Connecticut is small, densely populated, and very urban; its residents are typically well educated and wealthy. The state's diverse economy allows it to ride through recessions with ease. Housing costs are so high, though, that some of the benefits of the high income levels are negated. The state's population is the fourth oldest in the nation…

It is easy to perceive Pennsylvania as a state in decline, but that would be a big mistake. While its population total has dropped from fourth largest in 1980 to fifth largest in 1987, Pennsylvania is still one of the 10 states in the nation that contain half of the country's residents. The state's two major metropolitan areas, Pittsburgh and…

Ohio is both very large and very urban. Like other midwestern states, it has been undergoing a number of major changes simultaneously, including: (1) a white population decline and an increase in minorities; (2) severe economic disruption and increased unemployment due to the downturn in manufacturing; (3) a lack of "high end" service…

Michigan's "rust bowl" days are over. Although the work force is still too dependent on auto manufacturing, the economy is diversifying into trade, distribution, and financial and business services. The new jobs created are mostly in small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. The state's population is very stable with few migrations…