When people think about the "best" state to live in, it's usually about more than just beautiful scenery or low taxes. Things like healthcare, public safety, childcare, clean air, and overall quality of life can make a huge difference.
Every year, CNBC ranks America's Top States for Business. While Ohio took the top business ranking this year, CNBC also grades each state on quality of life, and the results are generating plenty of conversation.
How CNBC Measured Quality of Life
The rankings looked at several factors, including:
- Crime rates
- Air quality
- Access to healthcare
- Cost and availability of childcare
- Worker protections
- Inclusiveness of state laws
- Reproductive rights
Each state received a score out of 290 possible points.
The Top 5 States for Quality of Life
1. Vermont (233 points, A+)
The Green Mountain State has now held the No. 1 spot for six straight years.
2. Maine (232 points, A+)
3. New Jersey (223 points, A+)
4. Minnesota (210 points, A)
5. Connecticut (205 points, A)
One thing these states have in common? They're all in the northern part of the country.
The Bottom 5 States
At the other end of the rankings:
50. Tennessee (64 points, F)
49. Texas (78 points, F)
48. Indiana (82 points, F)
47. Louisiana (82 points, F)
46. Georgia (89 points, F)
According to CNBC, lower scores were driven by factors such as crime, worker protections, and other quality-of-life measures included in the study.
So... Where Does Michigan Rank?
Michigan didn't crack either the top five or the bottom five, landing somewhere in the middle of the pack overall.
The Great Lakes State has plenty going for it:
- More than 11,000 inland lakes and four Great Lakes shorelines
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing compared to many coastal states
- World-class outdoor recreation, from camping and fishing to skiing
- Vibrant communities like Frankenmuth, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, and the Detroit metro area
Like every state, Michigan also faces challenges, including road infrastructure, housing affordability in some areas, and access to healthcare in certain rural communities.
What Do You Think?
Statistics only tell part of the story. The people who live here know what makes Michigan special.
Whether it's spending weekends Up North, catching a Tigers game, relaxing on a Great Lakes beach, or enjoying a summer festival in Mid-Michigan, there's a lot to love about calling the Mitten State home.
