Best States Rankings: Measuring outcomes for citizens using more than 75 metrics

• Health Care 16%

  The highest-weighted ranking looks at health care access and affordability, health care quality and health outcomes for citizens.

  See Health Care Rankings »

• Education 16%

  The education ranking measures how well states educate students in preschool, K-12 and different levels of higher education.

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• Economy 14%

  The economy ranking tracks unemployment rates, GDP growth, migration into the state, patents, new businesses and more.

  See Economy Rankings »

• Opportunity 13%

  This ranking measures poverty, housing affordability and equality for women, minorities and people with disabilities.

  See Opportunity Rankings »

• Infrastructure 12%

  The infrastructure rankings gauge the quality of states’ bridges, public transportation, power grids, broadband and more.

  See Infrastructure Rankings »

• Crime & Corrections 11%

  Crime & Corrections ranks states based on public safety and the quality and fairness of their prison systems, including racial bias.

  See Crime & Corrections Rankings »

• Fiscal Stability 10%

  This ranking tracks states’ government credit ratings, liquidity, pension fund liability and budget balancing.

  See Fiscal Stability Rankings »

• Quality of Life 8%

  This new ranking tracks states’ air quality, pollution, voter participation, social support and more.

  See Quality of Life Rankings »

Weights may not add to 100 because of rounding.