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West Is Best

West’s Economy Outperforming Rest of United States

March 2016

Explore the West’s economy, regional performance, and what is driving economic growth.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Jobs and Higher Incomes

December 2012

This report finds that the West’s popular national parks, monuments, wilderness areas and other public lands offer its growing high-tech and services industries a competitive advantage.

West Is Best: Interactive

November 2012

Map with interactive charts (screenshot)

Map-Based Navigation of Employment, Income, and Industry Charts for the Eleven Western States

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Washington Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: Washington

This fact sheet summarizes Washington’s recent economic growth and the role of protected public lands in supporting faster job creation and higher per-capita income.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote New Mexico Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: New Mexico

This New Mexico fact sheet summarizes the state’s recent economic growth and the role protected public lands play in supporting faster job creation and higher per-capita income.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Nevada Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: Nevada

During the past decade Nevada and the West outperformed the nation, and the competitive advantage offered by its protected lands supported job growth and higher per-capita incomes.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Montana Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: Montana

Montana’s recent economic growth and the role of protected public lands in supporting employment creation and higher per-capita income are explored in this report.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Idaho Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: Idaho

Helped by its high quality of life and protected public lands, Idaho’s economy and population grew rapidly in the past decade. The majority of growth coming from health care and administrative services.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Colorado Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: Colorado

Colorado’s rate of population, employment, and real personal income growth has outpaced the nation and this fact sheet looks at the role of protected public lands in supporting jobs and higher incomes.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote California Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: California

This California report is part of a series that analyzes how and why the West is outperforming the nation, and the competitive advantage offered by its protected lands.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Arizona Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: Arizona

This fact sheet summarizes Arizona’s recent economic growth and the role of protected public lands in supporting faster job creation and higher per-capita income.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Oregon Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: Oregon

The great majority of Oregon’s net new jobs are from services industries, many of them high-paying. This report looks at the state’s economy and the role of protected public lands.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Wyoming Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: Wyoming

Wyoming is an economic leader and protected public lands help the state grow and diversify its economy.

West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Utah Jobs and Higher Incomes

November 2012

Map of state outline: Utah

Utah has been a national leader in economic growth during the past decade. This report looks at the state’s economy and the role of protected public lands.

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