TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - According to U.S. News & World Report, Florida's economy is ranked no. 7 in the nation but is ranked no. 29 for education and no. 41 for economic opportunity.
Compared to the nation statistic of 1.6 percent growth, Florida has grown an average of 3.3 percent in the number of young people.
This figure as well as Florida's accelerated GDP growth rate and average annual net migration have contributed to the organization's evaluation of the Sunshine State's economy.
However in the area of opportunity, crime and corrections, and education, Florida falls behind.
According to the report, 15.7 percent of Florida Households are below the poverty line. Over 15 percent of the population doesn't know where their next meal is coming from.
The low opportunity rating is further exacerbated by the state's poor ratings in the area of equality (performing noticeably low in gender equality, racial gap in income and disability employment rate) and affordability to include cost of living.
The state's education rankings were middle of the pack, with a no. 2 ranking in the nation for two-year college graduation rates but holding no. 32 in the four-year rate.
Tuition and fees, however, are ranked no. 2 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.
For Pre-K through 12th grade education, the state lagged behind, coming in no. 46.
Read more about how the Sunshine State stacks up against other states on U.S. News & World Report's website here.
