Minnesota is second only to Washington in the latest Overall Best States Rankings published by U.S. News and World Report. Minnesota has ranked in the top 3 dating all the way back to 2017's rankings.
According to the rankings, states are measured using thousands of data points to see how they are performing for the people who live there. The rankings factor in things like health care, education, and the state's overall economy.
Minnesota's best score came in the 'opportunity' category, placing 2nd. Opportunity measures poverty, housing affordability and equality for women, minorities, and people with disabilities.
Minnesota marked another top-10 placement, ranked 9th in infrastructure.
The state's worst mark came in the fiscal stability category. According to the data, Minnesota is 21st in overall fiscal stability measuring when it comes to the state's government credit ratings, liquidity, pension fund liability, and budget balancing.
The top five best states in order are:
1. Washington
2. Minnesota
3. Utah
4. New Hampshire
5. Idaho
Louisiana finished 50th in the rankings.
