Choosing the right place to live is a major decision, especially for young adults and families looking for good opportunities and quality of life. While the United States offers many great states to settle in, some states rank lower in terms of livability. These rankings consider factors like health, education, employment, and safety. Understanding which states rank low can help you make an informed decision if you are planning a move or career change.
This article explores the 10 lowest-ranked US states to live in according to multiple sources, including U.S. News & World Report and WalletHub. These states typically face challenges such as higher unemployment, lower education levels, and poor healthcare. Let’s dive into the details to see which states are struggling and why, keeping in mind that every state still has its own unique opportunities.
10. Kentucky
Kentucky is often ranked low due to its economic challenges and health issues. The state struggles with a higher poverty rate and lower median income compared to the national average. Education can also be a challenge here, with some counties having limited access to quality schools. According to U.S. News & World Report, Kentucky scores poorly in health outcomes, especially with high rates of obesity and smoking.
9. West Virginia
West Virginia faces significant hurdles in healthcare and employment. The state has one of the highest opioid addiction rates, which impacts community safety and well-being. Economic opportunities are also limited, with a declining coal industry that affects jobs. For younger people considering moving here, the challenge might be finding stable, well-paying work. WalletHub highlights West Virginia as one of the least healthy states in America.
8. Arkansas
Arkansas experiences issues with poverty and education which keep it low on livability rankings. Many areas in Arkansas have limited access to healthcare facilities, making health outcomes worse for residents. The state’s economy is growing slowly, which affects the availability of jobs and higher wages. According to WalletHub’s report, Arkansas ranks poorly in personal safety and quality of health care.
7. Louisiana
Louisiana struggles with high crime rates and poverty that contribute to its low ranking. Violent crime in some areas is a concern, influencing residents’ sense of security. The public education system also faces challenges, particularly in rural communities. Additionally, frequent natural disasters like hurricanes impact infrastructure and living conditions. Data from U.S. News shows that Louisiana’s employment rates are also below the national average.
6. Mississippi
Mississippi consistently ranks low due to poor health, education, and economic indicators. Life expectancy in the state is among the lowest in the country, linked to high obesity and diabetes rates. The education system struggles to provide quality schooling, and many areas are affected by poverty. According to WalletHub, Mississippi is one of the hardest states to find good healthcare and well-paying jobs.
5. New Mexico
New Mexico’s ranking is affected by its challenges with crime and health care access. The state has one of the highest property crime rates in the country, which affects residents’ safety. Healthcare is also less accessible in rural parts, limiting proper treatment options. The economy is diverse but faces difficulties providing enough good jobs for younger people. U.S. News highlights these factors in their state livability index.
4. Alaska
Despite its natural beauty, Alaska ranks low because of high living costs and remote access to services. Heating costs, food prices, and general goods are more expensive here. Employment opportunities can be limited outside of oil, fishing, and tourism industries. The remote lifestyle may not appeal to everyone, especially those who want easy access to education and healthcare. WalletHub notes the high cost of living as a major drawback in Alaska.
3. Oklahoma
Oklahoma faces problems with education quality and health issues such as high obesity rates. The state has also been hit by natural disasters like tornadoes, which disrupt daily life. While Oklahoma’s job market is growing, wages remain below the national average. Public safety is a concern in some cities due to crime levels. These factors combined lead to its low ranking among states to live in.
2. Ohio
Ohio’s struggles with aging infrastructure and economic shifts affect its ranking. Many cities in Ohio suffer from job losses in manufacturing, leading to higher unemployment. Healthcare access can be uneven, especially in rural regions. The state also faces educational challenges, with performance below the national average in some districts. U.S. News points out that Ohio’s mix of economic and social issues impacts its livability score.
1. California
Although California is famous for its opportunities and climate, it surprisingly ranks low in some livability reports due to high living costs and housing shortages. Many people in California face challenges with affordable housing and long commute times. The state also struggles with homelessness and traffic congestion. WalletHub highlights these challenges, which keep California from ranking higher despite its economic strength.
Final Thoughts
While these 10 states rank lower in various livability measures, it’s important to remember that no state is perfect. Each has its strengths and opportunities that may suit different lifestyles and preferences. For young people and families, understanding these rankings can help in making more informed choices about where to live.
For detailed and regularly updated rankings, you can visit sources like U.S. News & World Report and WalletHub. These platforms provide insights on factors such as health, education, economy, and safety to guide your decisions.
