Thousands of people move to different states each year for better career opportunities. However, some states should be judged further besides the job opportunities it presents.
In 2024, CNBC released a report on America’s ten worst states regarding quality of life. Their team assessed all the states based on factors like crime, childcare, health care, environment quality, and inclusiveness- the pillars required to live a quality life.
In this article, we’ve expanded on their findings to highlight the major issues that cause these states to rank the lowest in terms of quality of living. The list is arranged from the least to most concerning state.
Arizona
- 2024 Quality of Life Score: 119 out of 325 Points
One significant concern is the state’s air quality, particularly in urban areas, which has been affected by pollution and dust storms. Additionally, Arizona’s reproductive rights have been under threat with the banning of abortion rights in May 2024. Furthermore, the state’s healthcare system in rural areas has been under scrutiny due to limited access and affordability, particularly for low-income residents.
Kansas
- 2024 Quality of Life Score: 113 out of 325 Points
Despite its agricultural heritage and friendly atmosphere, Kansas has faced several challenges that have negatively impacted its quality of life. One significant concern is the state’s limited availability and affordability of childcare, making it difficult for parents, especially women, to balance work and family life.
Additionally, Kansas has grappled with high crime rates, such as homicides doubling in Topeka compared to 2023. This has raised concerns about safety and security. Furthermore, the state’s worker protections have been under scrutiny, with concerns about fair wages, working conditions, and labor rights.
Louisiana
- 2024 Quality of Life Score: 100 out of 325 points
Various factors have hampered Louisiana’s quality of life. The state ranks fourth in terms of high crime rates. Additionally, Louisiana’s healthcare system has been under scrutiny due to limited access and affordability. It is also the second most expensive state, with an average cost of $9,796 per person in 2020. Furthermore, the state’s reproductive rights have faced restrictions, limiting access to essential healthcare services for women.
Missouri
- 2024 Quality of Life Score: 98 out of 325 points
While Missouri has a strong manufacturing base and a vibrant agricultural sector, it has also grappled with issues. The state’s voting rights policies have faced scrutiny, with concerns about potential voter participation barriers.
Additionally, Missouri has been plagued by high crime rates. The state’s crime rate is 488 per 100,000 residents, whereas the national average is 381. Furthermore, the state’s female reproductive rights have been under threat, with restrictions limiting access to healthcare services. These factors and other challenges, such as economic disparities and limited public services in certain regions, have contributed to Missouri’s lower overall quality of life ranking.
Tennessee
- 2024 Quality of Life Score: 96 out of 325 points
Tennessee has a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage but needs a better quality of life. High crime rates, particularly in certain cities, have raised concerns about safety and security. Additionally, the state has faced criticism for its lack of inclusiveness, with fears of discrimination and bias in various areas of society. Furthermore, Tennessee’s healthcare system has been under scrutiny due to limited access and affordability, particularly for low-income residents.
Arkansas
- 2024 Quality of Life Score: 93 out of 325 points
Despite being known for its natural beauty and agricultural heritage, Arkansas has declined considerably in quality of life. The state has been criticized for its lack of inclusiveness, with concerns raised about racial discrimination in various areas of society. Additionally, Arkansas has grappled with high crime rates, with an average of 645 crimes per 100,000 residents. Furthermore, the state’s voting rights policies have been questioned, with concerns about potential barriers to voter participation.
Oklahoma
- 2024 Quality of Life Score: 85 out of 325 points
Several challenges have marred Oklahoma’s quality of life. The state’s reproductive rights have faced significant restrictions, eliminating access to abortions. Additionally, Oklahoma’s healthcare system has been criticized. Concerns over worker protections, including fair wages and working conditions, have also impacted the state’s workforce. Moreover, with frequent fraud activities, Oklahoma’s voting scene has faced scrutiny.
Alabama
- 2024 Quality of Life Score: 83 out of 325 points
One significant concern is the state’s voting rights policies, which have been questioned for potential barriers to voter participation. Additionally, Alabama has faced criticism for issues of inclusiveness, especially with workplace racism. Furthermore, the state’s worker protections have been under scrutiny, with concerns about pregnancy leaves, paid sick leaves, and basic workplace safety. These weaknesses and other factors, such as high crime rates have contributed to Alabama’s low overall quality of life ranking.
Indiana
- 2024 Quality of Life Score: 78 out of 325 points
While known for its affordability, Indiana has been criticized for its relatively low quality of life. CNBC’s 2024 report highlighted several vital weaknesses contributing to this assessment. One significant concern is the state’s limited availability and affordability of childcare, making it difficult for parents, especially women, to balance work and family life. Additionally, Indiana’s reproductive rights restrictions raise concerns about women’s autonomy. The state has also been criticized for issues of inclusiveness, with concerns raised about discrimination and bias in various areas of society.
Texas
- 2024 Quality of Life Score- 75 out of 325
Despite its booming economy, Texas has been criticized for its subpar quality of life. CNBC’s 2024 report highlighted several vital weaknesses contributing to this assessment. One significant concern is the state’s restrictive reproductive rights, which have faced legal challenges and public backlash.
Additionally, Texas’s healthcare system has been under scrutiny due to limited access, significantly because of the proliferating population. The state’s voting rights policies have also been contested, with concerns raised about potential voter suppression tactics.
Furthermore, inclusiveness and worker protections have been identified as areas where Texas could improve. These weaknesses, combined with other factors such as high crime rates, have contributed to Texas’s lowest overall quality of life ranking.