Index of State Economic Momentum: Take 2

The most recent issue of Reports had an update of the Index of State Economic Momentum and noted something unusual in each of its three components that led to atypical results in the overall measure. One of those oddities was self-inflicted and is addressed herein. Specifically, the update used two sets of population figures that really shouldn’t have been compared. Using consistent population data changes things up a bit.

The 2020 Census

New state population data may have a big impact when distributing billions in federal assistance to state and local governments.