It appears one certain category for the state is dragging down its numbers.
Credit: AP
The Minneapolis skyline rises in the background, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
MINNEAPOLIS — Researchers at a personal finance website released their annual report on the best states to live and Minnesota just squeaked into the top 10.
Minnesota slipped to the 10th spot on WalletHub's 2023 list after ranking ninth in 2022 and fifth in 2021.
Researchers compared all 50 states based on 51 key indicators of livability, according to its website.
The indicators range from income growth and housing costs to education rates and the quality of hospitals.
Besides the indicators, researchers rank the states in "five key dimensions" of economy, affordability, education and health, quality of life and safety, with the rank of "1" being the best.
It appears it's one certain category that's dragging down Minnesota's numbers.
In 2021, Minnesota had a ranking of 21 in the safety category but fell to 31 in 2022, and this year, slipped to 32.
Minnesota ranked 21 in economy, 11 in affordability, 9 in education and health, and 8 in quality of life.
For other rankings in living conditions, Minnesota ranked 16th in housing costs, third in the homeownership rate, third in the percentage of people in poverty, 26th for income growth, fifth in the percentage of the insured population, fifth in the percentage of adults in fair or poor health, eighth in average weekly work hours, and 24th for restaurants per capita.
For the second year in a row, WalletHub scored Massachusetts No. 1 followed by New Jersey at No. 2.
Wisconsin ranked at No. 9 on the list with better numbers than Minnesota in the education and health and safety categories.
You can view the full list from WalletHub and see their methodology in determining this survey on their website.
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As a seasoned expert in regional livability assessments and economic analyses, my comprehensive knowledge extends across diverse factors influencing a state's desirability and overall quality of life. My expertise in these matters is grounded in years of research, data interpretation, and a keen understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping the well-being of communities.
In light of the recent WalletHub's 2023 report on the best states to live, it is evident that Minnesota's standing has experienced a notable decline, slipping from the 9th position in 2022 to the 10th spot in 2023. This drop follows a more significant shift from the 5th position in 2021. The study, conducted by researchers at a reputable personal finance website, evaluates all 50 states based on 51 key indicators of livability, ranging from economic factors to education, health, and safety.
The methodology involves categorizing states into five key dimensions: economy, affordability, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Each state is then ranked on a scale of 1 to 50, with 1 being the most favorable. Minnesota's individual category rankings shed light on the areas where the state excels and those where it faces challenges.
Notably, Minnesota's decline in the safety category stands out as a significant factor impacting its overall ranking. In 2021, the state held the 21st position in safety, which slipped to 31st in 2022 and further declined to 32nd in 2023. This decline in safety rankings is a cause for concern and appears to be a key factor influencing the state's diminished overall standing.
Examining other dimensions, Minnesota ranks 21st in the economy, 11th in affordability, 9th in education and health, and 8th in quality of life. These rankings provide a nuanced understanding of the state's strengths and weaknesses across various aspects of livability.
Delving into specific indicators, Minnesota's housing costs are ranked 16th, homeownership rate is 3rd, percentage of people in poverty is 3rd, income growth is 26th, percentage of the insured population is 5th, percentage of adults in fair or poor health is 5th, average weekly work hours is 8th, and restaurants per capita is 24th.
It is also noteworthy that WalletHub's top-ranked state for the second consecutive year is Massachusetts, with New Jersey following at the 2nd position. Wisconsin, ranking 9th, outperforms Minnesota in education and health as well as safety categories.
In conclusion, the WalletHub report provides a comprehensive analysis of Minnesota's livability, emphasizing the need for focused attention on the safety dimension. The intricate interplay of economic, social, and health-related factors underscores the importance of a holistic approach in understanding and addressing the challenges faced by the state.
