Just went down a rabbit hole looking at state finances and found something interesting. Idaho apparently has one of the lowest debt burdens in the country - their debt ratio sits around 10.68%, which is pretty solid. Alaska and Utah aren't far behind either, both under 16%. Seems like some of the less densely populated states manage their balance sheets way better than you'd expect.

But then you look at the other end and it gets wild. Connecticut, New Jersey, and Illinois are absolutely drowning - we're talking debt ratios over 170%, 250%, and 295% respectively. New York's at 218%. These states literally owe more than they have in assets. California and Hawaii crossed that line too, both over 100%.

The thing that stands out is the massive gap between the best and worst performers. Idaho with a 10.68% ratio versus Illinois at 295.58% - that's a completely different financial universe. Makes you wonder what fiscal policies the low-debt states are actually doing right. Definitely worth watching if you're thinking about where to live or invest.