The Good And The Bad (And Some Ugly)
No one is perfect, and the same is true for the American states. While each one has some wonderful things about it, there are some, shall we say, not-so-wonderful things as well that bear mentioning. So, let's mention them...
Alabama (Best)
Ask any college football fan and, as much as anyone not from Alabama will hate to admit it, the University of Alabama is the gold standard of the game—having won 18 National Championships (including six in the Nick Saban era from 2007 and 2023). Roll Tide!
The University of Alabama, Wikimedia Commons
Alabama (Worst)
A 2017 UN Study determined that rural Alabama was home to the worst poverty in the developed world. They are also the state with the highest infant mortality rate in the country.
Alaska (Best)
Nature, wide open spaces, and the lowest population density in the country are Alaska's biggest selling features for many folks who choose to make the 49th state their home.
Jack Connaher, Wikimedia Commons
Alaska (Worst)
There might not be a lot of people around, but Alaska still has one of the highest violent crime rates per capita in the country.
Arizona (Best)
The Grand Canyon. It is a true wonder of the world and a must-visit for anyone with the opportunity to do so. We've all seen pictures, but photos do not do justice to the awe-inspiring in-person experience.
Arizona (Worst)
Being the sunniest state is definitely an appealing aspect of Arizona—but over 100 days per year with temperatures hitting over 100 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot.
Arkansas (Best)
Arkansas comes about its nickname as "The Natural State" honestly. Just take a look, a stroll, and a hike through the Ozark Mountains.
Arkansas (Worst)
Marriages seem to be fighting an uphill battle in this state. With 23.4 divorces per 1,000 people—Arkansas has the highest divorce rate in the country.
California (Best)
One of seven “minority majority” states (no single ethnic group or race that makes up the majority of the population), California has been called the most diverse state in the union. And for all us movie lovers, it's where Hollywood is as well.
Clementp.fr, Wikimedia Commons
California (Worst)
Quality of life may be good in California—but the quality of air, well that's a different story. Six of the most polluted cities are in California and the worst ozone levels belong to Los Angeles.
Gene Daniels, Wikimedia Commons
Colorado (Best)
It's common knowledge that the United States has a problem with obesity. However, Colorado has the lowest obesity rates in the entire country.
Dustin Cox from Pueblo, CO, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Colorado (Worst)
Altitude sickness is a real thing—and with an average altitude close to 7,000 feet above sea level, breathing can be a challenge for those who aren't used to it.
Connecticut (Best)
Connecticut has one of the highest per-person average income of any state in the country. However, while this is good for some...
Photo By: Kaboompics.com, Pexels
Connecticut (Worst)
While life is great for the wealthy in Connecticut, the state has one of the highest levels of income inequality between the top 1% and everyone else.
Delaware (Best)
A business-friendly legal framework and tax advantage make Delaware a great state for businesses to incorporate. Which is why over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are based in the state.
Delaware (Worst)
Good for business but not for fun. Various reports have ranked Delaware as the least fun state and as having the worst nightlife.
Florida (Best)
According to at least one report—when it comes to things like bridges, dams and roads, Florida has one of, if not the safest infrastructure in the nation.
Clement Bardot, Wikimedia Commons
Florida (Worst)
Florida has the highest number of boat accidents and fatalities in the country.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lora Ratliff, Wikimedia Commons
Georgia (Best)
Being the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr and the Civil Rights movement is something Georgia can be proud of.
Rowland Scherman / Adam Cuerden, Wikimedia Commons
Georgia (Worst)
But there ain't no pride in having the worst traffic in the country. “Spaghetti Junction” in Atlanta was ranked the worst traffic bottleneck for trucks in the nation.
Spaghetti Junction Atlanta Ga // Vlog 5, HUNTER SMITH
Hawaii (Best)
Maybe it's something in that sparkling blue water and lush landscapes—but Hawaii has the highest life expectancy in America.
Cpl. Adam Korolev, Wikimedia Commons
Hawaii (Worst)
People may be living longer in Hawaii—but per capita, the state also has the highest amount of homelessness in the country.
Idaho (Best)
It's probably stating the obvious here—but Idaho really does produce the best potatoes in the country. They also produce more of them than any other state.
Idaho (Worst)
While Idahoans (yes, that's how you say it) might not be the worst drivers in America—according to one survey, they are the rudest drivers in the country.
Illinois (Best)
If it wasn't for Illinois, Halloween wouldn't be the same in America. Did you know that the state produces 95% of all the pumpkins in the United States. Pretty Jack-O-Awesome right?
Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine, Wikimedia Commons
Illinois (Worst)
In 2017, Chicago (the largest city in Illinois) was rated the rat capital of the world. Sure, if you love rats then we guess maybe this could be a "best" as well.
Indiana (Best)
For fans of motorsport, there are few better states. Among the state's multiple racetracks is the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway—home to The Indianapolis 500, arguably the biggest day in racing.
Indiana (Worst)
Indiana has the lowest average retirement income in the country. At $20,542, that is significantly lower than the national average which sits at $27,617.
Iowa (Best)
With significant agricultural output in items such as corn, soybeans, pork, and eggs, Iowa is often called the "Food Capital of the World".
Wouter Supardi Salari, Unsplash
Iowa (Worst)
It might be as easy as riding a bike, but Iowa sure ain't the safest place to do it—as five of the 10 most dangerous cities to bike in are in the state.
Kansas (Best)
The "Breadbasket of America" is a major agricultural producer of wheat (among other things). And let's not forget about The Wizard of Oz.
Kansas (Worst)
If you're looking for beautiful scenery, Kansas might not be the state for you. Kansas finished second (behind Iowa) in a survey of the "ugliest" states in the country.
Americasroof, Wikimedia Commons
Kentucky (Best)
When it comes to horse racing and bourbon—Kentucky is where you want to be.
Kentucky (Worst)
Close to retirement age? Maybe now's the time to get out of Kentucky. A WalletHub study ranked Kentucky as the worst state to retire in.
Louisiana (Best)
Mardi Gras and Gumbo.
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
Louisiana (Worst)
Although the number of coal-producing energy plants in Louisiana has gone down—there are still enough pumping to make Louisiana the most polluted state in the nation.
Maine (Best)
Strong animal protection laws, high adoption rates, and many dog-friendly spaces (including many beaches) make Maine a great state for man's best friend.
Maine (Worst)
Racial diversity ain't Maine's strong suit—With 92.2% of the state's population being white (as of 2022).
Roger H. Goun from Brentwood, NH, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Maryland (Best)
Make your millionaire dreams happen here. The state with the highest rate of seven-figure salaries is Maryland—with one study claiming that one in 12 households have $1 million.
Maryland (Worst)
Wage theft is worse in Maryland than in any other state—averaging $2,221 of back wages per employee.
Massachusetts (Best)
After the District of Columbia, Massachusetts has the highest median household income in the country. As of 2023, it was $99,858—which is about $22,000 above the national average.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com, Pexels
Massachusetts (Worst)
We aren't saying folks in Massachusetts aren't happy. But we are saying that the state is the only one with a total happy hour ban.
Michigan (Best)
They don't just have one Great Lake in Michigan—or two, or three. Michigan is the only state that borders four of the five Great Lakes.
Michigan (Worst)
Identity theft is a terrible crime that affects people all over the country—but, apparently, Michigan is the worst state for identity theft across the nation.
Minnesota (Best)
Living into your old age is something folks in Minnesota do better than anyone else—as the state has the lowest premature mortality rate in the country.
Minnesota (Worst)
The state ranks third in the country for coldest average winter temperatures—but in a 2023 survey, Minnesota was voted to have the most miserable winters in the country.
Mississippi (Best)
Music lovers need to be thanking the state. Blues music originated in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States. Thank you, Mississippi!
Experience the Soulful Sounds of Mississippi Delta Blues, Jazz Blues Nation
Mississippi (Worst)
At just $54,203 (per 2023 numbers)—Mississippi has the lowest median household income in the country.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com, Pexels
Missouri (Best)
Missouri ranks among the top states in affordability, cost of living, and quality of life. And they have some of the best barbecue in the country as well.
Missouri (Worst)
In 2023, Missouri was ranked the worst state for puppy mills in the country (it was their 11th time taking that awful top spot).
Petra Martin, Wikimedia Commons
Montana (Best)
Not sure what it is about Montana, but it is a great state for cats. Our friendly felines have been found to live up to two years longer than the national cat average across the country.
Montana (Worst)
The worst broadband internet coverage and the lowest average internet speeds—welcome to Montana.
Nebraska (Best)
Nebraska has been at the top, or close to the top of highest high school graduation rates for years now.
Nebraska (Worst)
Something about driving in Nebraska makes folks really angry—because per-capita, the state is the worst for road rage in the nation.
Nevada (Best)
Rock climbers rejoice—Nevada has more mountains than any other state (we're talking 300 named ranges).
Nevada (Worst)
Maybe getting out and climbing some rocks is how you clear your head—but otherwise, Nevada is actually the lowest-ranked state in the nation when it comes to mental health.
New Hampshire (Best)
US News & World Report ranked New Hampshire as the safest state in the nation. And let us not forget that they have no sales tax or state income tax also.
New Hampshire (Worst)
They might not have sales tax or state income tax, but New Hampshire does boast some of the highest property taxes in the country.
New Jersey (Best)
Who doesn't love a good diner right? Well, New Jersey, AKA "The Diner Capital of the World", has over 500 such eateries to check out.
New Jersey (Worst)
As of March 2025, New Jersey had 114 hazardous waste or Superfund sites—the most of any state in the country.
BetacommandBot, Wikimedia Commons
New Mexico (Best)
A great state for singles who are ready to mingle with other singles—New Mexico is the state with the highest percentage of unmarried adults in the country.
New Mexico (Worst)
The state has the biggest drug problem in the country, with the third highest usage rate among adults and the highest percentage of teens using.
Sam Metsfan, Wikimedia Commons
New York (Best)
Being a teacher in New York isn't easy—but the state does pay its public school teachers the second best average salary in the country.
woodleywonderworks, Wikimedia Commons
New York (Worst)
New Yorkers have the longest average commute time in the country. The 32.80 minutes of average commute time is over a minute longer than second-place New Jersey.
North Carolina (Best)
Not only is Durham, North Carolina home to one of the best college basketball programs in the country (Duke), but it is also ranked as the best city for millennials.
North Carolina (Worst)
In Oxfam America's 2024 Best and Worst States to Work index, North Carolina came in as the worst state in America for workers.
North Dakota (Best)
It seems like nothing is "affordable" these days. Well, the state where life is the most affordable with the lowest cost of living is North Dakota.
North Dakota (Worst)
Drinking is a problem in the state, with almost 25% of adults drinking excessively on a regular basis. They also have the most alcohol-related driving deaths.
Ohio (Best)
When it comes to predicting the next president, no state is better than Ohio. Between 1900 and 2024, the state voted for the winning candidate 90.6% of the time.
Ohio (Worst)
Ohio has some of the worst air quality and worst water quality among all of the 50 states.
Oklahoma (Best)
Oklahoma has one of the best Pre-K programs in the country. So much so that they have been a model for other states.
Oklahoma (Worst)
In a 2024 study looking at 25 factors of living standards for women, Oklahoma was ranked the worst state for women in America.
Oregon (Best)
Oregon is one of the best states for bird watching and is ranked as the number one state for its animal protection laws.
Oregon (Worst)
Oregon has a serious homelessness problem and ranks as the worst state for unsheltered homeless children.
Pennsylvania (Best)
Philly cheesesteak. Enough said!
JohnnyCalifornia, Wikimedia Commons
Pennsylvania (Worst)
This is the state where Philadelphia Eagles fans booed Santa Claus.
Rhode Island (Best)
Donut lovers rejoice. Rhode Island has the most donut shops per capita. We're talking 25 bakeries per 100,000 people. Yummy.
Dave Crosby, Wikimedia Commons
Rhode Island (Worst)
But all that sugar isn't enough to solve the highest depression rates in the country.
South Carolina (Best)
Charleston, South Carolina isn't just a great city—it is, according to Travel + Leisure magazine, the top vacation spot in the country.
Charleston, South Carolina, USA 🇺🇸 in 4k Ultra HD Drone Video, Dronography
South Carolina (Worst)
South Carolina residents have some of, if not the highest average monthly energy bills in the country.
Tim from Atlanta, USA, Wikimedia Commons
South Dakota (Best)
As recently as March of 2025, South Carolina posted the lowest unemployment rate of any state in the Union.
South Dakota (Worst)
Being a teacher isn't easy. But in South Dakota, it also doesn't provide as much income as in other states. South Dakota teachers are the lowest paid in the country.
Tennessee (Best)
Tennessee has the best quality roads in the country. In 2020, 94.6% of roads were classified as “good”—with only 5.4% of them being in poor condition.
Flick user brent_nashville, Wikimedia Commons
Tennessee (Worst)
Tennessee has consistently ranked among the top states (if not the top state) for childhood obesity rates.
Tony Alter from Newport News, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Texas (Best)
When it comes to starting a business, Texas is ranked as the best state for entrepreneurs in the country.
Texas (Worst)
Everything might be bigger there—but that doesn't include the share of adults aged 25 and older with at least a high school diploma. At 85.6%, that is the second lowest percentage in the country.
Utah (Best)
So many of us have student debt—even people in Utah. However, Utahans have the lowest student debt. In fact, in 2023, the state was the only one in the nation to have an average student debt of less than $20,000.
Utah (Worst)
Things are good for students leaving school but not for women in the workplace in Utah. The state has the highest gender pay gap in the country.
Vermont (best)
And while we're on the subject of gender pay gaps, let's head on over to the other end of the spectrum and the state of Vermont—which has the lowest gender pay gap in the nation.
LinkedIn Sales Solutions, Unsplash
Vermont (Worst)
Vermont (at $17,490) had the highest average tuition for in-state students at four-year public college in the 2024-25 academic year.
Virginia (Best)
What state has produced the most presidents? That's right—eight leaders of the country were born in the state of Virginia.
Gilbert Stuart, Wikimedia Commons
Virginia (Worst)
Without a team in the NHL, NBA, MLB, or NFL—Virginia is the most populous state in the country without a major professional sports league franchise.
Washington (Best)
Bicyclists rejoice. Washington state is consistently ranked as the number one bike-friendly state in America.
National Transportation Safety Board, Wikimedia Commons
Washington (Worst)
It might be a great state to bike in, but Washington was ranked the second worst state to drive in.
Shuets Udono, Wikimedia Commons
West Virginia (Best)
Future home owners rejoice. West Virginia has the lowest median home prices in the country.
West Virginia (Worst)
The highest rate of opioid overdose-related death occurred in West Virginia.
Wisconsin (Best)
CHEESE!
Wisconsin (Worst)
The unemployment and incarceration rates for people of color in Wisconsin are much higher—making it the worst state for racial inequality.
Wyoming (Best)
Avoiding crowds is pretty easy in Wyoming—given that it is the least populated state (just over 560,000 residents).
Tarabholmes, Wikimedia Commons
Wyoming (Worst)
There may be lots of space, but maybe not as much freedom as there should be. A 2024 study determined that Wyoming was the third worst state in the nation for personal freedoms.
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