With millions of Americans moving each year and summer being the most popular time of year to move, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2024’s Best States to Live In, as well as expert commentary, to help people find a new home that is affordable, safe and enjoyable.
WalletHub compared the 50 states across 51 key indicators of livability. They range from housing costs and income growth to the education rate and hospital systems.
Top 20 States to Live in America | |
1. Massachusetts | 11. Virginia |
2. Florida | 12. Iowa |
3. New Jersey | 13. Minnesota |
4. Utah | 14. Maine |
5. New Hampshire | 15. Montana |
6. Idaho | 16. Illinois |
7. Pennsylvania | 17. North Dakota |
8. Wisconsin | 18. South Dakota |
9. New York | 19. Vermont |
10. Wyoming | 20. Kansas |
Best vs. Worst
- Maine has the fewest violent crimes (per 1,000 residents), which is 7.6 times less than in New Mexico, the state with the most.
- New Hampshire has the lowest share of residents living in poverty, which is 2.6 times lower than in Mississippi, the state with the highest.
- South Dakota has the shortest average commute time, which is 1.9 times shorter than in New York, the state with the longest.
- Tennessee has the highest quality of roads, which is 5.4 times higher than in Rhode Island, the state with the lowest.