The 10 Best States in America

Many Americans take pride in their state, often claiming their home state to be better than the rest.

Now, the 2018 U.S. News Best States rankings can help settle the debate.

In an assessment of how states are serving their residents – from health care to education – these 10 state performed the best overall in the 2018 Best States rankings. The rankings, formed in partnership with McKinsey & Company, analyze thousands of data points to measure how states best serve their citizens.

Capital: Denver

Population: 5.54 million

Median income: $32,163

GDP: $322.64 billion

Learn more about Colorado.

Capital: Montpelier

Population: 625,000

Median income: $29,787

GDP: $31.09 billion

Learn more about Vermont.

Capital: Boston

Population: 6.81 million

Median income: $35,227

GDP: $505.78 billion

Learn more about Massachusetts.

Capital: Lincoln

Population: 1.91 million

Median income: $30,391

GDP: $117.45 billion

Learn more about Nebraska.

Capital: Olympia

Population: 7.29 million

Median income: $32,253

GDP: $476.77 billion

Learn more about Washington.

Capital: Concord

Population: 1.33 million

Median income: $32,578

GDP: $77.21 billion

Learn more about New Hampshire.

Capital: Bismarck

Population: 758,000

Median income: $32,224

GDP: $53.45 billion

Learn more about North Dakota.

Capital: Salt Lake City

Population: 3.05 million

Median income: $27,660

GDP: $157.67 billion

Learn more about Utah.

Capital: Saint Paul

Population: 5.52 million

Median income: $32,487

GDP: $339.1 billion

Learn more about Minnesota.

Capital: Des Moines

Population: 3.13 million

Median income: $30,097

GDP: $185.18 billion

Learn more about Iowa.

Don't see your state here? See the full list of the 2018 Best States and explore how states did in areas like health care, education and opportunity.