What Maryland’s Economic Rankings Reveal About Its Future

The Maryland Chamber of Commerce recently cited data from Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index in an article examining the state’s troubling economic outlook rankings—and how Maryland can improve.

The latest data from the 2025 Rich States, Poor States rankings by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) show Maryland consistently near the bottom.

Maryland ranks last among neighboring states in Economic Outlook (42nd), behind Virginia (32nd), Pennsylvania (36th), Delaware (38th), and West Virginia (16th). Economic Performance is near the bottom (41st), while Delaware (17th) and Virginia (26th) are gaining momentum.

This isn’t just a dip — it’s a pattern. While other states improve tax structures, streamline regulations and attract investment, Maryland is falling behind.

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Policymakers have a choice: double down on the status quo, or build an economy that businesses want to grow in — and people want to be part of.

Read the full story here.