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Book of the States Regional Analysis

The Council of State Governments continues a long tradition of “sharing capitol ideas” with the publication of the 2011 edition of The Book of the States. The Book of the States has been the reference tool of choice since 1935, providing relevant, accurate and timely information, answers and comparisons for all 56 states, commonwealths and territories of the United States.  

The 2011 volume includes 150 in-depth tables, charts and figures illustrating how state government operates. It also includes more than 30 articles from state leaders, innovative thinkers, noted scholars and CSG’s in-house policy experts that analyze and report on the transformations taking place in state government. Staff members mined more than 500 sources to obtain the information shared in The Book of the States. 

The Council of State Governments is our nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy.   There are four regions: East, Midwest, South, and West. 


Click the links below to access additional Book of the States analysis on a regional basis. 

Per Capita Personal Income

By Jennifer Burnett | Friday, September 2, 2011 at 1:53 pm

Per capita personal income often is used to evaluate the economic well-being of a state’s residents. Nationally in 2010, inflation-adjusted per capita personal income grew by $780 after dropping more than $1,000 in 2009 and falling $541 in 2008. 

State Economy by Region

By Jennifer Burnett | Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 11:38 am

Since 1935, The Book of the States has been the resource for state information for state leaders. Today—perhaps more than ever—access to up-to-date and reliable data and information is a key ingredient to developing successful state strategies and evidence-based solutions to the tough challenges policy leaders face.

Now, policymakers have a new tool: The Book of the States Regional Analysis Series.

Unemployment Insurance Trust Funds

By Jennifer Burnett | Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 5:58 pm

Unemployment rates remain high and many people have been without work for extremely long periods of time, exhausting state unemployment trust funds quickly. More than half the states are borrowing from the federal government to cover costs, which could have an impact on future fiscal stability.

Trends in State Prison Populations

By Zach Huitink | Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 5:45 pm

State prison populations experienced a slight decline between 2008 and 2009, while the federal population increased 3.4 percent.  However, state prison populations have risen significantly - up by 13 percent - since 2000.  

Trends in State GDP: 2010

By Jennifer Burnett | Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 5:28 pm

Nearly every state saw an increase in real gross domestic product1 in 2010—a welcome sign of economic recovery after two straight years of drops in the national average. Each region performed differently, with a few states posting impressive 4-plus percent gains and a majority of states falling between 1.5 and 3.5 percent.

Trends in State Tax Rates: Corporate Income Taxes

By Zach Huitink | Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 5:13 pm

State revenues appear to be rebounding, but generally remain below pre-recession levels. At the start of 2011, state corporate income tax rates1 largely mirrored those assessed in 2007 - three states had raised rates, while five had lowered them. More change may be on the way in the 2012 fiscal year, as debate continues on issues like nexus thresholds and taxation of out-of-state entities.