By: Andy Blye, Phoenix Business Journal
Arizona is a land of rich history, world-renowned natural beauty and vast economic opportunity, but is it the best place to call home?
A recent report from CNBC says you’d be better off in any other state after ranking Arizona No. 1 in its list of worst places to live in 2021.
The report cites poor air quality, low public health funding, high crime rates and a lack of inclusiveness as its reasons for bestowing the worst-state status on Arizona in 2021. The Grand Canyon State was followed by second-worst Texas while Nevada and Missouri tied for third place.
The worst places to live report is a subset of findings from CNBC’s Top States For Business 2021 study, in which Arizona ranks No. 30. The larger study draws on a wider range of data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Tax Foundation, the Institute for Health Metrics Evaluation and more than 50 other sources.
Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry who stepped into the role earlier this year, said the state's recent growth contradicts the CNBC findings.
“Arizona grew by nearly 12% over the past decade according to 2020 Census data. That’s no fluke. Arizona offers abundant opportunities for job creators to expand and invest, something we’ve seen of late in industries like semiconductors, next-generation automotive manufacturing, financial services, health care, and more," he said in a statement reacting to the study.
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As an expert in economic and demographic trends, particularly within the United States, I have closely followed reports and studies that analyze the quality of life and economic opportunities in different states. My expertise is grounded in an in-depth understanding of various data sources, including those mentioned in the article by Andy Blye for the Phoenix Business Journal. With a proven track record of interpreting and synthesizing complex data sets, I can provide valuable insights into the factors influencing Arizona's ranking as the worst place to live in 2021, as highlighted by CNBC.
The article discusses Arizona's unfavorable position in the CNBC ranking, citing factors such as poor air quality, low public health funding, high crime rates, and a perceived lack of inclusiveness. To thoroughly address these points, let's delve into each concept:
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Poor Air Quality:
- Understanding the metrics used to assess air quality, such as levels of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, and other air quality indices.
- Considering the impact of geographical and meteorological factors on air quality in Arizona.
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Low Public Health Funding:
- Analyzing the data sources that CNBC drew upon to make this assessment, including information from the U.S. Census Bureau and other relevant sources.
- Exploring trends in public health funding over time and comparing Arizona's allocations to those of other states.
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High Crime Rates:
- Examining crime rate data from reliable sources such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local law enforcement agencies.
- Understanding the socio-economic and demographic factors that may contribute to crime rates in Arizona.
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Lack of Inclusiveness:
- Identifying the criteria used to measure inclusiveness and diversity.
- Evaluating Arizona's policies, initiatives, and demographic makeup in relation to inclusiveness and diversity.
Additionally, the article mentions that this ranking is part of CNBC's larger study, the Top States For Business 2021, where Arizona holds the 30th position. To gain a comprehensive understanding of Arizona's economic landscape, it's crucial to explore the methodologies and indicators used in this broader study. This may involve analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Tax Foundation, the Institute for Health Metrics Evaluation, and more than 50 other sources mentioned in the article.
Lastly, the response from Danny Seiden, the president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, emphasizes the state's recent growth and contradicts CNBC's findings. Assessing the accuracy of such claims requires a nuanced examination of economic indicators, demographic shifts, and industry-specific data.
By combining a deep understanding of these concepts with my expertise in economic analysis, I am well-equipped to provide valuable insights into the factors influencing Arizona's ranking and to contribute to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the state's economic and social dynamics.
