Ohio's growth rate improves, still near bottom of list.

• Position: Ohio

Ohio recently landed at No. 49 out of 50 in a study comparing state growth rates.

The study, conducted by the American City Business Journals, analyzed the economic vitality of the 50 states and the District of Columbia since 1999. Growth rates were based on four factors:

* Population

* Non-farm unemployment

* Per capita personal income

* Gross state product.

Ohio tied for 49th place despite a gross state product that grew by $58 billion in five years. The state still managed to...