Utah named Best State third year in a row by U.S. News and World Report

The best state in America is home to a diverse and resilient economy, smart students, low crime and a fairly healthy population. Photo: SoloTravelGoals

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has been ranked the best state in the nation for the third year in a row, according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings released Tuesday. The annual assessment evaluates all 50 states across 71 metrics, including health care, crime, education, infrastructure, and the economy.

The Beehive State earned top marks for its financial stability, ranking first in that category, and remained a perennial leader in economic performance. Utah also placed in the top 10 for infrastructure, education, and public safety, showcasing the state’s consistent and well-rounded governance.

“The state has never placed outside the top 5 in the economy category of the U.S. News rankings, boasting a diverse mix of industries that help it remain resilient.”

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Utah’s steady climb to the top is rooted in a combination of strategic investment, economic diversification, and strong governance. Since the rankings were introduced in 2017, Utah has never fallen outside the top five in the economy category—an area where it continues to outperform thanks to a high labor force participation rate (nearly 69%), strong GDP growth (4%), and high business formation rates.

Over the past two decades, Utah has transitioned from a primarily agriculture- and manufacturing-based economy to one of the most diverse in the nation. Major sectors now include technology, tourism, health care, and energy. This economic shift was supported by early investments in STEM education, particularly in engineering, computer science, and mathematics, beginning in the early 2000s. Those long-term efforts have contributed significantly to the state’s consistent high rankings.

Utah’s economic resilience has also made it better equipped to manage potential national downturns. With concerns rising over broader economic instability, the state’s ability to maintain growth and stability places it in a particularly strong position moving forward.

In addition to topping the economy and fiscal stability categories, Utah also ranked in the top ten for infrastructure, education, and crime and corrections. While the state does face challenges—including middling performance on environmental metrics and housing affordability—it continues to lead the nation in overall quality of life, thanks in large part to a culture of collaboration, sound policy decisions, and forward-looking investments.