⏰Find Out The Best Us States To Live In 2024 Before It’s Too Late!
All 50 US states have been ranked from best to worst to live in for 2024 and the results, particularly the top 10, may come as a surprise.
U.S. News and World Report’s Best States Rankings released on Tuesday are based on assessments of healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity for residents, financial stability, public safety and natural environment. The categories were weighted in that order from most to less important.
‘More weight was accorded to some categories than others, based on a survey of what matters most to people,’ stated the publication known for its annual college ranking.
Here are the top 10 states, along with where some of the most famous ones placed.
1. Utah
Utah took the top spot on the list, ranking No 2 in education, No 3 in both economy and infrastructure, No 6 in fiscal stability and No 9 in crime and corrections.
The Beehive State has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $273billion and a population of more than 3.4million. Nearly half, or 47.9%, of residents are college educated and the median income is $40,959.
‘Utah’s mountains, high plateaus and deserts – containing the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, at the state capital of Salt Lake City – are bordered by Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona at right angles,’ wrote U.S. News and World Report.
‘The “Four Corners” area marks the only such arrangement in the US.’
2. New Hampshire
Despite being one of the smallest states, New Hampshire has earned the No 2 spot on the ranking. It placed first in terms of crime and corrections, No 7 in economy, No 8 in natural environment and No 9 in education.
The Granite State has a GDP of $111billion and a population of more than 1.4million. More than half, or 50.6%, of its citizens are college educated and the median income is $49,617.
It traditionally has played an outsized role in the nation’s greatest task: election of the president,’ stated the publication.
‘Political careers were made, salvaged and busted in this first-in-the-nation primary, though its actual impact may be overstated, as many New Hampshire primary winners have failed to win the White House.’
3. Nebraska
Nebraska, which has a big agricultural industry, made the cut for the top three. It ranked No 3 in fiscal stability, No 4 in infrastructure and No 9 in natural environment.
The Cornhusker State has a GDP of $178billion and a population of more than 1.9million. Less than half, or 46.2% of its population is college educated and the median income is $41,403.
‘A major urban center in the state is Omaha, home to Warren Buffett, one of the world’s richest men,’ wrote the publication.
‘Stock in his Berkshire Hathaway holding company, managing a wide array of companies, has made many Americans wealthy over 50 years.’
4. Minnesota
Minnesota, the northernmost territory in the 48 contiguous states, was ranked No 4. It placed No 2 in natural environment and No 7 in fiscal stability.
The North Star State has a GDP of $472billion and a population of more than 5.7million. More than half, or 51%, of residents are college educated and the median income is $47,393.
‘The Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit health organization, is headquartered in Rochester and is among the state’s top employers,’ noted the publication.
‘Manufacturing and retail trade are two other major industries in Minnesota, which houses many Fortune 500 companies such as UnitedHealth Group, Target, 3M and General Mills.’
5. Idaho
Idaho, which is famous for its potatoes, precious stones and trout, rounded out the top five. It ranked No 2 in economy and No 9 in fiscal stability.
The Gem State has a GDP of $119billion and a population of more than 1.9million. Only 42.1% of its population is college educated and the median income is $37,395.
‘It is for its unspoiled, rugged landscapes,’ wrote the publication.
‘Snowy mountains, deep valleys, lakes and rivers cover the Gem State, which is twice the size of the six New England states combined.’
