In 2024, U.S. News & World Report released its rankings for the best states in the United States. Florida came in at No. 9 overall, up from its No. 10 ranking in the previous year. The state was particularly recognized for its education system, holding onto the top spot nationally for the second consecutive year. Additionally, Florida jumped six spots to claim the No. 1 ranking for economy.
Florida’s education system was praised for its high rates of timely graduation at public institutions and low in-state tuition amounts. The state also excelled in college readiness, as demonstrated by strong SAT and ACT scores. On the economic front, Florida’s strong job market and overall economic growth were cited as key factors that contributed to its No. 1 ranking in this category.
The state’s population has grown by an impressive 18% since 2010, with many people drawn to Florida by its warm weather, lack of state income tax, and perceived lower cost of living. While Florida ranked highly in education and economy, it also received rankings in other categories, including No. 13 for Crime & Corrections, No. 13 for Natural Environment, No. 20 for Fiscal Stability, No. 20 for Infrastructure, No. 26 for Health Care