yet another best states ranking, LA #50

We can always debate rankings, but this one is pretty solid. Sure glad I moved to #5 in 2015.

#1 MA
#2 NH
#3 MN
#4 ND
#5 WA
#6 IA
#7 UT
#8 MD
#9 CO
#10 VT
#11 VA
#12 CT
#13 NE
#14 NJ
#15 SD
#16 WI
#17 NY
#18 ME
#19 OR
#20 DE
#21 RI
#22 IN
#23 CA
#24 FL
#25 NC
#26 WY
#27 HI
#28 KS
#29 IL
#30 PA
#31 MT
#32 ID
#33 MI
#34 AZ
#35 OH
#36 GA
#37 MO
#38 TX
#39 TN
#40 NV
#41 WV
#42 KY
#43 AK
#44 OK
#45 SC
#46 NM
#47 AL
#48 AR
#49 MS
#50 LA

quote:

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The data driving these rankings were drawn from extensive and reliable governmental and private sources as well as proprietary data including a national survey of what matters most to citizens around the country. Among the seven main categories measured in the Best States rankings, more than five dozen subcategories of metrics are taken into account.

What follows is a deep dive into all 50 states. Let the Data Explorer lead your way.

What Goes Into the Overall Score?

Health Care 18%
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Education 16%
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Crime & Corrections 14%
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Infrastructure 14%
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Opportunity 14%
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Economy 13%
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Government 10%
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Weights may not add to 100 because of rounding.
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BEST STATES
Data Powered by McKinsey and Company
Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. The data was provided by McKinsey & Company’s Leading States Index.