These are the best U.S. states for quality of life in 2024

In this mobile world, we have more choices than ever about where to live. Companies in search of skilled workers know this, especially when there are far more open positions than there are workers available to fill them. That is why they consider quality of life when deciding where to locate. 

CNBC’s annual ranking of state business climates, America’s Top States for Business, considers it too. Under this year’s methodology, the Quality of Life category makes up 13% of a state’s overall score. 

We rate each state on multiple aspects of livability including crime rates, health care, air quality and child care. We also consider worker protections and legal safeguards against discrimination of all kinds. And we look at personal freedom including reproductive rights, with surveys showing large majorities of working-age women would not move to a state that bans abortion. 

Some states appear to thumb their noses at potential new talent, but not these states. They are rolling out the red carpet big time with the best quality of life. 

9. (tie) New York 

Alexander Spatari | Moment | Getty Images

9. (tie) New Hampshire 

Cavan Images | Brent Doscher | Cavan | Getty Images

9. (tie) Massachusetts 

People running near Boston Harbor and Financial District at sunrise in Boston, Massachusetts.

Prasit photo | Moment | Getty Images

9. (tie) Connecticut 

A runner crosses a bridge amidst autumn colors in the woods.

Colin Keaveney | Cavan | Getty Images

8. California

Ianmcdonnell | E+ | Getty Images

7. Hawaii 

Honolulu, Hawaii

Art Wager | E+ | Getty Images

6. Oregon 

Aerial establishing shot of Bend, Oregon, on a hot and sunny day in summer. 

Halbergman | E+ | Getty Images

5. Washington 

Two hikers walk by a small pond in Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington State.

Thinair28 | E+ | Getty Images

4. Minnesota 

Couple cross country skiing on a north woods trail.

JMichl | iStock | Getty Images

“Minnesota nice” is not just a catchphrase. We found the data to back it up. State laws are inclusive, with strong protections for voting rights and reproductive rights. The home of the legendary Mayo Clinic offers some of America’s best health care. With a low rate of preventable deaths and relatively few residents without health insurance, the North Star State is America’s fifth-healthiest. 

But Minnesota is another state where child care is unaffordable, costing 14.5% of the median income for a married couple. 

2024 Quality of Life Score: 240 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: A-)

Strengths: Voting Rights, Reproductive Rights, Health, Crime

Weakness: Child Care 

3. New Jersey 

Image Source | Image Source | Getty Images

2. Maine 

Daniel Grill/tetra Images | Tetra Images | Getty Images

1. Vermont 

Female hiker, hiking on Mount Mansfield.

Corey Hendrickson | Cavan | Getty Images

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