The worst-governed states in the U.S.

The worst-governed states in the U.S. Every year, 24/7 Wall Street conducts a broad survey of all 50 U.S. states, based on data on financial conditions, living standards and government services...

The worst-governed states in the U.S. Each year, 24/7 Wall Street conducts a broad survey of all 50 U.S. states to determine how well each state is governed based on data on financial conditions, living standards and government services. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed hundreds of data from different sources, looking at each state's debt, revenue, spending and deficits to determine how it is managing its finances. And look at tax revenues, exports and GDP growth, poverty rates, unemployment rates, high school graduation rates, violent crime and foreclosure rates to gauge whether local residents are prospering. The lowest-ranked state also has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. In 2011, nine of the 10 best-ranked states had unemployment rates below 7%. This includes North Dakota, which in 2011 had the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 3.6%. The national average unemployment rate in 2011 was 8.9%. Among them, Arizona ranks 47th, with per capita debt: $2,188, budget deficit: 39.0%, unemployment rate: 9.5%, median household income: $46,709, and percentage below the poverty line: 19.0%. In addition, Tucson in this state ranks second among the 10 cities with the highest vacancy rates in the United States. Vacancy rate: 6.9%, Median price per square foot: $92, Unemployment rate: 7.0%. The first place is Detroit, Michigan.