What are the 2019 best states overall? Many factors go into determining this ranking. Some of these factors are important to some people, but not to others. Anyone who travels throughout the United States can clearly see that some states do an outstanding job with their infrastructure. However, a measure such as health care may be of greater concern for some residents.
What are the factors used to create a comparative ranking, and should importance to residents be a weighting factor?
US News & World Report’s 2019 Best States Overall Ranking focuses on eight major ranking categories that cover 71 metrics. Of these eight major categories, the most heavily weighted are health care and education, as these were found to be the most important to people.
Health Care
Access to hospitals, doctors, clinics, and health care resources, as well as affordability, quality of care, and health care results.
Education
Preschool and kindergarten through high school are reviewed. Access to charter schools, educational achievement, and schooling requirements impact this category.
Economy in the 2019 Best States Overall
Several indicators of economic health are part of this category. Number of jobs and job growth, measurements for unemployment and part-time employment, productive output including Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the state, migration into states, and business startups all contribute to this category’s metrics.
Opportunity
This category specifically covers issues of fairness in 2019 best states overall. For example, fair housing compliance, economic performance versus poverty levels, and equal access to opportunities in jobs, housing, and organizations for all people including minorities, women, people of various ages and ethnicities, and those with disabilities.
Infrastructure Throughout the 2019 Best States Overall
Specific use of renewable energy including solar, wind, and geothermal, as well as the quality of broadband internet access. Rail, air, ocean, and road transportation and the systems that allow movement of people and goods.
Crime & Corrections
This category focuses on rates of violent crimes and property crimes. It also focuses on rates of incarceration across populations, management of prison systems, and overall public safety measures.
Fiscal Stability
Fiscal stability of state governments ensure the success of government-sponsored programs put in place to help residents and provide major services. Public education, pension liabilities, state budgetary measures, cash solvency, and other state-level social and public programs all serve as indicators of a state’s fiscal health. Chamber of Commerce.org presents a summary comparison of each state’s wealth, showing wide disparities between states and across regions.
Quality of Life
Clean water and air directly affect each 2019 best states overall resident’s quality of life. Also, community social support such as access to libraries, social service organizations, and public amenities increase resident quality of life. People tend to be happier and experience greater physical and mental health in areas with higher quality of life.
What are the Top 10 2019 Best States Overall?
While each state’s measurements in the eight major ranking metrics vary, the rankings indicate the following top 10 2019 best states overall:
- Washington
- New Hampshire
- Minnesota
- Utah
- Vermont
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- Nebraska
- Colorado
Destination Spotlights for the 2019 Best States Overall
Want to learn more about the 2019 best states overall? Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has a wide range of North America destination spotlights that highlight information useful to clients considering relocation programs, and to transferees as they consider assignments in new locations. Our team has published several other destination spotlights including several for Global locations, and you can also Request a Spotlight.
Conclusion
Thoroughly researching a destination to learn about the location, employment statistics, major employers, and cultural highlights is critical to relocation success. The North America relocation experts at Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) have the knowledge and expertise to help your company understand how to review the 2019 best states overall ranking.
GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.
Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Our experts can also help your company determine how the ranking metrics relate to your company’s relocation program and transferee’s needs so you can offer your employees the best relocation experience. Contact our team of experts to discuss your 2019 best states overall relocation destination, or call us at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.
Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS
Senior Vice President, Global Account Management Sam joined Global Mobility Solutions in 1996 and has a unique perspective with her 25 years of industry experience. Samantha offers her clients relocation expertise and a commitment to excellence in her. Her proficiency in orchestrating the BVO and GPO Programs, as well as relocation policy design and implementation, are invaluable assets to the accounts she manages. Her experience in administering Pre-Decision Relocation services to enhance the recruiting process further demonstrates her unique abilities to service her clients. Samantha’s diverse experience, leadership, and outstanding communication skills enable her to manage the relocation process for her clients with finesse and polished professionalism.
