concerns

* Illinois Legislative Leaders Promise Workers’ Comp Reform

* Reforms needed to state’s workers’ compensation law

* Mount Vernon tire plant gets tax breaks for creating, maintaining jobs

* Wal-Mart planning small store in River North

* ADDED: Illinois tax change could benefit animated filmmakers

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 14, 11 @ 8:38 am

Comments

Is there a ratings web site for ratings web sites?

Comment by Cincinnatus Thursday, Apr 14, 11 @ 9:03 am
I’m guessing if I were single without kids I could make a go of it at $22G adjusted in Hawaii, main expense being Longboard Island Lager.

I’ll go with that thought for about 10 minutes.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Apr 14, 11 @ 9:26 am
Illinois is also last in funding for special needs adults and children.

Comment by Boscobud Thursday, Apr 14, 11 @ 9:55 am
I think I’ll develop a web site with fifty sets of ratings so every state can get a #1 based on something. All of the governors will be sending people to my web site. Ad revenues will be awesome.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Apr 14, 11 @ 12:03 pm
Pot calling kettle,

I’ll invest.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 14, 11 @ 12:57 pm
We need some foam fingers to wave about….

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Apr 14, 11 @ 1:59 pm
It seems our politicans are starting to waffle on workers comp. Lead by Cullerton who finds out it will be difficult. OMG he sure is showing his leadership ability. Who is running the hen house
the lobbyist or the politicans . It looks like the lobbyist are the boss. Lets vote for lobbyist and cut out the middle man. Rep. John Bradley is right,we should start all over. I hope we at least
get some leadership from Gov. Quinn . He may be this best of a bad lot. God Save our state.

Comment by mokenavince Thursday, Apr 14, 11 @ 2:03 pm
Mokenavince said,

“I hope we at least get some leadership from Gov. Quinn.”

Funniest. Comment. Ever.

Comment by Cincinnatus Thursday, Apr 14, 11 @ 2:10 pm
Thank you Cinncy. Vince

Comment by mokenavince Thursday, Apr 14, 11 @ 7:29 pm