1. North Dakota
- GDP growth rate: 13.4%
The energy boom once again made North Dakota the fastest-growing state in the country, according to a recent report from the Commerce Department.
Attracted by six-figure salaries and an unemployment rate below 3%, workers from across the country continue to flock to the Bakken Shale region in the northwest part of the state.
North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple said there are still growing pains -- including trouble getting enough water in parts of the state, and housing costs that can rival Manhattan -- but he believes the boom is worth it.
In addition to the jobs, the extra revenue has allowed the state to cut its income tax rate several times over the last few years and pick up 80% of the state's public school costs, greatly reducing the burden on local property taxpayers.
