U.S. News & World Report Names Massachusetts the Best State in America
Illustration by Kyle Clauss
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Massachusetts topped U.S. News & World Report‘s new ranking of the best states in America, with New Hampshire following close behind. Not only did the Bay State win best overall, but ranked No. 1 in education and second in healthcare, as well.
“Its vibrant academic environment, innovative and supportive health care policies and modernizing economy, measure for measure, make this small New England powerhouse with a population of 6.8 million the strongest state of all,” wrote U.S. News‘ Visi Tilak.
The ranking, published Tuesday, considered more than 10,000 data points and 68 different metrics. While Massachusetts residents have the best access to healthcare, the quality they received ranked 15th. And despite stellar marks for K-12 education and the country’s best-schooled population, Massachusetts was 20th in higher-ed, a ranking that took into account college debt and graduation rates.
Massachusetts also ranked seventh in crime, 19th in infrastructure, and 47th in affordability—its worst grade.
New Hampshire, meanwhile, ranked fourth in healthcare, third in education, and 13th in infrastructure. Vermont ranked 10th overall, followed by Connecticut (12th), Maine (18th), and Rhode Island (21st).
You can check out U.S. News & World Report‘s full ranking here.
