Explore the 10 Best States
Every state has its strong points, but only one is the best.
In its 2019 Best States rankings, U.S. News determined which state outperforms all others when it comes to serving its citizens across a number of areas, including health care, education and infrastructure.
These 10 states came out on top in the ranking, which analyzes thousands of data points:
10. Colorado
Capital: Denver
Population: 5.7 million
Median household income: $69,117
GDP: $369.16 billion
Learn more about Colorado.
Explore the 10 Best States
Every state has its strong points, but only one is the best.
In its 2019 Best States rankings, U.S. News determined which state outperforms all others when it comes to serving its citizens across a number of areas, including health care, education and infrastructure.
These 10 states came out on top in the ranking, which analyzes thousands of data points:
10. Colorado
Capital: Denver
Population: 5.7 million
Median household income: $69,117
GDP: $369.16 billion
Learn more about Colorado.
9. Nebraska
Capital: Lincoln
Population: 1.93 million
Median household income: $59,970
GDP: $124.58 billion
Learn more about Nebraska.
8. Massachusetts
Capital: Boston
Population: 6.9 million
Median household income: $77,385
GDP: $576.57 billion
Learn more about Massachusetts.
7. Virginia
Capital: Richmond
Population: 8.52 million
Median household income: $71,535
GDP: $539.35 billion
Learn more about Virginia.
6. Maryland
Capital: Annapolis
Population: 6.04 million
Median household income: $80,776
GDP: $418.59 billion
Learn more about Maryland.
5. Vermont
Capital: Montpelier
Population: 626,299
Median household income: $57,513
GDP: $33.85 billion
Learn more about Vermont.
4. Utah
Capital: Salt Lake City
Population: 3.16 million
Median household income: $68,358
GDP: $178.31 billion
Learn more about Utah.
3. Minnesota
Capital: Saint Paul
Population: 5.61 million
Median household income: $68,388
GDP: $366.53 billion
Learn more about Minnesota.
2. New Hampshire
Capital: Concord
Population: 1.36 million
Median household income: $73,381
GDP: $86.7 billion
Learn more about New Hampshire.
1. Washington
Capital: Olympia
Population: 7.54 million
Median household income: $70,979
GDP: $568.58 billion
Learn more about Washington.
The 10 Best States in the U.S.
- Washington
- New Hampshire
- Minnesota
- Utah
- Vermont
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- Nebraska
- Colorado
Coronavirus Bulletin
Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.
