Western states dominate Forbes 'Best States for Business List'

The annual “Best States for Business” report by Forbes includes five Western Governors' Association members in its Top 10 and a dozen in its Top 25. The WGA states in the Top 10 included North Dakota (2), Utah (3), Colorado (5), Nebraska (6), Texas (7) and Washington (9).

When it comes to job growth, Forbes ranked Arizona No. 1, followed by fellow WGA states Texas (2), Colorado (3), North Dakota (4),Nevada (6), Utah (7), Idaho (9), and Oregon (10).

Here's where to find the complete list and read the entire Forbes report; some excerpts:

Arizona’s job and economic growth forecasts over the next five years are the best in the U.S.

North Dakota, over the past 5 years, is tops in job growth (3.7% annually), income growth (3.8%), gross state product growth (7.9%) and unemployment (3.6% average).

Utah companies benefit from energy costs 29% below the national average, helping its economy grow at 2% a year over the past five years — fourth best in the U.S.

Colorado is expected to have the third fastest growth for both jobs and household incomes over the next five years

Nebraska’s unemployment rate (4.2%) is the third lowest in the country.

Texas is the only state that ranks in the top five for both current economic climate and growth prospects.

Washington venture capitalists have poured $2 billion — sixth most in the U.S. — into the state between 2010 and 2012.

South Dakota’s business costs are 25% below the national average, the lowest in the country.

Oklahoma household incomes have risen 1.7% annually over the past five years, ranking fifth among all states.

Kansas living costs are among the lowest in the U.S. at roughly 10% below the national average.

Oregon’s economy has surged at the second fastest rate in the U.S over the past five years.

Wyoming is ranked first by The Tax Foundation in its analysis of state tax costs on business.

Idaho’s energy costs are the lowest in the U.S. at 32% below the national average.

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