Although Massachusetts is not a particularly affordable state, it has been named the most livable state in the United States in 2024, according to a new report from Wallet Hub.
The report considered factors such as affordability, economy, education and health, and quality of life. While Massachusetts ranked 44th out of 50 in affordability, it was ranked 15th in economy, 1st in education and health, and 6th in quality of life.
The report notes that the state has the lowest premature death rate in the country and the lowest percentage of adults in fair or poor health. The report also says it has the best school system nationwide and the fourth-best graduation rate in the U.S.
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Among the top five most livable states, Florida ranks second because it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S. New Jersey ranks third because it has the highest median income in the country.
Utah came in at number 4 because it has a strong economy and one of the lowest poverty rates. New Hampshire came in at number 5 because it has the lowest crime rate of any U.S. state, according to the report.
Louisiana came in last place among the most livable states. The state ranks at the bottom in indicators such as unemployment rate, income growth and graduation rate.
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New Mexico, Arkansas, Alaska and Nevada were also among the five states with the lowest quality of life.
Randal Ice, professor emeritus at the University of Central Oklahoma, explained in his report that there are many factors to consider when deciding to move to another state.
“Choosing a place to live is a very personal decision. There are many factors involved, from family considerations to weather and financial considerations,” he said. The decision varies for many people throughout their lives. First, an analysis of the pros and cons of a location should be done, then a site visit would be a very good idea, as the decision is more than can sometimes be quantified. Quality of life must be at the heart of the decision, and this varies from person to person.”
You can see the ranking of each state on the Wallet Hub website.
