Forbes ranks Arizona first in job growth

In its annual “Best States for Business” report, Forbes has ranked Arizona first in the nation in terms of projected employment. Specifically, the report notes that Arizona is expected to have the fastest job growth at 3 percent annually over the next five years, according to Moody’s Analytics.

In its report, Forbes looks at 35 factors to determine the best and worst states for expected job growth. Arizona’s expected 3 percent job gains are projected to boost household incomes 3.6 percent annually through 2017, ranking Arizona second best in terms of household income, according to Moody’s. Additionally, the forecast predicts Arizona’s future economic growth to expand at a U.S.-best, 4.6% annually. The report attributes Arizona’s ranking primarily to successes in business attraction – including GoDaddy and General Motors – and a large educated workforce.