What is it about rankings that draw such intense attention? Whether it’s college football, best places to live or “friendliest cities,” a ranking is sure to attract eyeballs.

Mostly, we guess, rankings are easy to read and digest. Therein lies their beauty and their flaws.

A new CNBC report ranks the best states in which to do business. Arizona came in 18th, which is actually higher than many similar rankings. No major surprise there. Nor is there a surprise with the ranking of Texas, which has a relatively vibrant economy, great transportation and easy access to capital.

Interestingly, Arizona was ranked number two in workforce, which is measured by available, trained workers who have easy access to additional work training.

At the same time, it ranked 45th in education, as measured by test scores and spending.

We think maybe the spending element is overemphasized, given the high marks for having an excellent workforce. Or, as is more likely the case, the education system isn’t as bad as presented in the rankings and the workforce situation isn’t quite as good.

In other words, Arizona needs to focus on both if it is to improve itself as a place that is not just good, but great, in terms of doing business.

Almost simultaneous with the CNBC study, Arizona’s Goldwater Institute produced some commentary on the ability of business to produce a better workforce by using charter schools.

The institute pointed out that thousands of jobs going unfilled even in a time of high unemployment. The reason? Lack of specialized training for those positions. Goldwater said charter schools can be started or partnered with by employers to train workers.

If all the current jobs were filled, the institute said, unemployment would drop to 8 percent, a 12 percent improvement.

In the state rankings, Arizona took a hit because its economy is lagging and, somewhat surprisingly, because of its quality of life. By CNBC’s measure, Arizona is 29th in quality of life. By comparison, North Dakota ranked 13th. Go figure.

Rankings are fun. They are interesting. And while they may not always tell a whole truth, they are usually in the ballpark.

Arizona has a way to go to improve its attractiveness as a place to do business. That’s a mindset to hold until such time as Arizona is the undisputed No. 1.

— Today’s News-Herald