Utah Tops ‘Best States’ List Again; Mississippi Ranks Last

The latest U.S. News & World Report “Best States” ranking sees Utah maintaining the top spot, thanks to a strong economy, excellent schools, and low crime. Mississippi remains at the bottom, struggling with health outcomes and poverty. This annual report weighs factors like education, public safety, and fiscal stability. While critics dispute the idea that one list can fully capture a state’s merits, many elected officials view the rankings as either a validation or a wake-up call. The new addition of housing affordability metrics shaped the final results, helping states with balanced economic growth.