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U.S. News Best States Rankings Index

The Best States ranking of U.S. states draws on thousands of data...READ MORE

The Best States ranking of U.S. states draws on thousands of data points to measure how well states are performing for their citizens.

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Best States Overall

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Best States Overall

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Health Care

Measuring how well states are meeting citizens' health care needs

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Health Care Access

Health Care Quality

Education

Measuring how well states are educating their students

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Higher Education

Economy

Measuring states' economic stability and potential

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Business Environment

Infrastructure

Measuring states' energy, transportation and internet

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Internet Access

Opportunity

Exploring if states are granting citizens tools to succeed

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Economic Opportunity

Fiscal Stability

Measuring states' short- and long-term fiscal health

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Long-Term Fiscal Stability

Short-Term Fiscal Stability

Crime & Corrections

Measuring states' public safety and corrections

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Natural Environment

Measuring the quality of states' natural amenities

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Air & Water Quality

Best States

Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country.