Florida is the sixth-best state in the United States, thanks in part to high marks in economy and education, according to a 2025 Best States ranking by U.S. News and World Report.
Specifically, Florida ranked first in the economy and second in education among all states per the report. It also placed ninth in fiscal stability, 12th in natural environment, 13th in crime and corrections, 15th in infrastructure, 21st in health care, and 47th in opportunity on the list.
Education and healthcare were also weighted more in the rankings. Economy, infrastructure, and opportunity followed in the report's criteria.
In addition, the report noted Florida's tourism as a major engine of its gross domestic product (GDP) and overall economy. Gov. Ron DeSantis has highlighted the state's tourism boom, led largely by its top beaches, on multiple occasions throughout the year.
The governor has also spotlighted Florida's job growth in the past.
Utah was named the top state in the report, propelled by a No. 1 ranking for fiscal stability and a No. 3 ranking for infrastructure. The state also placed fourth for education and seventh in crime and corrections.
New Hampshire, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, Vermont, South Dakota, Massachusetts, and Washington rounded out the top ten.
On the flip side, Louisiana was named the worst state in the country. The state ranked 50th in both the economy and crime and corrections, 49th in natural environment, 48th in infrastructure, 46th in education, fiscal stability, and opportunity, and 44th in healthcare.
Alaska, Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina finished out the bottom ten.
Other southern area states on the list included Georgia (21st), Texas (29th), and Tennessee (32nd). Notably, Florida easily beat out New York (22nd), Illinois (36th), and California (37th), often compared as rivals to the state, on the list.
