Virginia was named a Top Performing State and commended as America’s Most Livable State in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s recent report Enterprising States 2012. The report was released at the U.S. Chamber’s annual Jobs Summit on June 13.

The report reviewed the economic development and job creation policies of all 50 states, looking at growth, productivity and livability measures. The Top Performing States were calculated using the follow seven factors: long-term job growth, short-term job growth, overall expansion of gross state product, state output per job, growth in output per job, growth in per capital personal income, and median income of a four-person household adjusted for state cost of living.

Virginia was ranked No. 1 in Median Family Income, STEM Job Concentration, and High-tech Share of All Businesses. The Commonwealth outperformed other states due to its high quality of living combined with a strong base of high-tech businesses and the skilled workers to support these companies.

This comes as no surprise, as Virginia has previously been recognized as having both the highest concentration of high-tech companies and the highest concentration of high-tech workers, according to Enterprising States 2011 and Cyberstates 2011, respectively.

The study also referenced Virginia’s leadership in building upon its strengths in technology through new legislative initiatives promoting research and development and investment in technology and science.

May’s seasonally adjusted unemployment numbers confirm Virginia’s positive story. Holding steady at 5.6 percent, the jobless number is well below the national average and remains the lowest rate in three years.

To learn why Virginia continues to receive top rankings for its pro-business environment, skilled workforce and high quality of life, click here.