America's Favorite State Revealed: See This Year's Rankings
WHO:
NY Post - Americans have participated in a ranking survey to determine their favorite state.
Fox News - Utah has been recognized as the best state for four consecutive years.
WHAT:
The Seattle Times - Washington ranked ninth in the U.S. News & World Report “Best States” rankings for 2026, up from 10th in 2025.
The Seattle Times - Washington ranked seventh in the natural environment category, eighth in education, and eighth in infrastructure.
The Seattle Times - Washington ranked second in the higher education subcategory, behind only Florida.
The Seattle Times - Washington ranked 14th in healthcare, 19th in the economy, 26th in crime and corrections, and 34th in opportunity.
The Seattle Times - Louisiana ranked last in the “Best States” rankings for the fifth consecutive year.
Fox News - Utah ranks as America's best state for the fourth straight year.
Fox News - Texas is noted for having the No. 1 economy in the rankings.
Fox News - South Dakota has surged to the No. 2 spot in the rankings.
WHERE:
Fox News - The rankings pertain to states across the United States.
WHEN:
Fox News - The rankings are for the current year.
WHY:
NY Post - The survey reflects Americans' preferences and perceptions of their home states.
HOW:
NY Post - The ranking is based on a survey conducted among Americans.
(UPDATED July 28, 2026 20:23 UTC)
Washington has made strides in the U.S. News & World Report “Best States” rankings for 2026, moving up to ninth place from tenth in 2025. The state excelled in several categories, ranking seventh in natural environment, eighth in both education and infrastructure, and second in higher education, just behind Florida. Meanwhile, Louisiana continues to struggle, ranking last in the “Best States” rankings for the fifth consecutive year.
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(UPDATED July 28, 2026 19:31 UTC)
A recent survey has revealed that Utah has been named America's best state for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting the preferences and perceptions of Americans regarding their home states. Texas stands out for having the top economy in the rankings, while South Dakota has climbed to the No. 2 position. These rankings encompass states across the United States and are based on the responses gathered from American participants.