2015 Economic Outlook, State by State
Kiplinger forecasts a 2.5% growth rate nationally this year, after a 2.4% gain in 2014. Here are our forecasts for growth, as well as employment gains, for all 50 states.

Most states will experience better economic growth in 2015. The main exceptions are in the Northeast, where recovery from the financial meltdown has been slow, and in states with large energy sectors, especially North Dakota, Texas and Oklahoma, because of the downturn in oil prices earlier in the year. But economic growth in the Midwestern states is registering notable improvement, with manufacturing, led by automakers, on the upswing. State economic growth is highest in the Western and Southern states, paced in part by tech and construction plus rising populations.
Hover over any state in the map below to see its outlook.
Forecasted Economic Growth by State in 2015
Jack Bolen contributed to this report.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

David is both staff economist and reporter for The Kiplinger Letter, overseeing Kiplinger forecasts for the U.S. and world economies. Previously, he was senior principal economist in the Center for Forecasting and Modeling at IHS/GlobalInsight, and an economist in the Chief Economist's Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce. David has co-written weekly reports on economic conditions since 1992, and has forecasted GDP and its components since 1995, beating the Blue Chip Indicators forecasts two-thirds of the time. David is a Certified Business Economist as recognized by the National Association for Business Economics. He has two master's degrees and is ABD in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
-
Top Places to Park $10K (or More) as Rates Start to Fall
With more rate cuts upcoming, here are some smart places to maximize your savings on $10,000.
-
What’s the New 2026 Estate Tax Exemption Amount?
Estate Tax The IRS just increased the exemption as we enter into a promising tax year for estates and inheritances.
-
The Economy on a Knife's Edge
The Letter GDP is growing, but employers have all but stopped hiring as they watch how the trade war plays out.
-
Banks Are Sounding the Alarm About Stablecoins
The Kiplinger Letter The banking industry says stablecoins could have a negative impact on lending.
-
Apple Readies for AI Upgrade with New iPhones
The Kiplinger Letter The tech giant has stumbled when it comes to artificial intelligence, but a new batch of iPhones will help it make headway.
-
Japan Enters a New Era of Risk and Reform
The Kiplinger Letter Japan has entered a pivotal moment in its economic history, undertaking ambitious policy and structural reforms to escape from decades of stagnation.
-
How Consumers Are Tinkering with Cutting-Edge AI
The Kiplinger Letter Companies launching artificial intelligence tools are jostling for consumer attention. Some products are already building a deep connection with users.
-
After Years of Stagnant Growth, Hope Emerges for EU Economy
The Kiplinger Letter Can a German fiscal push outweigh French political peril?
-
Small Businesses Are Racing to Use AI
The Kiplinger Letter Spurred on by competitive pressures, small businesses are racing to adopt AI. A recent snapshot shows the technology’s day-to-day uses.
-
How AI Puts Company Data at Risk
The Kiplinger Letter Cybersecurity professionals are racing to ward off AI threats while also using AI tools to shore up defenses.