Your Opportunity to Achieve the American Dream Keeps Getting Better!
Forbes.com recently released the latest results of their American Dream Index, in which they measure “the prosperity of the middle class, and…examine which states best support the American Dream.”
The monthly index measures several different economic factors, including goods-producing employment, personal and commercial bankruptcies, building permits, startup activity, unemployment insurance claims, labor force participation, and layoffs.
The national index score was rounded out to 100.0 in January as a baseline for comparison. It rose the fourth straight month in a row to 101.8.
Alaska, coming in at 89.4, represented the lowest score on the index due in part to the recent collapse in oil prices. In contrast, Wyoming came in with the highest score at 115.1. You can see the full results can be seen in the map below.
Forbes Senior Editor Kurt Badenhausen explained why many states saw a boost in the index last month:
“The American Dream Index rose for the fourth straight month to 101.8 propelled by gains in goods-producing jobs and building permits, as well as declines in unemployment claims and mass layoffs.
Goods-producing jobs (manufacturing, mining, construction and agriculture) were up for the ninth straight month in May…Building permits rose for the fourth straight month compared to the prior year.”
Bottom Line
Owning a home of one’s own, for many, is a big part of the American Dream. With the economy improving in many areas of the country, that dream can finally become a reality. Are you a first time home buyer and want to know what you can afford in today’s market? Or see what is available in your price range? Give us a call at The Bouma Group, Realtors at 734-761-3060 or email info@bouma.com and let’s get started helping you achieve the American Dream!