Louisiana is often celebrated for its vibrant culture, spirited festivals, and delightful cuisine. From the lively streets of New Orleans to the peaceful bayous, the state is a place where camaraderie reigns and good food abounds. But despite these strengths, a recent study from U.S. News & World Report paints a less rosy picture for the Bayou State, placing it at the very bottom of their Best States rankings.
How Did U.S. News Come Up With Its ‘Best States’ Rankings?
The Best States rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis that scrutinizes multiple categories. U.S. News evaluates all 50 states across eight critical areas:
- Health Care
- Education
- Natural Environment
- Opportunity
- Economy
- Crime & Corrections
- Infrastructure
- Fiscal Stability
Louisiana came in last, or 50th, in the categories of crime and corrections, as well as economy. However, the state’s highest ranking was in health care, where it stood at No. 44. This mixed bag of results reveals the challenges that Louisiana faces while also hinting at areas of significant improvement.
Here are the 10 Lowest-Ranked States in the U.S.
The findings from the study position Louisiana at the bottom of the list, alongside other states facing their own struggles. The lowest-ranked states include:
- 50. Louisiana
- 49. Alaska
- 48. Mississippi
- 47. New Mexico
- 46. West Virginia
- 45. Alabama
- 44. Arkansas
- 43. Michigan
- 42. Oklahoma
- 41. Pennsylvania
Which State Came in at #1 in the Best States Rankings?
On the other end of the spectrum, Utah has secured the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive year. With a diverse economy rooted in technology, healthcare, tourism, and energy, Utah has become a model for balanced growth and opportunity.
These Are the 10 Best States in the U.S.
The top-ranking states, showcasing their various strengths and successful policies, are as follows:
- 1. Utah
- 2. New Hampshire
- 3. Idaho
- 4. Minnesota
- 5. Nebraska
- 6. Florida
- 7. Vermont
- 8. South Dakota
- 9. Massachusetts
- 10. Washington
To delve deeper into the full rankings and what they mean for each state, check out U.S. News’ official report.
