Determining the most livable state is no easy task, as the question involves countless objective and subjective variables, but a new map has revealed the top contenders for the title of best place to live in the US.
Each state has its own advantages and disadvantages, and personal factors – such as the presence of family – also play a role in deciding whether to live there.
Using 51 indicators of “quality of life” – across five dimensions: affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life and safety – personal finance site WalletHub compiled its ranking of the most livable states, shown here on a map created by Newsweek.
Massachusetts tops the list with an overall score of 60.52, unchanged from 2023.
This is mainly due to the state’s education and healthcare systems, which rank first in this regard. WalletHuband its security.
The Bay State secures the top spot despite being one of the most expensive states to live in, ranking 44th in terms of affordability, according to WalletHub.
In fact, affordability does not seem to have any impact on the quality of life of the states in the rankings.
From WalletHubs Of the top 10, only two fall into the top price range, while four are in the bottom 10.
Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
Florida has improved four places since 2023 and is now the second best state to live in with an overall score of 59.82.
Florida performs modestly in terms of affordability and education and health, ranking 30th and 24th on these metrics, respectively.
However, the unemployment rate is relatively low at 3.3 percent, according to an analysis by the Forbesand its employment opportunities and low tax rates are pulling the country up in economic indicators.
“In addition, the Sunshine State offers a wide range of leisure activities, with a particularly high number of restaurants, beaches, fitness centers and theaters per capita,” WalletHub Analysts commented.
Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press
New Jersey finished third with a total score of 59.65.
According to the 2022 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, New Jersey has the highest median household income in the country at $96,346, more than $20,000 above the national average.
New Jersey is also one of the safest states in the country, with low rates of violent and property crime, which WalletHub This is because the city “has the highest number of law enforcement officers per capita.”
Louisiana, on the other hand, was declared the worst state to live in with an overall score of 41.31.
Louisiana performs poorly in all categories, but struggles particularly in the economic ranking (50) and is considered the third worst state in the areas of education and health care.
According to U.S. News and World Report’s Best States 2024 report, Louisiana ranks 41st in financial stability and 44th in its residents’ opportunities for success.
Closely following Louisiana are New Mexico with a score of 41.81, which has improved one place since 2023, and Arkansas with a score of 43.26.
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