The Best and Worst States to Live In

New Jersey ranks as the 10th best state for overall quality of life in the country. The typical household in the state earns $89,296 a year, nearly $20,000 more than the typical American household. Additionally, only 10.2% of the state’s population live below the poverty line, compared to 12.8% of all Americans.

New Jersey is also a relatively safe state, with low rates of criminal violence. There were 195 violent crimes reported in New Jersey for every 100,000 people in 2020, the fifth lowest among states and well below the national violent crime rate of 399 per 100,000.

Minnesota ranks as the ninth best state to live in in the country and the best state in the Midwest. Not only does the typical state household earn about $8,000 more per year than the typical American household, but state residents also benefit from a lower than average cost of living. Housing in Minnesota is particularly affordable. Median housing costs – considering both renters and homeowners – account for only 16.8% of the income the typical household earns, below the 17.4% national ratio.

Other economic advantages in Minnesota include a low unemployment rate, which, at 2.1% in August 2022 was the third lowest among states. With a high median income and healthy labor market, only 9.3% of state residents live below the poverty line, well below the 12.8% national poverty rate.

Colorado ranks among the 10 best states for overall quality of life – largely due to economic conditions in the state. Most households earn over $82,000 a year, and the state’s poverty rate of 9.7% is the fourth lowest of any state in the country. As of August 2022, the unemployment rate stood at 3.3%, well below the national jobless rate of 3.8%.

Colorado’s strong job market and presence of high-paying jobs are likely attractive to many college-educated workers. According to the census, 2.5% of all adults in Colorado who have a bachelor’s degree moved there in 2021 – the third largest share among states.

Massachusetts is one of the wealthiest states in the country. The typical household in the state earns $89,645 a year, the second most of any state and about $20,000 more than the national median household income.

Like most states in the Northeast, Massachusetts invests far more than average in its public school system. Per pupil spending in the state totals $17,787 a year, the fifth most among the 50 states. Investment in public works and institutions does not stop with schools, as nearly 90% of the state’s population live in an area with easy access to places for physical exercise, such as parks and recreation centers, compared to just under 80% of all Americans nationwide.

Virginia ranks as the best state to live in in the South and the sixth best state to live nationwide. The state’s high overall quality of life is due in part to some strong economic indicators. For one, the state’s median household income of $80,963 is over $10,000 higher than the national median, and its poverty rate of 10.3% is among the 10 lowest of any state. Additionally, as of August 2022, Virginia’s unemployment rate stood at 3.2%, well below the 3.8% national jobless rate.

High incomes and a strong job market are likely attracting college-educated workers. According to the census, 1.8% of all adults in Virginia who have a bachelor’s degree moved there in 2021 – the eighth largest such share among states.