What are the best states overall? This very subjective question depends on so many factors, many of which are more important to some people than others. Traveling across the US, it is easy to see that some states excel in certain areas, while other states excel in other areas. Which factors can be used to create a comparative ranking, and should importance to residents be a weighting factor?
US News & World Report and McKinsey & Company’s Best States Overall Ranking focuses on eight major ranking metrics. Of these eight major metrics, the most heavily weighted are health care and education, as these were found to be the most important to people.
Health Care
This category focuses on access to health providers, affordability, quality of care, and health outcomes.
Education
Education for students from preschool to high school, as well as different levels of higher education. Topics such as Common Core requirements and charter schools also impact this category.
Economy
Economic measures include job growth, unemployment rates, GDP growth, migration into states, new business creation, and number of patents applied for and granted (indicative of future growth).
Opportunity
Fair housing, poverty levels, and equal access to jobs and housing for minorities, women, and people with disabilities are among the criteria included in this category.
Infrastructure
Major considerations in this category include the use of renewable energy, as well as the quality of broadband access, transportation, roads, bridges, highways, and tunnels.
Crime & Corrections
This category focuses on public safety measures, rates of violent crimes and property crimes, incarceration rates, and management of prison systems.
Fiscal Stability
State government fiscal stability ensures the success of government-sponsored programs that impact residents. Provision of services such as public education, public pension liabilities, budgetary measures, and other state-level social and public programs all serve as indicators of a state’s fiscal health.
Quality of Life
Clean air and clean drinking water impact resident’s quality of life. Additionally, social support in a community impacts resident quality of life in that they are happier and have greater physical and mental health.
What are the Top 10 Best States Overall?
While each state’s measurements in the eight major ranking metrics vary, the rankings indicate the following top 10 Best Overall States:
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Utah
- North Dakota
- New Hampshire
- Washington
- Nebraska
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- Colorado
Destination Spotlights
Want to learn more about these states? Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has a wide range of North America destination spotlights which highlight information useful to clients considering relocation programs, and to transferees as they consider assignments in new locations. Our team has published many in-depth destination spotlights including several for Global locations, and you can also Request a Spotlight.
Conclusion
Thoroughly researching a North America 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 best states overall ranking.
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 North America 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.
