The Good Life Ranks as a Top Five State for Second Consecutive Year
Nebraska shined in the latest Best States ranking from U.S. News and World Report, coming in #3 overall in 2024—a notch higher than its #4 ranking on last year’s list. Nebraska’s fiscal stability, high-quality infrastructure, and clean natural environment helped the state place in the top five for a second consecutive year.
“Nebraska is affordable, family-friendly, and full of opportunity,” said K.C. Belitz, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “We are excited to continue showing people just how great the Good Life is here in our state.”
U.S. News & World Report scored all 50 states on eight categories based on national survey data from nearly 70,000 people. The weighted categories included: Health Care, Education, Economy, Infrastructure, Opportunity, Fiscal Stability, Crime & Corrections, and Natural Environment. Nebraska finished in the top half of states in every category.
Due to Nebraska’s responsible use of taxpayer dollars, lower-than-average commute times, and high-quality air and water, the state excelled in the areas of fiscal stability, infrastructure and natural environment, ranking third, fourth and ninth, respectively. Low cost of living and a high labor force participation rate also contributed to Nebraska’s strong overall ranking.
“Nebraska is a wonderful place to call home,” Belitz said. “We have a thriving economy, great schools, and public safety. In a world that can be chaotic, Nebraska offers a peaceful pace of life and welcoming communities where neighbors take care of one another.”
Interested in turning your life into The Good Life? Learn more about living in Nebraska at https://thegoodlifeiscalling.com/connect.
To see the full U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings for 2024, visit: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings.
