Personal finance company WalletHub released their rankings for the overall strength of each state’s economy, based on their analysis of Economic Activity, Economic Health, and Innovation Potential.

North Carolina came in at #6 overall, ranking ahead of every other state in the southeast, up from #8 overall last year.

Thanks to the prudent fiscal reforms since 2011 North Carolina has consistently ranked highly in studies of state’s economic outlooks in recent years. Earlier this year Rich States Poor States released their rankings evaluating each state’s economic outlook and economic performance, with North Carolina ranking fourth overall in outlook and 11th overall in performance.

The forward looking, conservative budget passed by the North Carolina House in May would keep North Carolina’s economy on strong footing, with a replenished Rainy Day Fund and smart refinements to the tax reduction triggers.