Mass. residents: your 2006 productivity = $47K

Massachusetts' economic growth accelerated last year, outpacing other New England states, but still lagging the nation, the Commerce Department reported.

Massachusetts's productivity, or output per person, was the third highest in the nation, as measured by value, the Commerce Department said. Each person produced nearly $47,000 in goods and services, compared to about $38,000 nationally. Delaware, at $59,288, and Connecticut, at $50,332, led the nation.

The Commerce Department attributed the high output per person to a concentration of high value industries, such as financial services.

The state's economy grew 2.9 percent last year, accelerating from 1 percent in 2005. That compared to a national growth rate of 3.4 percent 2006. Massachusetts economic growth rate ranked 27th among states. Idaho's 7.4 percent growth rate led the nation.

In New England, Vermont's economy grew 2.8 percent last year; Connecticut's 2.6 percent: Maine's, 1.9 percent; Rhode Island, 1.8 percent; and New Hampshire's 1.3 percent.
(By Robert Gavin, Globe staff)