Then find where there is a lot of population growth/wage growth/job growth/whatever statistic you think is important for a thriving economy and find the best area in that state.

@Tim VandenToorn Great thread about Grand Rapids Tim.Even though the population of Grand Rapids is under 200,000, our Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is over 1 Million. 

Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Statistically college is still a great investment. 

On the other hand, homes prices in the LA area have statistically been stable and have a higher rate of appreciation than a lot of other areas.

@CHaim K.Rather than starting with looking at states, look at metropolitan statistical areas.

@Doug PretoriusAgreed, Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and, to a lesser extent, MTL & Calgary have really skewed the national statistics.   

they're too poor to keep the streetlights on or report any crime statistics to the FBI.

That's a gross statistic.

Step 1 Create list of cities/towns you may be interested in I am using statistics such as entrepreneur friendly cities, cities with increasing average wages and a list of areas I think may hold promise or which I have personal connection.