The Federal Government Thinks California is Better Than Colorado

I have the most conclusive evidence yet that the federal government is completely messed up. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, the most desirable counties to live in are in California. What about our beloved Colorado? Here's what the feds think of us.

As reported by the Washington Post, Ventura County, California is the most desirable place to live based on the "natural amenities index". I'll just quote their article:

The index combines "six measures of climate, topography, and water area that reflect environmental qualities most people prefer." Those qualities, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, include mild, sunny winters, temperate summers, low humidity, topographic variation, and access to a body of water.

Where did our counties rank? Please make sure you're sitting down when you read this.

• Mesa County is ranked #421.
• Delta County is ranked #232.
• Garfield County is ranked #214.
• Montrose County is ranked #316.
• Ouray County is ranked #57.

What does this mean? Here are the possibilities that I've come up with.

1. The person who calculated this survey lives in California and somehow hasn't had to pay taxes out there yet.
2. Whoever compiled these numbers stopped paying attention in math class back in 2nd grade.
3. The head honcho at the USDA Economic Research Service thinks someone with a Colorado license plate ran over their dog.

Cook County, Minnesota is ranked higher than Mesa County. With that, I will rest my case.