- Massachusetts tops this year list, moving up from the No. 2 spot last year.
- New Mexico, Alaska and several southern states ranked the lowest.
- WalletHub ranked states based on scores in 5 categories
Is your state among the best to live in this year? WalletHub has an answer.
Researchers at the personal finance publication ranked the 50 states based on scores in fivecategories: affordability,economy,education and health,quality of life, and safety.
Massachusetts topped 2022’s list, scoring 62.65 out of 100. New Jersey came in second, dropping from the topspot last year. New York, Idaho and Virginia fill out the rest of the top fivestates to live in, in that order. Virginia is the only new addition to the top five, bumping Minnesota off the list.
Several Southern states– Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas, among others– rounded out the bottom of WalletHub's rankings.
What went into WalletHub's state scores?
WalletHub says itsrankings reflect the states' scores on 52 “livability” indicators, each weighted differently. Here's a breakdown of the five categories:
Affordability:Takes into account the cost of living, housing price including, median household income, home ownership and median annual property taxes.
Economy: Indicators include the state unemployment rate, poverty rate, and wealth gap among others.
Quality of life:Measured by commute times, infrastructure quality, access to walking and bike trails, air quality and weather among several other indicators.
Education and health: Indicators including the quality of the public school and hospital systems, life expectancy and the premature death rate.
Safety: WalletHub looks at violent and property crime rates, traffic deaths and the number of law enforcement employees.
Each category is worth 20 points, with a total maximum score of 100.
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Top 10 best states to live in
- 1. Massachusetts;Score: 62.65
- 2. New Jersey; Score:62.01
- 3. New York; Score:60.64
- 4. Idaho;Score:58.73
- 5. Virginia; Score:58.73
- 6. New Hampshire;Score: 58.25
- 7. Florida; Score:58.07
- 8. Wyoming;Score: 58
- 9. Minnesota; Score: 57.99
- 10. Wisconsin; Score: 57.92
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Worst 10 states to live in
Is your state in the middle of the pack? See WalletHub's full rankings.
- 41. West Virginia;Score: 46.84
- 42. Kentucky;Score: 46.39
- 43. Alabama;Score: 45.61
- 44. Oklahoma;Score: 43.82
- 45. South Carolina;Score: 43.80
- 46. New Mexico;Score: 42.51
- 47. Arkansas; Score: 42.42
- 48. Louisiana;Score: 41.74
- 49. Alaska;Score: 40.93
- 50. Mississippi; Score: 39.77
As a seasoned expert in regional quality of life assessments and socioeconomic evaluations, I've extensively delved into the methodology and intricacies behind state rankings, particularly those conducted by reputable sources like WalletHub. This allows me to shed light on the comprehensive nature of such studies and the significance of the categories involved.
WalletHub's 2022 state rankings, with Massachusetts claiming the top spot, showcase a meticulous evaluation process grounded in 52 livability indicators, each thoughtfully weighted. This ensures a nuanced understanding of the states' overall appeal. Now, let's dissect the key concepts utilized in this specific analysis:
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Affordability (20 points): WalletHub considers the cost of living, housing prices, median household income, home ownership rates, and median annual property taxes. Affordability is a critical factor influencing individuals' decisions on where to live.
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Economy (20 points): This category encompasses vital economic indicators such as the state's unemployment rate, poverty rate, and wealth gap. A robust economy contributes significantly to the overall well-being and opportunities within a state.
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Quality of Life (20 points): WalletHub assesses quality of life based on commute times, infrastructure quality, access to walking and bike trails, air quality, and weather, among other indicators. A high quality of life is a key factor in attracting and retaining residents.
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Education and Health (20 points): This category examines the quality of the public school and hospital systems, life expectancy, and the premature death rate. Education and health are fundamental pillars influencing a population's overall welfare.
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Safety (20 points): Evaluating violent and property crime rates, traffic deaths, and the number of law enforcement employees, this category measures the safety of a state. Safety is paramount for residents and plays a crucial role in their daily lives.
These meticulous evaluations contribute to a total maximum score of 100, providing a comprehensive overview of each state's livability. Notably, Massachusetts' top ranking, with a score of 62.65, reflects its excellence across these diverse categories. Conversely, states at the bottom of the list, such as Mississippi (39.77), face challenges in these areas.
By understanding the nuances of WalletHub's methodology, we gain valuable insights into the multifaceted factors influencing the desirability of states, ultimately aiding individuals in making informed decisions about where to live.
