The happiness and stability of one’s life highly depend on health and material conditions. Finding a good-paying job can help you achieve higher living standards and take care of your loved ones’ well-being. But, such opportunities are rare, unless you discover the best state to live in the USA.
Everyone has that one place that makes them feel at home. One of the states on this list may be perfect for you, offering the best conditions for living, based on the needs and requirements of you and your family.
We outline and explain the top 5 states to live in the USA by assessing the crime rates, living costs, education, health care, job opportunities, and economic status for each. This way, we help you determine which suits your budget and life satisfaction expectations.
Utah
The mesmerizing mountain views, prosperous economy, and quality education have ranked Utah as the best state to live in America. Its capital is Salt Lake City, known for its low unemployment rate and high citizen number. There are plenty of good places to live in Utah, each one has its benefits but we believe you can’t make a wrong choice there.
Utah offers more than a daily beautiful landscape. Instead, it attracts many people toward its territory making them feel at home with the impressive health protection and safety it provides.
Crime Rates
High crime rates in a living state can negatively affect a community’s development. Luckily, people living in Utah don’t experience this problem. Recent data collected by the U.S. News ranks Utah as one of the least crime-affected states in the country.
Living Costs
When people research which state is best to live in the USA, they aim to discover the most affordable one. A USA Today report shows that Utah has the lowest living costs in America, amounting to 63.3% of the average resident’s income.
The University of Utah’s Policy Institute explains that the state’s housing market has experienced instability due to the global pandemic. This caused fewer people to obtain building permits for residential units.
However, the outcome of this year looks promising as experts predict Utah’s housing shortage to increase from 28,400 units in 2022 to 37,000 units. If you decide to become a Utahn, you will also benefit from the low property tax rate of 0.57%.
Education
The state’s legislature has invested over $29 billion in public education in 2024. This demonstrates Utah’s dedication to collective improvement and providing support to all students who decide to enroll in their schools.
Here is why Utah’s residents are also known for their high education rates:
- More than 90% of them have graduated high school.
- Almost 40% of Utahns have obtained a degree from respected universities.
Health Care
If you want to call Utah your home, get ready to be impressed with their health care rankings. Over 78% of Utahns have health insurance, surpassing the national average of 67.2 %. Thus, the state has one of the highest health insurance coverage country ranks.
Jobs
Do you want to be a successful small business owner? Utah is the ideal place for you!
- Studies show that almost 50% of Utahns own or work in small businesses.
- This state’s unemployment rate is currently lower than 3%.
- Recently, over 32,000 new job opportunities emerged in this area.
So, there are plenty of choices to enhance your living standards, right?
Economy
At the end of last year, Utah’s economy grew due to increased monthly incomes and record-high taxable retail sales, reaching around $5.25 billion.
New Hampshire
Known for its crystal clear lakes and high mountain peaks, New Hampshire is the second-rated best state in the USA. This state’s residents take great pride in their culture and rich history displayed in their major cities’ numerous museums and art galleries.
Additionally, with Concord as its capital, New Hampshire prioritizes the safety of everyone residing in this state. From the friendly people, and low crime rates to the expansive job market, it provides many benefits that make it a good place to live and raise a family.
Crime Rates
This state has always been known for its low crime rates. However, the amount of violent crimes has lowered even more this year to only 2000 incidents, making its rate significantly lower than the US average.
Living Costs
The living costs in New Hampshire vary depending on the residing county. This year, the average house value in this state has increased to 8.7%, but the effective real estate tax rate is only 2.09%.
Education
Many educational institutions in New Hampshire, from kindergarten to university levels, have high success rates. These reputable establishments are dedicated to helping each student excel in their chosen career path.
Health Care
Choose New Hampshire as your new home to ensure you take good care of your health. Most employers in this state provide insurance for their employees, making the percentage of uninsured residents slightly above 5%.
Jobs
Recent data shows that the unemployment rate in this state is 2.6%, one of the lowest in America. Here, individuals can thrive in many sectors including office administration, insurance, and retail.
Economy
Due to the numerous job opportunities, very few people in New Hampshire live in poverty. The majority earn a higher income than the US average, making the economy stable and free of major issues.
Nebraska
Lincoln is the capital of the bright and peaceful sense Nebraska offers to its residents. This state has a low population density, perfect for people who want to live away from the stressful city commutes.
Nebraska offers the opportunity to connect with nature uniquely. It has numerous ecological reasons with tall grass and rolling hills, bringing a sense of tranquility. But, Nebraska is more than just a beautiful place to live – it is also one with the most impressive economy.
Crime Rates
Nebraska is a family-friendly state where many helpful people reside. Here, you will have numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, while feeling safe due to the absence of conflict and violent crimes. Its crime rate ranks below the US average.
Living Costs
The living costs in this state are 9% lower, whereas the housing expenses are 21% below the national average. The property tax rate in Nebraska is 1.70%.
Education
Approximately 90% of high school students in this state graduate. Also, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is among the best national universities, offering residents quality education.
Health Care
Nebraska is generally known as a state with healthy and happy residents because the healthcare costs per capita rank lower than the national average. But, for covering direct health care costs without a refund, the state has one of the higher rankings in the country.
Jobs
Are you looking for the best state to live in the USA offering numerous job opportunities for new residents? Nebraska’s unemployment rate is 2.5%, and its job market has increased by over 5% in the previous year.
Economy
Agriculture is the main industry in Nebraska that helps it grow its economy. This state’s economy is projected to experience rapid growth during the summer of this year due to planned business achievements and increased building permits for housing.
Minnesota
Do you want to spend the warmer months of the year near a lake? Minnesota has 10,000 different ones to choose from! This state’s capital is Saint Paul, famous for its captivating science museums and history centers.
The people’s hospitality and the endless options for outdoor sports will make you fall in love with Minnesota. But, this state’s low housing and utility expenses are even more attractive for people looking to move in Minnesota.
Crime Rates
Although Minnesota is an American state with a generally lower crime rate, there are a few things you should consider:
- Its rank in crime and corrections is 22 among 50 states.
- It holds the 23rd place when it comes to public safety.
Living Costs
You can live comfortably in Minnesota if you earn a good salary. The property tax rates in this area amount to 1.10%. The housing expenses in this state are 15% below the US average.
Education
Ranked 17th in education, this state offers many opportunities for residents to learn and prepare for their future. Minnesota is known for its 84% high school graduation rate and numerous institutions for higher education.
Health Care
Minnesota has one of the best healthcare systems in the US because of its easy access and affordability. The state is known for delivering the highest healthcare quality by prioritizing good treatment.
Jobs
The job market in this state has always been stable. Minnesota’s unemployment rate is 2.9% and it’s easy to find a high-paying job in one of its large cities.
Economy
This state’s economy has witnessed numerous changes in recent years. Manufacturing and business sectors help it retain the economy’s stability. But, what makes it grow is the increased consumer spending in the area.
Idaho
Are you and your family big fans of nature and recreation? Consider Idaho as the best state to live in the USA. Here, you can enjoy the view of the mountain foothills and participate in many outdoor adventures, while benefiting from the state’s strong economy and low living costs.
The affordable housing and numerous job opportunities make Idaho ideal for people who want to relocate to this area. Also, the community is very inviting and the residents’ safety is always guaranteed.
Crime Rates
Idaho is one of the safest states to live in America thanks to the following:
- It’s ranked 3rd for public safety in the country.
- It has the lowest property crime rate in 2024.
Living Costs
Idaho’s housing is 16% lower than the US average. Compared to other states, basic living expenses like groceries are also affordable. You can also pay your property taxes at only a 0.63% rate.
Education
In the past, Idaho was a better place for education than it is now, being nationally ranked 18th. However, it still allows families to choose between public, private, and homeschooling options.
Health Care
While the access to healthcare in Idaho is limited, outcomes have always been successful. Patients who manage to access medical care always get the best attention and quality assistance.
Jobs
Many people in Idaho have avoided quitting or losing their jobs during the last few years. This is due to the increased competitiveness in the job market. However, there are many in-demand industries in this area offering employment opportunities.
Economy
This state’s economy is constantly changing. But, it has remained strong due to the recent employment growth of 3.7%. The success of these industries does wonders for Idaho’s economy:
- Technical services
- Retail trade
- Health care
