The document analyzes economic strength rankings for Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas in the United States published by POLICOM in 2010. It discusses how POLICOM determines economic strength by evaluating multiple data factors related to employment, earnings, income, and welfare over different time periods. Areas are ranked based on consistency of growth, with more stable growth rates ranked higher. The highest ranked areas have experienced rapid, sustained growth, while the lowest ranked areas have been in long-term decline.

1. Economic Strength Rankings - 2010
By William H. Fruth
“Economic strength is the long term tendency for an area to
consistently grow in both size and quality.”
POLICOM specializes in studying the dynamics of local economies. From its research, it determines if an area is
growing or declining, what is causing this to happen, and offers ideas and solutions to communities to improve the
situation.
POLICOM addresses the condition of an economy from the viewpoint of its impact upon the “standard of living” of
the people who live and work in an area.
The economic strength rankings are created so POLICOM can study the characteristics of strong and weak
economies. The highest ranked areas have had rapid, consistent growth in both size and quality for an extended
period of time. The lowest ranked areas have been in volatile decline for an extended period of time.
POLICOM has created economic strength rankings for all Metropolitan Statistical Areas since 1996 and all
Micropolitan Statistical Areas since they were created in 2002. The Office of Management and Budget, as a result of
the 2000 census, created new definitions for the Metropolitan Statistical Areas and established the Micropolitan
Areas. (For the county composition of each along with state maps, go to Metropolitan Areas on POLICOM’s web
site: www.policom.com.)
Metropolitan Statistical Areas have at least one urbanized area with a population of at least 50,000, plus adjacent
territory (counties) which have a high degree of social and economic integration with the core as measured by
commuting ties. They must have at minimum one county but most often include several counties.
There are now 366 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (hereafter called METROS) in the United States
Micropolitan Statistical Areas did not exist prior to 2002.
Once looked upon as quasi rural areas, a Micropolitan Statistical Area must have an urbanized area (city) with a
population of at least 10,000 but fewer than 50,000. They must be at least one county and most are. The OMB has
identified 576 MICROS in the United States for 2010.
Weatherford, OK Micro and Marble Falls, TX Micro have been added. Rankings for these areas do not appear prior
to 2010.
The formulas used to determine economic strength measure how the economy has behaved, not what has caused it to
perform.
The following are the data sectors used to create the rankings.
Group 1 – These sectors reflect the overall growth in size and quality. The “quality” of the economy is based upon
what people earn, as this influences their “standard of living” more than anything.
All Workers - Earnings
All Workers - Jobs
All Workers – Wages
Per Capita Total Worker Earnings
Per Capita Personal Income
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2. Earnings by Place of Residence
Per Capita Earnings by Residences
Wage & Salaried Workers - Earnings
Wage & Salaried Workers - Jobs
Wage & Salaried Workers - Wages
Group 2 – These sectors reflect how the economy is behaving. Small businesses and the construction and retail
industries are extremely reactive to the “flow of money” coming into an area. They typically grow or decline in
direct proportion to the condition of the economy. There are, of course, exceptions. Areas which have become
destinations for retirement age individuals will have high growth numbers in both construction and retail, while they
might not have a strong economy. (No system is perfect.)
Non Farm Proprietors - Earnings
Non Farm Proprietors - Jobs
Non Farm Proprietors - Wages
Construction - Worker Earnings
Construction - Jobs
Construction - Wages
Retail - Worker Earnings
Retail - Jobs
Retail - Wages
Group 3 – These sectors are negative sectors. Growth in these reflects a poor economy.
Per Capita Income Maintenance (Welfare)
Actual Per Capita Income Maintenance (Welfare)
Per Capita Medical Assistance for the Poor - (Medicaid)
Actual Per Capita Medical Assistance for the Poor – (Medicaid)
“Redundancy” and “counter balances” are built into the criteria which compensate for anomalies which might occur
in one or two of the items.
As an example, an area might have a very high percentage growth rate in Per Capita Income Maintenance. This
might mean the economy is on decline. However, percentages are funny things and can sometimes be misleading.
It is much easier for an area with a low basis to have high percentage increases than an area with a high basis.
The Reno, Nevada MSA, from 1998 to 2002, had the 30th highest percentage growth rate in Per Capita Income
Maintenance. However, it also had the 19th lowest actual amount. While the rate of growth is high, “twice nothing
is still nothing.”
The reverse is also sometimes true. The Stockton, California MSA ranked 354th in the growth rate, but had the 9th
highest Per Capita Income Maintenance of all the METROS.
There are, of course, the extremes. The Saginaw, Michigan MSA had the 53rd fastest growth percentage and also
had the 20th highest actual amount. The Madison, Wisconsin MSA had a very slow growth rate (ranked 345th) and
also has the 21st lowest per capita welfare.
If only these criteria were used, the example MSA’s would be ranked in the following order: Madison, Reno,
Stockton, and Saginaw.
POLICOM is also aware of anomalies in labor data. It has found economies which are on decline sometimes have a
very high growth rate in the number of people employed in Retail Trade. Retail is a reactive industry, which grows
and declines in direct proportion to the condition of the economy.
So how can retail jobs grow in a declining economy? It is because labor data counts full and part-time jobs all as
“jobs.” This means two part-time jobs are counted as two jobs in the data.
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3. When an area is in decline, retailers switch from full-time workers to part-time workers. A small retailer might have
four full time workers. If the retailer lays off three full-time people but hires five part-timers to replace them, there
is a statistical gain in the labor data of two jobs. The retailer now has six workers, in the data, which is a 50%
increase from when he had four full-timers.
To counter balance or compensate, the total earnings and wages are included. Under the above scenario, both
earnings and wages will decline; bringing down the area in the rankings.
The average annual increase is calculated for each of the items for three time periods. 2007 data was released by the
Bureau of Economic Analysis in April of 2010.
Last five years: 2008-2004 – Weighted once.
Last ten years: 2008-1999 – Weighted twice.
Previous Ten Years: 1998-1989 – Weighted once.
The percentage increases are then adjusted mathematically for consistency. Data sectors which reflect wages are
counted twice, giving equal emphasis to quality as to the growth in size.
The growth rates are then ranked. The rankings are totaled. The areas are then ranked for economic strength based
on their total overall rankings.
Consistency of Growth
Simply identifying the areas that have the fastest or slowest growth rates is insufficient when trying to determine the
character of a local economy. The rate, consistency, or stability of the growth is equally important.
Areas with unstable, boom and bust economies are difficult places to conduct business. Residents of these areas are
subject to economic uncertainty and stress.
A merchant may lease extra floor space following three or four great years, only to go bankrupt after a subsequent
economic decline. Residents might make long term financial commitments based upon rapid increases in earnings
and employment, only to loose everything due to a
sudden downturn causing massive layoffs. Construction Jobs - 3.9% Average Annual Growth
20%
1991-2000
To better understand the nature of economic stability,
15%
we will examine the consistency of the Construction
Industry for three areas which had the same average
10%
annual percentage increase.
5%
The first graph shown depicts a Mythical Area, which
had an Average Annual Percentage Increase in 0%
Construction Employment of 3.9% from 1991 through 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00
2000. -5%
-10%
This Area had a 3.9% increase from 1990 to 1991.
From 1991 to 1992 it again had a 3.9% increase. Each Mythical Area
and every year, the area had exactly a 3.9% increase.
This means construction employers, each and every year, increased the number of people they employed by 3.9%.
As a result, by averaging the 10-year history, the Mythical Area, obviously, had a 3.9% average annual percentage
increase (AAI).
Most importantly, the area had perfect consistency as depicted by the straight horizontal line on the graph. The flow
of money into the area, which supports this industry, grew in an absolutely consistent manner. This is a perfect
situation. However, this is myth, not reality.
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4. Let us examine the economic stability of the
Construction Jobs - 3.9% Average Annual Growth
Minneapolis MSA for the same element. 20%
Minneapolis, during the same ten years had an AAI 1991-2000
in Construction Employment of 3.9%. This rate of 15%
growth ranked 116th highest among the 363
metropolitan areas for this ten year period. 10%
The graph shows the percentage increase or decline 5%
each year. You can see the rate of growth is not
0%
absolutely stable.
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00
-5%
While over the 10 years it averages 3.9%, there are
obvious fluctuations year by year. From 1990 to -10%
1991, there was a 4% decline in construction
Minneapolis MSA
employment. The next year a 4.9% increase. The
next year an 2% increase, so on and so forth.
For the 10 years, the average of the annual increases is 3.9%. However, the rate of growth is not nearly as stable as
the Mythical Area. The growth line is not straight but goes up and down.
While the rate of growth of Construction Employment for Minneapolis is not absolutely stable, it is considerably
more stable than the Great Falls, MT metropolitan area.
As with Minneapolis and the Mythical Area, Great
Construction Jobs - 3.9% Average Annual Growth
Falls had an average annual increase of 3.9% over 20%
the 10 years. As you can see in the graph, the rate of 1991-2000
growth was extremely volatile. 15%
From 1990 to 1991, the Great Falls area lost 3% of 10%
its construction jobs and the next year gained 11%.
Then it lost 6%, gained 16% and so on. Over the 5%
course of the ten years, these “ups and downs”
0%
average 3.9%, the same as Minneapolis.
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00
-5%
Obviously, simply relying upon economic growth
percentages is not sufficient in order to determine the -10%
character of a local economy. Economic stability
Great Falls, MT MSA
must be considered.
To measure economic stability, the difference or deviation in each successive year's percentage of growth is
calculated (absolute number) and averaged, creating the Average Deviation from Previous Year (DEV).
To determine the measurable consistency of growth, the DEV is subtracted from the AAI. This number is used for
POLICOM's economic strength rankings. Inconsistent economies area ranked lower than consistent economies.
The following are the economic strength rankings for the 366 Metropolitan Statistical Areas and the 574
Micropolitan Statistical Areas. This is the sixth year POLICOM has ranked the areas under this methodology.
Previous year rankings are also provided. The geographic definitions can be found at www.policom.com.
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5. Metropolitan Area Rankings
366 Metropolitan Areas 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 366 Metropolitan Areas 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA (MSA) 1 12 11 23 51 34 11 Abilene, TX (MSA) 332 347 359 352 322 324 351
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-
2 2 2 1 3 1 3 Akron, OH (MSA) 150 99 95 108 90 104 120
MD-WV (MSA)
Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO (MSA) 3 7 17 19 14 9 4 Albany, GA (MSA) 307 335 333 321 279 270 257
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX (MSA) 4 1 8 26 29 32 24 Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY (MSA) 92 68 75 65 54 82 110
Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville, CA
5 11 5 10 19 35 40 Albuquerque, NM (MSA) 111 129 111 100 88 74 61
(MSA)
Salt Lake City, UT (MSA) 6 10 9 28 18 6 17 Alexandria, LA (MSA) 174 253 282 289 275 307 280
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA (MSA) 7 13 12 11 13 15 28 Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ (MSA) 79 47 71 76 96 99 130
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA (MSA) 8 8 3 6 21 21 5 Altoona, PA (MSA) 315 261 260 260 237 265 267
Madison, WI (MSA) 9 6 15 8 20 7 13 Amarillo, TX (MSA) 170 222 253 247 259 285 310
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (MSA) 10 4 7 22 16 13 12 Ames, IA (MSA) 143 135 128 147 177 164 179
Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC (MSA) 11 3 1 2 1 3 1 Anchorage, AK (MSA) 154 180 217 226 223 276 328
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX (MSA) 12 19 39 37 45 22 15 Anderson, IN (MSA) 364 344 351 334 335 321 323
Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin,
13 5 4 4 2 4 7 Anderson, SC (MSA) 318 303 286 254 222 195 156
TN (MSA)
Olympia, WA (MSA) 14 26 33 54 66 46 58 Ann Arbor, MI (MSA) 165 130 114 110 97 84 106
Raleigh-Cary, NC (MSA) 15 15 24 30 25 19 9 Anniston-Oxford, AL (MSA) 331 322 332 346 347 358 358
Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ (MSA) 16 18 6 7 8 11 14 Appleton, WI (MSA) 68 80 91 109 99 73 91
Kansas City, MO-KS (MSA) 17 9 20 16 11 10 10 Asheville, NC (MSA) 227 190 195 163 151 137 108
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA (MSA) 18 20 14 9 6 2 2 Athens-Clarke County, GA (MSA) 256 240 235 238 228 182 176
Trenton-Ewing, NJ (MSA) 19 23 36 44 64 94 136 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA (MSA) 18 20 14 9 6 2 2
Birmingham-Hoover, AL (MSA) 20 14 16 5 4 5 6 Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ (MSA) 177 197 237 213 225 256 274
Sioux Falls, SD (MSA) 21 34 52 84 101 78 56 Auburn-Opelika, AL (MSA) 281 291 297 320 296 263 228
Las Vegas-Paradise, NV (MSA) 22 25 10 3 10 23 46 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC (MSA) 203 214 197 186 156 177 220
Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA (MSA) 23 22 23 32 38 57 48 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX (MSA) 12 19 39 37 45 22 15
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
24 24 30 49 63 64 60 Bakersfield-Delano, CA (MSA) 86 111 122 172 202 249 290
(MSA)
Fargo, ND-MN (MSA) 25 51 84 96 108 95 95 Baltimore-Towson, MD (MSA) 56 36 27 18 23 36 44
Indianapolis-Carmel, IN (MSA) 26 17 18 14 9 14 20 Bangor, ME (MSA) 244 259 259 231 200 185 143
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL (MSA) 27 28 21 13 24 26 21 Barnstable Town, MA (MSA) 209 163 129 111 91 75 62
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
28 27 22 15 22 24 31 Baton Rouge, LA (MSA) 96 115 135 151 178 210 254
(MSA)
Metropolitan Areas Page 1

6. Metropolitan Area Rankings
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX (MSA) 29 31 43 68 56 29 16 Battle Creek, MI (MSA) 291 296 275 240 250 277 291
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA (MSA) 30 32 28 29 36 67 86 Bay City, MI (MSA) 361 356 346 350 337 318 302
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
31 16 19 12 5 8 8 Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX (MSA) 264 282 292 297 311 333 315
(MSA)
Napa, CA (MSA) 32 46 65 46 72 54 75 Bellingham, WA (MSA) 42 71 97 126 162 192 240
Charlottesville, VA (MSA) 33 61 58 78 81 63 41 Bend, OR (MSA) 43 49 46 61 79 76 101
Norwich-New London, CT (MSA) 34 86 82 73 65 87 117 Billings, MT (MSA) 83 105 159 173 186 183 150
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA (MSA) 35 82 64 55 73 80 99 Binghamton, NY (MSA) 327 323 323 344 332 332 311
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT
36 40 63 58 39 60 67 Birmingham-Hoover, AL (MSA) 20 14 16 5 4 5 6
(MSA)
Boise City-Nampa, ID (MSA) 37 65 48 66 78 70 55 Bismarck, ND (MSA) 145 188 221 229 264 228 200
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Columbus, OH (MSA) 38 35 26 20 7 12 18 333 306 279 279 253 235 217
(MSA)
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA (MSA) 39 54 42 64 55 30 35 Bloomington, IN (MSA) 345 334 324 311 288 254 231
Colorado Springs, CO (MSA) 40 73 77 83 67 39 29 Bloomington-Normal, IL (MSA) 159 192 169 155 132 106 97
Reno-Sparks, NV (MSA) 41 29 34 24 17 16 33 Boise City-Nampa, ID (MSA) 37 65 48 66 78 70 55
Bellingham, WA (MSA) 42 71 97 126 162 192 240 Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH (MSA) 58 44 44 34 15 17 26
Bend, OR (MSA) 43 49 46 61 79 76 101 Boulder, CO (MSA) 87 102 112 125 140 132 114
Manchester-Nashua, NH (MSA) 44 48 32 39 40 31 43 Bowling Green, KY (MSA) 254 252 277 275 305 290 252
Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI (MSA) 45 21 13 21 30 27 39 Bremerton-Silverdale, WA (MSA) 64 88 88 106 135 155 192
Memphis, TN-MS-AR (MSA) 46 39 37 17 12 25 23 Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT (MSA) 54 42 70 59 44 52 50
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA (MSA) 47 70 98 107 122 108 127 Brownsville-Harlingen, TX (MSA) 253 297 308 283 300 331 292
Green Bay, WI (MSA) 48 78 68 50 48 20 27 Brunswick, GA (MSA) 272 298 273 262 242 251 206
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA (MSA) 49 77 56 70 53 62 79 Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY (MSA) 219 161 167 167 179 201 235
Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN (MSA) 50 38 31 38 34 33 38 Burlington, NC (MSA) 349 354 344 328 301 231 174
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA (MSA) 51 41 62 63 74 86 80 Burlington-South Burlington, VT (MSA) 82 72 59 53 32 50 25
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
52 55 67 56 59 51 70 Canton-Massillon, OH (MSA) 297 283 271 288 267 272 265
(MSA)
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL
53 60 47 60 70 66 82 Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL (MSA) 108 69 51 48 69 59 68
(MSA)
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT (MSA) 54 42 70 59 44 52 50 Cape Girardeau-Jackson, MO-IL (MSA) 188 145 NA NA NA NA NA
New Haven-Milford, CT (MSA) 55 52 57 41 35 69 83 Carson City, NV (MSA) 121 90 87 91 84 122 148
Baltimore-Towson, MD (MSA) 56 36 27 18 23 36 44 Casper, WY (MSA) 125 169 206 241 273 330 320
Santa Fe, NM (MSA) 57 118 134 133 155 124 92 Cedar Rapids, IA (MSA) 78 116 136 159 165 168 184
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH (MSA) 58 44 44 34 15 17 26 Champaign-Urbana, IL (MSA) 316 340 314 272 241 199 165
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC (MSA) 59 85 80 77 52 48 34 Charleston, WV (MSA) 113 100 130 112 93 120 155
Metropolitan Areas Page 2

7. Metropolitan Area Rankings
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville,
60 57 55 47 61 79 88 77 64 79 79 92 111 90
(MSA) SC (MSA)
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-
61 33 25 25 26 41 51 Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC (MSA) 11 3 1 2 1 3 1
DE-MD (MSA)
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island,
62 43 38 42 42 42 49 Charlottesville, VA (MSA) 33 61 58 78 81 63 41
NY-NJ-PA (MSA)
Richmond, VA (MSA) 63 56 53 27 27 18 19 Chattanooga, TN-GA (MSA) 99 108 93 75 71 105 145
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA (MSA) 64 88 88 106 135 155 192 Cheyenne, WY (MSA) 119 152 126 158 175 162 133
Montgomery, AL (MSA) 65 75 50 36 62 68 65 Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI (MSA) 45 21 13 21 30 27 39
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI (MSA) 66 45 35 40 37 58 57 Chico, CA (MSA) 200 212 187 164 198 218 242
Lexington-Fayette, KY (MSA) 67 37 49 62 50 55 52 Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN (MSA) 50 38 31 38 34 33 38
Appleton, WI (MSA) 68 80 91 109 99 73 91 Clarksville, TN-KY (MSA) 197 196 186 165 159 180 209
Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, CA
69 66 78 82 113 151 189 Cleveland, TN (MSA) 309 305 278 287 302 310 283
(MSA)
Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, WA (MSA) 70 125 137 175 203 237 268 Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH (MSA) 141 94 94 132 157 154 171
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA (MSA) 71 89 104 120 120 89 73 Coeur d'Alene, ID (MSA) 124 147 161 160 144 126 109
Honolulu, HI (MSA) 72 103 132 146 190 243 273 College Station-Bryan, TX (MSA) 194 201 225 256 282 260 226
Pittsburgh, PA (MSA) 73 30 41 51 43 56 64 Colorado Springs, CO (MSA) 40 73 77 83 67 39 29
Missoula, MT (MSA) 74 96 118 130 106 85 77 Columbia, MO (MSA) 171 193 182 149 130 136 112
Oklahoma City, OK (MSA) 75 97 148 180 153 157 183 Columbia, SC (MSA) 115 84 72 85 76 71 54
Jacksonville, FL (MSA) 76 58 45 71 57 65 74 Columbus, GA-AL (MSA) 216 236 240 214 176 165 137
Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville,
77 64 79 79 92 111 90 Columbus, IN (MSA) 228 230 238 264 274 306 304
SC (MSA)
Cedar Rapids, IA (MSA) 78 116 136 159 165 168 184 Columbus, OH (MSA) 38 35 26 20 7 12 18
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ (MSA) 79 47 71 76 96 99 130 Corpus Christi, TX (MSA) 80 123 153 161 193 236 244
Corpus Christi, TX (MSA) 80 123 153 161 193 236 244 Corvallis, OR (MSA) 270 263 244 222 219 176 147
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
Knoxville, TN (MSA) 81 74 60 74 58 77 71 144 128 99 113 118 140 113
(MSA)
Burlington-South Burlington, VT (MSA) 82 72 59 53 32 50 25 Cumberland, MD-WV (MSA) 326 346 337 340 346 337 343
Billings, MT (MSA) 83 105 159 173 186 183 150 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (MSA) 10 4 7 22 16 13 12
Grand Junction, CO (MSA) 84 106 141 188 194 161 149 Dalton, GA (MSA) 286 246 233 219 236 268 245
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (MSA) 85 50 29 43 47 44 32 Danville, IL (MSA) 366 366 363 363 361 361 361
Bakersfield-Delano, CA (MSA) 86 111 122 172 202 249 290 Danville, VA (MSA) 363 365 361 360 360 359 360
Boulder, CO (MSA) 87 102 112 125 140 132 114 Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL (MSA) 178 157 188 201 227 255 287
Greeley, CO (MSA) 88 150 164 157 128 88 94 Dayton, OH (MSA) 265 199 175 168 136 152 162
Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX (MSA) 89 122 125 143 169 159 140 Decatur, AL (MSA) 295 277 276 309 310 328 303
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-
90 63 61 33 46 43 59 Decatur, IL (MSA) 234 238 264 292 303 320 300
NC (MSA)
Metropolitan Areas Page 3

8. Metropolitan Area Rankings
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL
Huntsville, AL (MSA) 91 87 85 97 95 98 126 258 208 171 195 166 131 144
(MSA)
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY (MSA) 92 68 75 65 54 82 110 Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO (MSA) 3 7 17 19 14 9 4
Stockton, CA (MSA) 93 104 90 102 134 179 212 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA (MSA) 7 13 12 11 13 15 28
Savannah, GA (MSA) 94 138 133 121 152 178 207 Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI (MSA) 151 117 115 89 89 100 131
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV (MSA) 95 92 81 86 114 119 154 Dothan, AL (MSA) 285 257 266 293 287 323 326
Baton Rouge, LA (MSA) 96 115 135 151 178 210 254 Dover, DE (MSA) 182 179 165 136 138 191 243
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI (MSA) 97 53 54 35 28 37 42 Dubuque, IA (MSA) 238 228 250 281 306 298 285
Providence-New Bedford-Fall River, RI-MA
98 79 74 45 31 49 47 Duluth, MN-WI (MSA) 259 224 231 206 170 202 158
(MSA)
Chattanooga, TN-GA (MSA) 99 108 93 75 71 105 145 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC (MSA) 59 85 80 77 52 48 34
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO
100 131 139 117 105 81 78 Eau Claire, WI (MSA) 185 184 199 187 145 134 116
(MSA)
St. Louis, MO-IL (MSA) 101 62 69 31 33 38 53 El Centro, CA (MSA) 300 336 315 319 342 340 347
Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN (MSA) 102 59 66 67 41 28 30 Elizabethtown, KY (MSA) 287 280 242 234 245 271 266
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO (MSA) 103 114 107 80 75 45 37 Elkhart-Goshen, IN (MSA) 282 217 192 191 211 242 232
Wausau, WI (MSA) 104 81 76 90 82 53 36 Elmira, NY (MSA) 322 345 348 347 323 336 318
Gainesville, GA (MSA) 105 136 117 127 123 92 89 El Paso, TX (MSA) 186 198 219 190 171 208 187
Jackson, MS (MSA) 106 91 83 69 60 83 72 Erie, PA (MSA) 317 286 268 269 251 279 298
Salinas, CA (MSA) 107 83 92 95 124 169 202 Eugene-Springfield, OR (MSA) 175 148 127 140 160 130 139
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL (MSA) 108 69 51 48 69 59 68 Evansville, IN-KY (MSA) 168 124 102 88 102 128 169
Spokane, WA (MSA) 109 119 151 194 220 229 193 Fairbanks, AK (MSA) 155 177 232 255 280 317 339
Ogden-Clearfield, UT (MSA) 110 121 113 134 117 103 87 Fargo, ND-MN (MSA) 25 51 84 96 108 95 95
Albuquerque, NM (MSA) 111 129 111 100 88 74 61 Farmington, NM (MSA) 220 248 288 317 340 312 307
Wilmington, NC (MSA) 112 127 152 123 121 90 69 Fayetteville, NC (MSA) 122 165 131 128 150 189 227
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO
Charleston, WV (MSA) 113 100 130 112 93 120 155 100 131 139 117 105 81 78
(MSA)
Naples-Marco Island, FL (MSA) 114 67 40 52 68 40 63 Flagstaff, AZ (MSA) 187 231 214 176 158 205 185
Columbia, SC (MSA) 115 84 72 85 76 71 54 Flint, MI (MSA) 358 327 307 299 283 299 312
Peoria, IL (MSA) 116 140 163 193 218 245 247 Florence, SC (MSA) 298 288 256 232 207 203 160
Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY
117 95 100 94 112 138 175 Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL (MSA) 312 337 341 354 354 348 357
(MSA)
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA (MSA) 118 76 73 57 49 61 85 Fond du Lac, WI (MSA) 163 194 204 209 216 193 167
Cheyenne, WY (MSA) 119 152 126 158 175 162 133 Fort Collins-Loveland, CO (MSA) 103 114 107 80 75 45 37
Medford, OR (MSA) 120 93 86 93 129 102 135 Fort Smith, AR-OK (MSA) 284 251 267 268 268 232 195
Carson City, NV (MSA) 121 90 87 91 84 122 148 Fort Wayne, IN (MSA) 221 155 155 145 126 114 132
Fayetteville, NC (MSA) 122 165 131 128 150 189 227 Fresno, CA (MSA) 146 107 96 92 109 143 191
Sheboygan, WI (MSA) 123 101 116 118 111 93 76 Gadsden, AL (MSA) 352 357 356 338 349 356 353
Coeur d'Alene, ID (MSA) 124 147 161 160 144 126 109 Gainesville, FL (MSA) 231 207 224 202 191 213 197
Casper, WY (MSA) 125 169 206 241 273 330 320 Gainesville, GA (MSA) 105 136 117 127 123 92 89
Lafayette, LA (MSA) 126 176 223 236 271 286 296 Glens Falls, NY (MSA) 303 324 316 339 348 344 340
Metropolitan Areas Page 4

9. Metropolitan Area Rankings
Redding, CA (MSA) 127 109 89 72 86 113 164 Goldsboro, NC (MSA) 321 312 335 312 299 304 308
Rochester, MN (MSA) 128 98 103 104 94 107 115 Grand Forks, ND-MN (MSA) 334 333 339 351 353 349 333
Provo-Orem, UT (MSA) 129 170 193 181 146 116 111 Grand Junction, CO (MSA) 84 106 141 188 194 161 149
Lincoln, NE (MSA) 130 174 174 152 127 115 93 Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI (MSA) 97 53 54 35 28 37 42
Morgantown, WV (MSA) 131 175 198 216 240 198 182 Great Falls, MT (MSA) 202 216 239 270 308 289 272
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI (MSA) 132 151 138 131 107 91 66 Greeley, CO (MSA) 88 150 164 157 128 88 94
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA (MSA) 133 160 150 171 205 204 208 Green Bay, WI (MSA) 48 78 68 50 48 20 27
Greensboro-High Point, NC (MSA) 134 134 110 98 83 97 124 Greensboro-High Point, NC (MSA) 134 134 110 98 83 97 124
Rochester, NY (MSA) 135 110 106 115 147 175 214 Greenville, NC (MSA) 289 311 322 323 334 338 305
Tallahassee, FL (MSA) 136 144 123 139 133 118 98 Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC (MSA) 161 142 144 148 139 125 104
Tyler, TX (MSA) 137 166 208 218 185 206 170 Gulfport-Biloxi, MS (MSA) 302 350 353 324 263 223 198
Iowa City, IA (MSA) 138 133 157 144 149 127 107 Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV (MSA) 95 92 81 86 114 119 154
Longview, TX (MSA) 139 189 230 263 291 329 289 Hanford-Corcoran, CA (MSA) 191 227 210 235 260 292 325
Reading, PA (MSA) 140 126 119 99 110 145 188 Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA (MSA) 118 76 73 57 49 61 85
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH (MSA) 141 94 94 132 157 154 171 Harrisonburg, VA (MSA) 208 215 212 205 229 187 166
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT
Tulsa, OK (MSA) 142 139 170 153 131 101 84 36 40 63 58 39 60 67
(MSA)
Ames, IA (MSA) 143 135 128 147 177 164 179 Hattiesburg, MS (MSA) 305 317 287 308 284 247 230
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
144 128 99 113 118 140 113 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC (MSA) 354 353 336 337 325 294 222
(MSA)
Bismarck, ND (MSA) 145 188 221 229 264 228 200 Hinesville-Fort Stewart, GA (MSA) 257 307 294 290 319 322 329
Fresno, CA (MSA) 146 107 96 92 109 143 191 Holland-Grand Haven, MI (MSA) 273 209 201 199 180 149 190
Winchester, VA-WV (MSA) 147 137 108 87 80 47 22 Honolulu, HI (MSA) 72 103 132 146 190 243 273
Modesto, CA (MSA) 148 164 121 101 137 170 211 Hot Springs, AR (MSA) 324 300 311 313 309 267 251
Tuscaloosa, AL (MSA) 149 154 142 119 148 146 141 Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA (MSA) 260 314 347 355 352 352 348
Akron, OH (MSA) 150 99 95 108 90 104 120 Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX (MSA) 4 1 8 26 29 32 24
Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI (MSA) 151 117 115 89 89 100 131 Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH (MSA) 277 260 254 266 276 305 345
Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME
152 132 105 81 77 72 45 Huntsville, AL (MSA) 91 87 85 97 95 98 126
(MSA)
Warner Robins, GA (MSA) 153 205 209 210 226 207 238 Idaho Falls, ID (MSA) 210 220 185 200 197 186 157
Anchorage, AK (MSA) 154 180 217 226 223 276 328 Indianapolis-Carmel, IN (MSA) 26 17 18 14 9 14 20
Fairbanks, AK (MSA) 155 177 232 255 280 317 339 Iowa City, IA (MSA) 138 133 157 144 149 127 107
Lancaster, PA (MSA) 156 112 101 114 104 142 172 Ithaca, NY (MSA) 255 279 272 271 293 250 239
Manhattan, KS (MSA) 157 120 NR NR NR NR NR Jackson, MI (MSA) 336 268 258 243 249 224 262
Tucson, AZ (MSA) 158 146 120 103 87 96 81 Jackson, MS (MSA) 106 91 83 69 60 83 72
Bloomington-Normal, IL (MSA) 159 192 169 155 132 106 97 Jackson, TN (MSA) 205 187 162 129 125 158 159
Worcester, MA (MSA) 160 172 160 122 98 109 118 Jacksonville, FL (MSA) 76 58 45 71 57 65 74
Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC (MSA) 161 142 144 148 139 125 104 Jacksonville, NC (MSA) 199 264 299 284 327 280 316
Metropolitan Areas Page 5

10. Metropolitan Area Rankings
Springfield, MO (MSA) 162 211 234 207 173 144 102 Janesville, WI (MSA) 311 293 289 305 324 287 317
Fond du Lac, WI (MSA) 163 194 204 209 216 193 167 Jefferson City, MO (MSA) 181 213 194 212 161 167 181
Shreveport-Bossier City, LA (MSA) 164 141 172 182 213 239 270 Johnson City, TN (MSA) 304 304 300 277 252 283 260
Ann Arbor, MI (MSA) 165 130 114 110 97 84 106 Johnstown, PA (MSA) 355 341 342 359 359 354 356
Laredo, TX (MSA) 166 186 196 211 232 219 221 Jonesboro, AR (MSA) 342 355 350 325 329 311 295
Rapid City, SD (MSA) 167 200 222 224 243 227 205 Joplin, MO (MSA) 250 308 313 285 244 244 203
Evansville, IN-KY (MSA) 168 124 102 88 102 128 169 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI (MSA) 279 243 207 198 182 211 250
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL (MSA) 169 167 145 174 199 209 177 Kankakee-Bradley, IL (MSA) 319 329 302 315 318 284 271
Amarillo, TX (MSA) 170 222 253 247 259 285 310 Kansas City, MO-KS (MSA) 17 9 20 16 11 10 10
Columbia, MO (MSA) 171 193 182 149 130 136 112 Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, WA (MSA) 70 125 137 175 203 237 268
State College, PA (MSA) 172 185 184 183 174 147 178 Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX (MSA) 89 122 125 143 169 159 140
Yuba City, CA (MSA) 173 202 200 197 215 248 277 Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA (MSA) 299 271 247 248 238 226 249
Alexandria, LA (MSA) 174 253 282 289 275 307 280 Kingston, NY (MSA) 246 262 261 307 331 316 276
Eugene-Springfield, OR (MSA) 175 148 127 140 160 130 139 Knoxville, TN (MSA) 81 74 60 74 58 77 71
Winston-Salem, NC (MSA) 176 171 140 142 115 156 153 Kokomo, IN (MSA) 343 330 325 342 345 347 335
Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ (MSA) 177 197 237 213 225 256 274 La Crosse, WI-MN (MSA) 237 245 228 230 212 184 142
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL (MSA) 178 157 188 201 227 255 287 Lafayette, IN (MSA) 294 265 270 246 247 217 199
Victoria, TX (MSA) 179 225 269 276 295 341 314 Lafayette, LA (MSA) 126 176 223 236 271 286 296
St. George, UT (MSA) 180 158 143 162 142 112 123 Lake Charles, LA (MSA) 222 302 320 336 272 291 319
Jefferson City, MO (MSA) 181 213 194 212 161 167 181 Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ (MSA) 217 221 176 154 182 182 182
Dover, DE (MSA) 182 179 165 136 138 191 243 Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL (MSA) 267 229 189 169 209 174 151
Springfield, MA (MSA) 183 183 154 116 100 129 128 Lancaster, PA (MSA) 156 112 101 114 104 142 172
Midland, TX (MSA) 184 234 281 295 316 342 331 Lansing-East Lansing, MI (MSA) 225 204 202 223 208 171 215
Eau Claire, WI (MSA) 185 184 199 187 145 134 116 Laredo, TX (MSA) 166 186 196 211 232 219 221
El Paso, TX (MSA) 186 198 219 190 171 208 187 Las Cruces, NM (MSA) 274 315 329 335 333 339 324
Flagstaff, AZ (MSA) 187 231 214 176 158 205 185 Las Vegas-Paradise, NV (MSA) 22 25 10 3 10 23 46
Cape Girardeau-Jackson, MO-IL (MSA) 188 145 NA NA NA NA NA Lawrence, KS (MSA) 306 287 245 215 183 150 129
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI (MSA) 189 143 147 124 103 117 96 Lawton, OK (MSA) 288 328 298 316 336 345 352
Wichita, KS (MSA) 190 153 177 204 239 252 236 Lebanon, PA (MSA) 283 239 236 265 262 258 278
Hanford-Corcoran, CA (MSA) 191 227 210 235 260 292 325 Lewiston, ID-WA (MSA) 235 275 283 300 326 327 306
Panama City-Lynn Haven-Panama City
192 203 183 178 192 225 196 Lewiston-Auburn, ME (MSA) 296 266 227 189 163 148 103
Beach, FL (MSA)
Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ (MSA) 193 162 156 135 172 200 246 Lexington-Fayette, KY (MSA) 67 37 49 62 50 55 52
College Station-Bryan, TX (MSA) 194 201 225 256 282 260 226 Lima, OH (MSA) 313 278 252 239 254 238 263
Syracuse, NY (MSA) 195 149 166 179 201 222 258 Lincoln, NE (MSA) 130 174 174 152 127 115 93
Metropolitan Areas Page 6

11. Metropolitan Area Rankings
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Salisbury, MD (MSA) 196 182 146 105 85 110 134 52 55 67 56 59 51 70
(MSA)
Clarksville, TN-KY (MSA) 197 196 186 165 159 180 209 Logan, UT-ID (MSA) 226 294 304 298 269 246 201
Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA (MSA) 198 159 180 196 168 133 163 Longview, TX (MSA) 139 189 230 263 291 329 289
Jacksonville, NC (MSA) 199 264 299 284 327 280 316 Longview, WA (MSA) 290 273 305 273 294 313 341
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA
Chico, CA (MSA) 200 212 187 164 198 218 242 60 57 55 47 61 79 88
(MSA)
Mankato-North Mankato, MN (MSA) 201 113 NR NR NR NR NR Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN (MSA) 102 59 66 67 41 28 30
Great Falls, MT (MSA) 202 216 239 270 308 289 272 Lubbock, TX (MSA) 301 319 349 343 341 351 344
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC (MSA) 203 214 197 186 156 177 220 Lynchburg, VA (MSA) 252 247 220 228 257 214 180
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL (MSA) 204 156 109 141 167 121 105 Macon, GA (MSA) 323 301 263 227 196 173 161
Jackson, TN (MSA) 205 187 162 129 125 158 159 Madera-Chowchilla, CA (MSA) 240 272 249 261 290 288 327
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA (MSA) 206 269 262 244 116 141 146 Madison, WI (MSA) 9 6 15 8 20 7 13
Texarkana, TX-Texarkana, AR (MSA) 207 250 251 257 256 275 288 Manchester-Nashua, NH (MSA) 44 48 32 39 40 31 43
Harrisonburg, VA (MSA) 208 215 212 205 229 187 166 Manhattan, KS (MSA) 157 120 NR NR NR NR NR
Barnstable Town, MA (MSA) 209 163 129 111 91 75 62 Mankato-North Mankato, MN (MSA) 201 113 NR NR NR NR NR
Idaho Falls, ID (MSA) 210 220 185 200 197 186 157 Mansfield, OH (MSA) 359 360 343 322 313 282 264
Racine, WI (MSA) 211 173 149 170 187 221 259 McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX (MSA) 213 210 191 185 184 172 194
Salem, OR (MSA) 212 168 158 184 217 194 168 Medford, OR (MSA) 120 93 86 93 129 102 135
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX (MSA) 213 210 191 185 184 172 194 Memphis, TN-MS-AR (MSA) 46 39 37 17 12 25 23
Port St. Lucie, FL (MSA) 214 178 124 156 141 181 216 Merced, CA (MSA) 247 281 246 208 233 259 299
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL
York-Hanover, PA (MSA) 215 181 181 166 189 216 256 53 60 47 60 70 66 82
(MSA)
Columbus, GA-AL (MSA) 216 236 240 214 176 165 137 Michigan City-La Porte, IN (MSA) 335 316 319 341 344 319 322
Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ (MSA) 217 221 176 154 182 182 182 Midland, TX (MSA) 184 234 281 295 316 342 331
Odessa, TX (MSA) 218 276 312 353 356 360 350 Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI (MSA) 66 45 35 40 37 58 57
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY (MSA) 219 161 167 167 179 201 235 31 16 19 12 5 8 8
(MSA)
Farmington, NM (MSA) 220 248 288 317 340 312 307 Missoula, MT (MSA) 74 96 118 130 106 85 77
Fort Wayne, IN (MSA) 221 155 155 145 126 114 132 Mobile, AL (MSA) 233 235 203 221 204 230 241
Lake Charles, LA (MSA) 222 302 320 336 272 291 319 Modesto, CA (MSA) 148 164 121 101 137 170 211
Monroe, LA (MSA) 223 242 265 291 221 234 219 Monroe, LA (MSA) 223 242 265 291 221 234 219
Visalia-Porterville, CA (MSA) 224 237 229 225 231 264 297 Monroe, MI (MSA) 275 249 211 252 224 190 213
Lansing-East Lansing, MI (MSA) 225 204 202 223 208 171 215 Montgomery, AL (MSA) 65 75 50 36 62 68 65
Logan, UT-ID (MSA) 226 294 304 298 269 246 201 Morgantown, WV (MSA) 131 175 198 216 240 198 182
Asheville, NC (MSA) 227 190 195 163 151 137 108 Morristown, TN (MSA) 338 320 290 286 312 262 224
Metropolitan Areas Page 7

12. Metropolitan Area Rankings
Columbus, IN (MSA) 228 230 238 264 274 306 304 Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA (MSA) 47 70 98 107 122 108 127
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL (MSA) 229 256 218 249 292 278 255 Muncie, IN (MSA) 365 358 355 348 343 335 321
St. Joseph, MO-KS (MSA) 230 258 284 318 317 281 223 Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI (MSA) 353 348 326 294 261 266 261
Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway,
Gainesville, FL (MSA) 231 207 224 202 191 213 197 241 206 173 177 195 163 121
SC (MSA)
Roanoke, VA (MSA) 232 241 213 192 164 139 119 Napa, CA (MSA) 32 46 65 46 72 54 75
Mobile, AL (MSA) 233 235 203 221 204 230 241 Naples-Marco Island, FL (MSA) 114 67 40 52 68 40 63
Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin,
Decatur, IL (MSA) 234 238 264 292 303 320 300 13 5 4 4 2 4 7
TN (MSA)
Lewiston, ID-WA (MSA) 235 275 283 300 326 327 306 New Haven-Milford, CT (MSA) 55 52 57 41 35 69 83
Ocala, FL (MSA) 236 191 168 150 143 153 138 New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA (MSA) 206 269 262 244 116 141 146
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island,
La Crosse, WI-MN (MSA) 237 245 228 230 212 184 142 62 43 38 42 42 42 49
NY-NJ-PA (MSA)
Dubuque, IA (MSA) 238 228 250 281 306 298 285 Niles-Benton Harbor, MI (MSA) 347 326 317 306 298 293 301
Waco, TX (MSA) 239 218 243 251 235 197 152 North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL (MSA) 204 156 109 141 167 121 105
Madera-Chowchilla, CA (MSA) 240 272 249 261 290 288 327 Norwich-New London, CT (MSA) 34 86 82 73 65 87 117
Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway,
241 206 173 177 195 163 121 Ocala, FL (MSA) 236 191 168 150 143 153 138
SC (MSA)
St. Cloud, MN (MSA) 242 254 257 282 270 261 234 Ocean City, NJ (MSA) 268 219 178 137 154 135 125
Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL (MSA) 243 232 216 233 248 233 210 Odessa, TX (MSA) 218 276 312 353 356 360 350
Bangor, ME (MSA) 244 259 259 231 200 185 143 Ogden-Clearfield, UT (MSA) 110 121 113 134 117 103 87
Pittsfield, MA (MSA) 245 226 179 138 119 123 100 Oklahoma City, OK (MSA) 75 97 148 180 153 157 183
Kingston, NY (MSA) 246 262 261 307 331 316 276 Olympia, WA (MSA) 14 26 33 54 66 46 58
Merced, CA (MSA) 247 281 246 208 233 259 299 Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA (MSA) 23 22 23 32 38 57 48
Prescott, AZ (MSA) 248 244 215 245 285 241 204 Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL (MSA) 27 28 21 13 24 26 21
Toledo, OH (MSA) 249 195 190 203 214 220 233 Oshkosh-Neenah, WI (MSA) 132 151 138 131 107 91 66
Joplin, MO (MSA) 250 308 313 285 244 244 203 Owensboro, KY (MSA) 329 313 330 349 350 350 330
Spartanburg, SC (MSA) 251 223 205 220 188 160 122 Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA (MSA) 30 32 28 29 36 67 86
Lynchburg, VA (MSA) 252 247 220 228 257 214 180 Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL (MSA) 169 167 145 174 199 209 177
Brownsville-Harlingen, TX (MSA) 253 297 308 283 300 331 292 Palm Coast, FL (MSA) 351 350 321 301 182 182 182
Panama City-Lynn Haven-Panama City
Bowling Green, KY (MSA) 254 252 277 275 305 290 252 192 203 183 178 192 225 196
Beach, FL (MSA)
Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna, WV-OH
Ithaca, NY (MSA) 255 279 272 271 293 250 239 330 343 340 329 297 273 275
(MSA)
Athens-Clarke County, GA (MSA) 256 240 235 238 228 182 176 Pascagoula, MS (MSA) 292 364 360 362 357 346 354
Hinesville-Fort Stewart, GA (MSA) 257 307 294 290 319 322 329 Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL (MSA) 229 256 218 249 292 278 255
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL
258 208 171 195 166 131 144 Peoria, IL (MSA) 116 140 163 193 218 245 247
(MSA)
Metropolitan Areas Page 8

13. Metropolitan Area Rankings
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-
Duluth, MN-WI (MSA) 259 224 231 206 170 202 158 61 33 25 25 26 41 51
DE-MD (MSA)
Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA (MSA) 260 314 347 355 352 352 348 Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ (MSA) 16 18 6 7 8 11 14
Rockford, IL (MSA) 261 233 226 253 255 257 286 Pine Bluff, AR (MSA) 346 363 362 356 355 357 355
Valdosta, GA (MSA) 262 290 296 267 258 215 173 Pittsburgh, PA (MSA) 73 30 41 51 43 56 64
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA (MSA) 263 284 301 331 338 309 334 Pittsfield, MA (MSA) 245 226 179 138 119 123 100
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX (MSA) 264 282 292 297 311 333 315 Pocatello, ID (MSA) 341 351 358 361 358 355 346
Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME
Dayton, OH (MSA) 265 199 175 168 136 152 162 152 132 105 81 77 72 45
(MSA)
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Springfield, IL (MSA) 266 274 248 237 206 166 229 24 24 30 49 63 64 60
(MSA)
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL (MSA) 267 229 189 169 209 174 151 Port St. Lucie, FL (MSA) 214 178 124 156 141 181 216
Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY
Ocean City, NJ (MSA) 268 219 178 137 154 135 125 117 95 100 94 112 138 175
(MSA)
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA (MSA) 269 255 285 250 277 303 293 Prescott, AZ (MSA) 248 244 215 245 285 241 204
Providence-New Bedford-Fall River, RI-MA
Corvallis, OR (MSA) 270 263 244 222 219 176 147 98 79 74 45 31 49 47
(MSA)
Yuma, AZ (MSA) 271 318 310 278 278 301 281 Provo-Orem, UT (MSA) 129 170 193 181 146 116 111
Brunswick, GA (MSA) 272 298 273 262 242 251 206 Pueblo, CO (MSA) 293 331 293 258 230 188 218
Holland-Grand Haven, MI (MSA) 273 209 201 199 180 149 190 Punta Gorda, FL (MSA) 310 285 255 274 307 253 237
Las Cruces, NM (MSA) 274 315 329 335 333 339 324 Racine, WI (MSA) 211 173 149 170 187 221 259
Monroe, MI (MSA) 275 249 211 252 224 190 213 Raleigh-Cary, NC (MSA) 15 15 24 30 25 19 9
Topeka, KS (MSA) 276 292 280 242 210 196 186 Rapid City, SD (MSA) 167 200 222 224 243 227 205
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH (MSA) 277 260 254 266 276 305 345 Reading, PA (MSA) 140 126 119 99 110 145 188
Yakima, WA (MSA) 278 309 318 304 320 325 337 Redding, CA (MSA) 127 109 89 72 86 113 164
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI (MSA) 279 243 207 198 182 211 250 Reno-Sparks, NV (MSA) 41 29 34 24 17 16 33
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD (MSA) 280 299 303 280 246 274 309 Richmond, VA (MSA) 63 56 53 27 27 18 19
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
Auburn-Opelika, AL (MSA) 281 291 297 320 296 263 228 28 27 22 15 22 24 31
(MSA)
Elkhart-Goshen, IN (MSA) 282 217 192 191 211 242 232 Roanoke, VA (MSA) 232 241 213 192 164 139 119
Lebanon, PA (MSA) 283 239 236 265 262 258 278 Rochester, MN (MSA) 128 98 103 104 94 107 115
Fort Smith, AR-OK (MSA) 284 251 267 268 268 232 195 Rochester, NY (MSA) 135 110 106 115 147 175 214
Dothan, AL (MSA) 285 257 266 293 287 323 326 Rockford, IL (MSA) 261 233 226 253 255 257 286
Dalton, GA (MSA) 286 246 233 219 236 268 245 Rocky Mount, NC (MSA) 350 339 334 314 281 315 279
Elizabethtown, KY (MSA) 287 280 242 234 245 271 266 Rome, GA (MSA) 360 342 327 303 314 343 336
Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville, CA
Lawton, OK (MSA) 288 328 298 316 336 345 352 5 11 5 10 19 35 40
(MSA)
Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI
Greenville, NC (MSA) 289 311 322 323 334 338 305 325 295 295 302 265 240 284
(MSA)
Longview, WA (MSA) 290 273 305 273 294 313 341 St. Cloud, MN (MSA) 242 254 257 282 270 261 234
Battle Creek, MI (MSA) 291 296 275 240 250 277 291 St. George, UT (MSA) 180 158 143 162 142 112 123
Pascagoula, MS (MSA) 292 364 360 362 357 346 354 St. Joseph, MO-KS (MSA) 230 258 284 318 317 281 223
Pueblo, CO (MSA) 293 331 293 258 230 188 218 St. Louis, MO-IL (MSA) 101 62 69 31 33 38 53
Metropolitan Areas Page 9

14. Metropolitan Area Rankings
Lafayette, IN (MSA) 294 265 270 246 247 217 199 Salem, OR (MSA) 212 168 158 184 217 194 168
Decatur, AL (MSA) 295 277 276 309 310 328 303 Salinas, CA (MSA) 107 83 92 95 124 169 202
Lewiston-Auburn, ME (MSA) 296 266 227 189 163 148 103 Salisbury, MD (MSA) 196 182 146 105 85 110 134
Canton-Massillon, OH (MSA) 297 283 271 288 267 272 265 Salt Lake City, UT (MSA) 6 10 9 28 18 6 17
Florence, SC (MSA) 298 288 256 232 207 203 160 San Angelo, TX (MSA) 337 352 352 327 286 314 349
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA (MSA) 299 271 247 248 238 226 249 San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX (MSA) 29 31 43 68 56 29 16
El Centro, CA (MSA) 300 336 315 319 342 340 347 San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA (MSA) 8 8 3 6 21 21 5
Lubbock, TX (MSA) 301 319 349 343 341 351 344 Sandusky, OH (MSA) 314 270 241 217 181 212 225
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS (MSA) 302 350 353 324 263 223 198 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA (MSA) 51 41 62 63 74 86 80
Glens Falls, NY (MSA) 303 324 316 339 348 344 340 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA (MSA) 71 89 104 120 120 89 73
Johnson City, TN (MSA) 304 304 300 277 252 283 260 San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA (MSA) 49 77 56 70 53 62 79
Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, CA
Hattiesburg, MS (MSA) 305 317 287 308 284 247 230 69 66 78 82 113 151 189
(MSA)
Lawrence, KS (MSA) 306 287 245 215 183 150 129 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA (MSA) 133 160 150 171 205 204 208
Albany, GA (MSA) 307 335 333 321 279 270 257 Santa Fe, NM (MSA) 57 118 134 133 155 124 92
Utica-Rome, NY (MSA) 308 289 306 326 321 308 282 Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA (MSA) 39 54 42 64 55 30 35
Cleveland, TN (MSA) 309 305 278 287 302 310 283 Savannah, GA (MSA) 94 138 133 121 152 178 207
Punta Gorda, FL (MSA) 310 285 255 274 307 253 237 Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA (MSA) 198 159 180 196 168 133 163
Janesville, WI (MSA) 311 293 289 305 324 287 317 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA (MSA) 1 12 11 23 51 34 11
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL (MSA) 312 337 341 354 354 348 357 Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL (MSA) 243 232 216 233 248 233 210
Lima, OH (MSA) 313 278 252 239 254 238 263 Sheboygan, WI (MSA) 123 101 116 118 111 93 76
Sandusky, OH (MSA) 314 270 241 217 181 212 225 Sherman-Denison, TX (MSA) 328 325 331 357 339 302 269
Altoona, PA (MSA) 315 261 260 260 237 265 267 Shreveport-Bossier City, LA (MSA) 164 141 172 182 213 239 270
Champaign-Urbana, IL (MSA) 316 340 314 272 241 199 165 Sioux City, IA-NE-SD (MSA) 280 299 303 280 246 274 309
Erie, PA (MSA) 317 286 268 269 251 279 298 Sioux Falls, SD (MSA) 21 34 52 84 101 78 56
Anderson, SC (MSA) 318 303 286 254 222 195 156 South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI (MSA) 189 143 147 124 103 117 96
Kankakee-Bradley, IL (MSA) 319 329 302 315 318 284 271 Spartanburg, SC (MSA) 251 223 205 220 188 160 122
Wichita Falls, TX (MSA) 320 267 274 259 234 269 253 Spokane, WA (MSA) 109 119 151 194 220 229 193
Goldsboro, NC (MSA) 321 312 335 312 299 304 308 Springfield, IL (MSA) 266 274 248 237 206 166 229
Elmira, NY (MSA) 322 345 348 347 323 336 318 Springfield, MA (MSA) 183 183 154 116 100 129 128
Macon, GA (MSA) 323 301 263 227 196 173 161 Springfield, MO (MSA) 162 211 234 207 173 144 102
Hot Springs, AR (MSA) 324 300 311 313 309 267 251 Springfield, OH (MSA) 362 359 354 310 266 296 332
Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI
325 295 295 302 265 240 284 State College, PA (MSA) 172 185 184 183 174 147 178
(MSA)
Cumberland, MD-WV (MSA) 326 346 337 340 346 337 343 Steubenville-Weirton, OH-WV (MSA) 357 362 357 358 351 353 359
Binghamton, NY (MSA) 327 323 323 344 332 332 311 Stockton, CA (MSA) 93 104 90 102 134 179 212
Sherman-Denison, TX (MSA) 328 325 331 357 339 302 269 Sumter, SC (MSA) 348 332 328 345 330 295 248
Metropolitan Areas Page 10

15. Metropolitan Area Rankings
Owensboro, KY (MSA) 329 313 330 349 350 350 330 Syracuse, NY (MSA) 195 149 166 179 201 222 258
Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna, WV-OH
330 343 340 329 297 273 275 Tallahassee, FL (MSA) 136 144 123 139 133 118 98
(MSA)
Anniston-Oxford, AL (MSA) 331 322 332 346 347 358 358 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (MSA) 85 50 29 43 47 44 32
Abilene, TX (MSA) 332 347 359 352 322 324 351 Terre Haute, IN (MSA) 340 349 338 332 328 334 338
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
333 306 279 279 253 235 217 Texarkana, TX-Texarkana, AR (MSA) 207 250 251 257 256 275 288
(MSA)
Grand Forks, ND-MN (MSA) 334 333 339 351 353 349 333 Toledo, OH (MSA) 249 195 190 203 214 220 233
Michigan City-La Porte, IN (MSA) 335 316 319 341 344 319 322 Topeka, KS (MSA) 276 292 280 242 210 196 186
Jackson, MI (MSA) 336 268 258 243 249 224 262 Trenton-Ewing, NJ (MSA) 19 23 36 44 64 94 136
San Angelo, TX (MSA) 337 352 352 327 286 314 349 Tucson, AZ (MSA) 158 146 120 103 87 96 81
Morristown, TN (MSA) 338 320 290 286 312 262 224 Tulsa, OK (MSA) 142 139 170 153 131 101 84
Wheeling, WV-OH (MSA) 339 310 291 296 304 326 342 Tuscaloosa, AL (MSA) 149 154 142 119 148 146 141
Terre Haute, IN (MSA) 340 349 338 332 328 334 338 Tyler, TX (MSA) 137 166 208 218 185 206 170
Pocatello, ID (MSA) 341 351 358 361 358 355 346 Utica-Rome, NY (MSA) 308 289 306 326 321 308 282
Jonesboro, AR (MSA) 342 355 350 325 329 311 295 Valdosta, GA (MSA) 262 290 296 267 258 215 173
Kokomo, IN (MSA) 343 330 325 342 345 347 335 Vallejo-Fairfield, CA (MSA) 35 82 64 55 73 80 99
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA
344 321 309 333 315 297 313 Victoria, TX (MSA) 179 225 269 276 295 341 314
(MSA)
Bloomington, IN (MSA) 345 334 324 311 288 254 231 Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ (MSA) 193 162 156 135 172 200 246
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-
Pine Bluff, AR (MSA) 346 363 362 356 355 357 355 90 63 61 33 46 43 59
NC (MSA)
Niles-Benton Harbor, MI (MSA) 347 326 317 306 298 293 301 Visalia-Porterville, CA (MSA) 224 237 229 225 231 264 297
Sumter, SC (MSA) 348 332 328 345 330 295 248 Waco, TX (MSA) 239 218 243 251 235 197 152
Burlington, NC (MSA) 349 354 344 328 301 231 174 Warner Robins, GA (MSA) 153 205 209 210 226 207 238
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-
Rocky Mount, NC (MSA) 350 339 334 314 281 315 279 2 2 2 1 3 1 3
MD-WV (MSA)
Palm Coast, FL (MSA) 351 350 321 301 182 182 182 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA (MSA) 263 284 301 331 338 309 334
Gadsden, AL (MSA) 352 357 356 338 349 356 353 Wausau, WI (MSA) 104 81 76 90 82 53 36
Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI (MSA) 353 348 326 294 261 266 261 Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA (MSA) 269 255 285 250 277 303 293
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC (MSA) 354 353 336 337 325 294 222 Wheeling, WV-OH (MSA) 339 310 291 296 304 326 342
Johnstown, PA (MSA) 355 341 342 359 359 354 356 Wichita, KS (MSA) 190 153 177 204 239 252 236
Williamsport, PA (MSA) 356 338 345 330 289 300 294 Wichita Falls, TX (MSA) 320 267 274 259 234 269 253
Steubenville-Weirton, OH-WV (MSA) 357 362 357 358 351 353 359 Williamsport, PA (MSA) 356 338 345 330 289 300 294
Flint, MI (MSA) 358 327 307 299 283 299 312 Wilmington, NC (MSA) 112 127 152 123 121 90 69
Mansfield, OH (MSA) 359 360 343 322 313 282 264 Winchester, VA-WV (MSA) 147 137 108 87 80 47 22
Rome, GA (MSA) 360 342 327 303 314 343 336 Winston-Salem, NC (MSA) 176 171 140 142 115 156 153
Bay City, MI (MSA) 361 356 346 350 337 318 302 Worcester, MA (MSA) 160 172 160 122 98 109 118
Springfield, OH (MSA) 362 359 354 310 266 296 332 Yakima, WA (MSA) 278 309 318 304 320 325 337
Danville, VA (MSA) 363 365 361 360 360 359 360 York-Hanover, PA (MSA) 215 181 181 166 189 216 256
Metropolitan Areas Page 11

16. Metropolitan Area Rankings
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA
Anderson, IN (MSA) 364 344 351 334 335 321 323 344 321 309 333 315 297 313
(MSA)
Muncie, IN (MSA) 365 358 355 348 343 335 321 Yuba City, CA (MSA) 173 202 200 197 215 248 277
Danville, IL (MSA) 366 366 363 363 361 361 361 Yuma, AZ (MSA) 271 318 310 278 278 301 281
Metropolitan Areas Page 12

17. Micropolitan Area Rankings
576 Micropolitan Areas 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 576 Micropolitan Areas 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
Edwards, CO (McrSA) 1 2 2 5 4 4 3 Abbeville, LA (McrSA) 401 503 553 563 531 512 467
Gillette, WY (McrSA) 2 8 10 47 69 107 150 Aberdeen, SD (McrSA) 34 38 38 56 91 135 76
Durango, CO (McrSA) 3 4 6 13 16 7 15 Aberdeen, WA (McrSA) 190 116 201 258 312 402 459
Hilton Head Island-Beaufort, SC (McrSA) 4 1 1 2 3 2 2 Ada, OK (McrSA) 362 414 454 498 505 532 476
Rock Springs, WY (McrSA) 5 28 71 180 300 371 421 Adrian, MI (McrSA) 403 261 198 199 173 104 125
Helena, MT (McrSA) 6 9 13 23 7 14 37 Alamogordo, NM (McrSA) 383 469 422 401 354 271 337
Bozeman, MT (McrSA) 7 6 8 8 10 9 9 Albany-Lebanon, OR (McrSA) 66 55 66 78 102 194 247
Concord, NH (McrSA) 8 5 3 1 1 1 1 Albemarle, NC (McrSA) 343 308 281 243 216 222 218
Kahului-Wailuku, HI (McrSA) 9 3 5 4 30 24 61 Albert Lea, MN (McrSA) 263 277 325 369 365 359 295
Jackson, WY-ID (McrSA) 10 14 50 82 63 63 99 Albertville, AL (McrSA) 325 250 255 290 326 403 341
Evanston, WY (McrSA) 11 95 153 218 256 355 352 Alexander City, AL (McrSA) 537 518 503 502 440 386 342
Sheridan, WY (McrSA) 12 25 52 101 117 122 112 Alexandria, MN (McrSA) 186 113 117 131 111 70 44
Lexington Park, MD (McrSA) 13 11 16 22 66 58 33 Alice, TX (McrSA) 163 267 349 435 482 536 475
Montrose, CO (McrSA) 14 39 47 41 64 30 27 Allegan, MI (McrSA) 223 132 192 222 190 142 75
Statesville-Mooresville, NC (McrSA) 15 23 23 18 15 21 22 Alma, MI (McrSA) 556 534 531 521 547 539 519
Lebanon, NH-VT (McrSA) 16 7 4 3 2 3 6 Alpena, MI (McrSA) 320 227 156 153 197 253 309
Truckee-Grass Valley, CA (McrSA) 17 12 7 10 17 15 20 Altus, OK (McrSA) 361 442 441 351 398 363 355
Torrington, CT (McrSA) 18 17 15 29 20 13 51 Americus, GA (McrSA) 505 504 508 465 425 397 335
Carlsbad-Artesia, NM (McrSA) 19 90 137 186 219 300 385 Amsterdam, NY (McrSA) 244 317 311 306 280 354 351
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL (McrSA) 20 21 25 34 8 37 11 Andrews, TX (McrSA) 162 276 369 459 495 542 558
Baraboo, WI (McrSA) 21 16 12 7 11 5 13 Angola, IN (McrSA) 453 378 374 399 405 332 289
Watertown-Fort Atkinson, WI (McrSA) 22 36 35 33 34 16 8 Arcadia, FL (McrSA) 516 530 526 529 540 474 485
Watertown-Fort Drum, NY (McrSA) 23 33 30 64 85 160 212 Ardmore, OK (McrSA) 192 197 280 339 373 417 474
Southern Pines-Pinehurst, NC (McrSA) 24 24 27 20 29 22 4 Arkadelphia, AR (McrSA) 404 404 487 398 337 254 179
Easton, MD (McrSA) 25 10 14 9 5 8 7 Ashland, OH (McrSA) 318 333 288 261 282 283 331
Ellensburg, WA (McrSA) 26 29 48 94 133 84 134 Ashtabula, OH (McrSA) 474 406 382 332 264 321 280
Butte-Silver Bow, MT (McrSA) 27 51 67 123 191 286 376 Astoria, OR (McrSA) 33 57 49 26 40 95 154
New Iberia, LA (McrSA) 28 34 72 166 212 284 343 Atchison, KS (McrSA) 461 539 552 541 574 559 553
Barre, VT (McrSA) 29 19 17 11 21 18 19 Athens, OH (McrSA) 310 316 304 298 330 266 204
East Stroudsburg, PA (McrSA) 30 13 9 14 19 10 28 Athens, TN (McrSA) 329 279 207 187 221 302 339
Chambersburg, PA (McrSA) 31 15 18 40 62 121 174 Athens, TX (McrSA) 441 401 343 262 232 178 111
Augusta-Waterville, ME (McrSA) 32 41 29 16 6 23 42 Auburn, IN (McrSA) 277 167 150 161 128 79 52
Astoria, OR (McrSA) 33 57 49 26 40 95 154 Auburn, NY (McrSA) 208 117 87 93 87 85 141
Aberdeen, SD (McrSA) 34 38 38 56 91 135 76 Augusta-Waterville, ME (McrSA) 32 41 29 16 6 23 42
Kalispell, MT (McrSA) 35 26 51 63 103 134 201 Austin, MN (McrSA) 221 288 285 303 341 362 427
Grand Island, NE (McrSA) 36 54 80 73 93 123 90 Bainbridge, GA (McrSA) 542 547 542 494 502 445 379
Whitewater, WI (McrSA) 37 56 55 84 79 32 39 Baraboo, WI (McrSA) 21 16 12 7 11 5 13
Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ (McrSA) 38 99 97 53 90 117 126 Barre, VT (McrSA) 29 19 17 11 21 18 19
Phoenix Lake-Cedar Ridge, CA (McrSA) 39 43 36 36 61 47 82 Bartlesville, OK (McrSA) 242 272 345 359 417 479 538
Key West, FL (McrSA) 40 47 63 91 86 124 79 Bastrop, LA (McrSA) 566 560 563 557 535 509 555
Granbury, TX (McrSA) 41 150 138 185 234 234 307 Batavia, NY (McrSA) 164 134 120 137 149 157 222
Oxford, MS (McrSA) 42 67 57 35 41 38 14 Batesville, AR (McrSA) 344 362 385 388 380 434 383
Marshfield-Wisconsin Rapids, WI (McrSA) 43 46 42 43 25 29 56 Bay City, TX (McrSA) 504 505 533 542 513 490 556
Micropolitan Areas Page 1