Excellent talents have always been the target of competition among various companies, especially when the market is in urgent need of talent. However, when they are considering a move, they often take into account the local quality of life, which may ultimately affect whether they choose to join the local companies that are eagerly seeking talent.
CNBC’s annual state business environment ranking “The Most Business-Friendly States in the United States” also takes this into consideration. In this year’s ranking, the quality of life category accounts for 13% of the total score for each state.
In addition, the latest ranking also evaluates various aspects of livability in each state, including crime rates, healthcare, air quality, and childcare.
According to the ranking, the following states are rolling out the red carpet for incoming talents with the best quality of life:
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 211 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: B)
According to data from Oxfam America, New York State laws provide extensive protection to employees, including almost unrestricted organizational rights, a $15 minimum wage standard, and strong anti-discrimination protection for individuals in various industries in New York State.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 211 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: B)
New Hampshire boasts safe communities and good healthcare. According to data from the United Health Foundation, New Hampshire is the healthiest state in the United States. Over 90% of residents have access to dedicated healthcare service providers, and it is also one of the states with the lowest premature mortality rates.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 211 out of 325 points (Best State: B)
Massachusetts has 322 primary healthcare providers per 100,000 residents, the highest in the country, as well as the lowest rate of uninsured residents. Following closely behind New Hampshire, it has become the second healthiest state in the United States.
Employees in Massachusetts enjoy strong protections, including mandatory sick leave and family leave.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 211 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: B)
Like most neighbors in the New England region, Connecticut is one of the states with the lowest crime rates in the United States. In 2022, the state had a crime rate of 150 per 100,000 people, which is less than half of the national average, a significant feat considering Connecticut has five cities with populations over 100,000.
The state provides robust protections to employees, including a $15 minimum wage standard.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 213 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: B)
State laws ensure that everyone in Connecticut can achieve the “Connecticut dream,” although it does not guarantee that everyone can fulfill their dreams.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 222 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: B+)
Hawaii’s reverence for the environment is unparalleled, with pure air quality. Additionally, Hawaii has low crime rates, strong protection for employees, and is one of the states in the United States that prioritizes health protection.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 226 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: B+)
According to the Center for Public Integrity, Oregon had mail-in voting even before the COVID-19 epidemic, with minimal instances of fraud.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 230 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: B+)
Washington State has a minimum wage of $16.28 per hour, ranking second among states (the District of Columbia has a minimum wage of $17). The state provides a comprehensive set of protections for employees and extensive anti-discrimination protection. Furthermore, the state’s environmental quality is excellent, with clean air and water.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 240 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: A-)
Minnesota provides the best healthcare services in the United States to employees. The state has lower preventable death rates, fewer uninsured residents, and ranks as the fifth state in the United States that prioritizes health protection.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 248 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: A-)
New Jersey is one of the safest areas in the United States. In 2022, there were about 200 crimes per 100,000 people in the state, compared to the national average of 380 people.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 265 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: A)
Maine is the safest state in the United States, with abundant healthcare services. Nearly 92% of Maine adults have dedicated healthcare providers, a higher percentage than in any other state.
In this state with a population of 1.3 million, there are 830 licensed childcare facilities, and the prices are affordable, around 10% of the median income for married couples.
Score for Quality of Life in 2024: 281 out of 325 points (Best State Rating: A+)
Vermont has the freshest air of all states in the region and has the second cleanest air in the United States (second only to West Virginia). According to the American Lung Association, Vermont had almost no ozone pollution last year and is truly a green state.
Perhaps Vermont’s clean environment and the warm hospitality of its people contribute to making people feel at ease in this state with the highest quality of life in the United States, where the crime rate is also very low.