State Rankings and Awards | Michigan Business

How Michigan Compares...

The state of Michigan continues to be a prime state for entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and families young and old. See how the great lakes state competes with neighboring states and beyond.

#1 State

for fastest FDI jobs growth – Global Business Alliance

#2 State

for most recovered economy from COVID-19 - Credible.com

#3 State

for Sustainable Development - 2021 Site Selection's Sustainability Rankings

Top 10 State

Site Selection’s 2021 Prosperity Cup for business climate

State Acclaimed Recognitions

In addition to 2021’s Golden Shovel Award for manufacturing, Michigan has received Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award (8-12 million population) for the last five years running. Michigan was also awarded Business Facilities’ 2019 Deal of the Year Gold Award for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (now Stellantis) expansion.

Additional Rankings:

Manufacturing

#1 ranking in Automotive Manufacturing (Business Facilities)
#4 in Manufacturing Output percentage of GNP (Business Facilities)
#4 in Manufacturing Employment (Business Facilities)

Business

#7 ranking in Site-Readiness Programs (Area Development Top Business States)
#11 ranking in America's Top States for Business 2021 (CNBC)
#15 ranking in Best and Worst States for Business in 2020 (Chief Executive)

Workforce Development

#4 State in East North Central Region for 2020 Workforce Development Rankings (Site Selection)
#11 State for net tech employment (2020 CompTIA Cyberstates report)
#8 State for health care jobs (Business Facilities magazine's 2021 state rankings)

Regional/Metro Acclaimed Recognitions

Ann Arbor - #1 for Best Health Care Hubs

Detroit - #2 for Best Business Climate (large metro area)

Grand Rapids - #3 for Business Climate (mid-sized)

Detroit - #9 for Best Places to Work Remotely

Traverse City - #9 for Small Business Employment in Small Metro Areas

Grand Rapids - #9 for Small Business Employment in Large Metro Areas

Quality of Life

Michigan #4 Best State to Live 2020

According to Money Rates, Michigan ranks as the #4 best state to live in 2020. For the fourth consecutive year, Michigan has made the top ten - and it has improved its rank in each of those years. Michigan is one of the ten best states to live in the US and when combined with a median income that is higher than most states, it goes a long way toward making it a good place to make a living. Read more...

Grand Rapids #2 in Top 10 Remote Ready Cities in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for a downtown loft or a sprawling backyard, see why Livability ranked Grand Rapids #2 for perfect place to put down roots while also enjoying your remote work freedom. Read more...

Kalamazoo #3 for Lowest cost of living

Business Facilities' 2020 Metro Rankings Report takes a look at hot topics in economic development on the city and global level, including logistics, startup ecosystems, job growth, cost of living, and more. Kalamazoo, MI ranks as #3 for lowest cost of living. Read more...

Ann Arbor #6 for Best Places to live in the U.S.

Culling data from the U.S. Department of Education, the Census Bureau, and the FBI, Ann Arbor ranks as one of the best cities to raise a family in America accoridng to Niche.com. The city has some of the best public schools in the country, plus affordable home prices and a high employment rate. Read more...

Charlevoix as one of “The 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2021”

Ranked as one of “The 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2021” by Smithsonian Magazine, this scenic town sits right on the banks of Round Lake and the Pine River, a natural harbor and channel that together connect the turquoise blue waters of Lake Charlevoix with Lake Michigan. Read more...

Petoskey ranked as one of “Best Small Towns in the Midwest”

Ranked as one of “Best Small Towns in the Midwest” by Travel + Leisure, this cute waterfront town sits near the "tip of the Mitt'' in the northern reaches of the Lower Peninsula. Read more...

Michigan Awards and Rankings

State Acclaimed Recognitions