By WBZ-News Staff
/ CBS Boston
Massachusetts ranked most prosperous state in the nation
BOSTON - Massachusetts has been named the most prosperous state in the nation, according to a new ranking.
The "American Dream Prosperity Index" from the Milken Center looks beyond wealth. It factors in things like safety, health care resources, entrepreneurial opportunities, civil rights and a sense of belonging.
Almost all of New England scored well, with Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont making the Top 10.
The report says that even among prosperous states, there's room for improvement.
"For example, Massachusetts, the strongest performing state, performs well across a broad range of indicators, particularly in education and physical health," the report says. "But it has also been especially impacted by the mental health crisis, having a particularly high drug overdose rate. Furthermore, across the state, over a quarter of roads and nearly 10% of bridges are of poor quality."
Click here to see the full ranking.
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As an expert in regional prosperity and socioeconomic indices, I can confidently address the content of the article about Massachusetts being ranked as the most prosperous state in the nation according to the "American Dream Prosperity Index" from the Milken Center.
The American Dream Prosperity Index takes a holistic approach, going beyond traditional measures of wealth and considering factors such as safety, healthcare resources, entrepreneurial opportunities, civil rights, and a sense of belonging. This comprehensive evaluation provides a more nuanced understanding of a state's overall prosperity.
The report highlights that Massachusetts, the top-performing state, excels in various indicators, particularly in education and physical health. However, it also points out specific challenges, such as the state being significantly impacted by the mental health crisis, evidenced by a notably high drug overdose rate. Additionally, infrastructure concerns are raised, with over a quarter of roads and nearly 10% of bridges in the state deemed of poor quality.
This information underscores the complexity of prosperity assessments, acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement. It's noteworthy that other New England states, including Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont, also performed well, contributing to the region's overall positive ranking in the index.
For a more detailed understanding of the prosperity landscape, one can refer to the full ranking provided in the article, which offers insights into how different states fare across a spectrum of indicators. The emphasis on a diverse set of factors reflects a contemporary approach to evaluating a state's overall well-being beyond economic metrics alone.
