New Report Ranks California 35th Best State and Least Affordable
2nd August 2026
California, the most populous U.S. state and the one with the largest economy, ranked as the 35th best state in a new ranking published by U.S. News on July 28.
Utah ranked as the best state, followed by South Dakota, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Nebraska.
The ranking was based on scores in eight categories such as education, healthcare, economy, and fiscal stability, and it was weighted by survey opinions.