Minnesota named 2nd-strongest state

This is the fourth time Minnesota has ranked among the top two strongest states in the nation in the POLITICO study.

"This ranking affirms what we already know: Minnesota is one of the very best states in the country," said Gov. Mark Dayton in a news release. "However, we have much more work to do to ensure that Minnesota is a place where everyone can succeed. I urge the Legislature to work with me this session to protect our fiscal stability, and defend the investments that have made Minnesota a national leader in education, health care, infrastructure and economic opportunity for all."

POLITICO's annual analysis is based on 14 separate categories that demonstrate the educational attainment, quality of life, and economic health of each of the 50 states. Ranking overall as the second-strongest state in the nation, here is how Minnesota scored in each category, according to Politico.

Annual per capita income—At $31,642, Minnesota's per capita income is the 10th highest in the nation. Median household income in Minnesota is $70,218, which is also the 10th highest in the nation.

Percent unemployed—At 3.1 percent, Minnesota's statewide unemployment rate is the 10th lowest in the nation.

Percent below poverty level—Minnesota ranks fifth lowest for the percent of those living below the poverty level. According to POLITICO's analysis, 9.9 percent of Minnesotans are living below the poverty level—which is still far too many Minnesotans, the release stated.

Homeownership rate—With 71.3 percent of Minnesotans owning their own homes, Minnesota ranks third in this category.

High school graduation rate—Minnesota ranks third for the percent of our students (92.9 percent) who graduate from high school.

Life expectancy at birth—Minnesotans live longer than almost anyone else in the country. With a life expectancy of 80.9 at birth, Minnesota ranks second in the nation in this category.

Infant mortality—Minnesota ranked 15th lowest in the number of infant deaths per 1,000 births.

Obesity—Roughly 27.8 percent of Minnesotans are considered obese, ranking us the 17th-slimmest state in the nation.

Well-being—Minnesota has a well-being score of 63.2, ranking it eighth in this category.

Average math scores in eighth grade—Minnesota eighth-graders have the second-highest math scores in the country.

Average reading scores in eighth grade—Minnesota eighth-graders have the sixth-highest reading scores in the country.

Income inequality—According to the GINI Index, which measures the income distribution of a state's residents, Minnesota ranks ninth-lowest in the country in income inequality.

Violent crime rate—Minnesotans are the ninth-safest from violent crime, according to POLITICO's analysis, and records provided by the FBI.

Jobs in science, engineering and math—Minnesota has the 11th-highest percentage of the workforce employed in jobs involving science, engineering and math.

H.L. Mencken's 1931 rankings—As a benchmark, POLITICO also lists the rankings of each individual state from a 1931 study by H.L. Mencken and Charles Angoff. According to that study, Minnesota was the sixth-strongest state in the nation in 1931.