Best States to Live In: Connecticut Ranks #26, Analysis Shows

With around 8.6% of Americans having moved last year, slightly more than the previous year, but still below pre-pandemic levels, the personal-finance website WalletHub has released its updated report on the Best States to Live In.

Connecticut, according to the analysis, placed in the middle of the pack, at number 26.  Topping the list were neighboring and nearby states in the regions:  Massachusetts at #1, New Jersey at #2, New Hampshire at #3, and New York at #4.  Two other New England states ranked in the top 20 – Maine at #12 and Vermont at #17. Rhode Island ranked #29, just behind Connecticut.

WalletHub compared the 50 states across 51 key indicators of livability, ranging from housing costs and income growth to the education rate and quality of hospitals.

WalletHub analyst, Jill Gonzalez explained: "Connecticut is the 26th best state to live in. It is also one of the most expensive states, ranking 45th for affordability. That is due to its high real estate tax rate and cost of living.”

“Connecticut’s economy also seems to suffer, with a 4.20% unemployment rate and one of the lowest income growth rates,” Gonzalez added. “The state has a small number of job openings as well, indicating a destabilized job market."

Among the interesting comparisons between states that were highlighted in the analysis:

•             Maine has the fewest violent crimes (per 1,000 residents), 1.09, which is 7.7 times less than in Alaska, the state with the most at 8.38.

•             New Hampshire has the lowest share of residents living in poverty, 7.40 percent, which is 2.6 times lower than in Mississippi, the state with the highest at 19.40 percent.

•             Tennessee has the highest quality of roads, 14 percent, which is 5.4 times higher than in Rhode Island, the state with the lowest at 75 percent.

The 51 key indicators were grouped into four categories:  Affordability, Economy, Education & Health, and Quality of Life.  Connecticut ranked 45th, 43rd, 5th, and  20th respectively in the categories.

States at the bottom of the list were Mississippi, Louisiana, Alaska and New Mexico.