”Survey says” looks at various rankings and scorecards judging geographic locations while noting these grades are best seen as a mix of artful interpretation and data.
Buzz: It’s funny how the vast range of viewpoints about California life shows up in a random collection of surveys with the Golden State more often found at the top or bottom of state-by-state rankings.
Source: California’s standing in a dozen recent scorecards on a wide variety of topics.
Topline
There are too many state-vs.-state rankings. But they can be fun and thought-provoking.
Some rankings are created to give the public a better understanding of each state’s pluses and minuses. Other scorecards help push various big-picture policy debates. And many of these surveys are simply brain candy that might get you to click through to a sponsoring institution’s website.
Details
California, ranked from high score to low. However, depending on your view of the state or the topic graded, high might not be best and low might not be worst!
Being green: California ranks No. 1, says the ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. This math looked at energy-saving efforts involving utilities, transportation, building codes and appliance standards. No. 2 was Massachusetts. Last was Wyoming.
Tax-free smokes: California ranks as the No. 2 state for cigarette smuggling based on data from 47 states compiled by the Tax Foundation. The study links high taxes (California ranks No. 8 at $2.87 a pack) to the illegal inflow of untaxed cigarettes. Smuggling’s No. 1 was Connecticut ($4.35 a pack tax). Last was New Hampshire ($1.78 tax).
Being your own boss: California ranks No. 3 as a place to start a business, says a review by Lensa of start-up factors such as the rate of new entrepreneurs, corporate tax rate and venture capital. No. 1 was Texas. Last was North Dakota.
Jogging joy: California ranks No. 3 for runners, says a study by Fitness Volt. These grades were based on tracking natural beauty, safety, elevation, marathons, air quality and temperature. No. 1 was Florida. Last was Kansas.
Stay close to home: California ranks No. 3 for “least travel-obsessed state,” according to a study by Family Destinations Guide. This look at Google searches of terms like “beach vacations,” “travel agent” and “cheap hotels” suggests the states where folks don’t feel they have to go elsewhere for relaxation. No. 1 was Washington state. Last was South California.
The golden years: California ranks No. 7 best state for retirees, according to the math of the Global Residence Index. The scorecard looked at environmental quality, life expectancy, crime and the flock of 65-plus residents. It did not consider the cost of living. No. 1 was Washington. Last was Alabama.
Woof! Woof! California had a rare mid-range ranking of No. 23 for the quality of a dog’s life. Ourfitpets.com ranked states for dog-friendliness based on stats such as veterinarians, parks, dog-friendly rentals, dog sitters and crime rates. No. 1 was Vermont. Last was Louisiana.
Drive-through urges: California ranks No. 38 for “fast food-obsessed residents,” according to work done by cost-tracker Pricelisto. This benchmark pondered various Google searches for terms relating to quick-serve dining. No. 1 was Nebraska. Last was Vermont.
Leaving town: California ranks No. 41 for interest in moving, says TexasRealEstateSource.com. This measure of relocation interest was created by studying Google searches for terms frequently used by people interested in moving. No. 1 was South Carolina. Last? Hawaii.
Being charitable: California ranks No. 42 for philanthropy, says WalletHub. This scorecard looked at factors such as how much is donated, its share of income and volunteer options and activities. No. 1 was Utah. Last was Arizona.
Being red: California ranks No. 42 for conservative politics, says the Center for Legislative Accountability. This ranking, a grade that should surprise almost nobody, was based on an analysis of legislative voting on policy areas including culture, tax, fiscal and regulatory policies. No. 1 was Tennessee. Last was Massachusetts.
Cost of fun: California ranks No. 48 for “safe and affordable girls’ night outs,” says rankings from fashion experts Nasty Gal. They looked at the prices of cocktails, cabs, fast food, wine and a party dress. No. 1 was Wisconsin. Last was Texas.
Bottom line
What did I learn? California can score high if its high cost of living can be ignored. That’s basically the grand debate.
Is the Golden State’s lifestyle worth it?
Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com
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