The scorecard assesses and ranks the performance of each Australian state across ten key economic indicators. The measures are based on the most recently available data as of the time of writing, in February 2026.

Criteria

1. Annual growth in per capita gross state product (GSP)
2. Annual wage growth
3. Jobs growth
4. Retail turnover
5. Tax burden
6. Debt burden
7. Annual growth in productivity
8. Business investment as a percentage of GSP
9. Rental affordability
10. Energy affordability.

Key findings

• Western Australia is the overall best performing state this year.
• Tasmania has maintained its place as the second-best performer, leading the
  nation in productivity and per capita economic growth.
• Queensland dropped from first to third place due to comparatively low wage growth in 2025.
• South Australia remains in fourth place, also due to its mixed performance.
• Victoria is once again ranked fifth, due to its tax and debt burdens, as well as declining per capita economic output.
• New South Wales remains the worst overall performer as a result of lower business investment, lower retail turnover, higher tax burden, and higher median rent in its capital compared to other states.