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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThese states are America's worst for quality of life in 2025
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/14/americas-worst-places-quality-of-life-top-states-for-business.htmlAmerican business is in the grips of a serious labor shortage, even though hiring has slowed and artificial intelligence is picking up more of the slack.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says that for every 100 job openings, only 92 workers are available to fill them. That means the nation is short about 1 million workers. To try and meet the demand, companies are seeking locations that are attractive to prospective employees. That makes quality of life a business imperative.
Each year, CNBCs annual rankings of state business climates Americas Top States for Business considers Quality of Life among ten categories of competitiveness. Under this years methodology, the category makes up 10.6% of a states overall score. We consider factors like crime, health care, air quality, and the price and availability of child care. We also consider inclusiveness of state laws, such as legal protections against discrimination. And with data showing younger workers considering reproductive rights in their choice of where they are willing to live, we factor those state laws in our rankings as well.
Some states are particularly welcoming to workers. These are not those states. They are the states with Americas worst quality of life in 2025.
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More at the link, and no surprises!

AltairIV
(907 posts)I have doubts about the accuracy of this list No Mississippi and only D's for the bottom scores?
Scrivener7
(56,499 posts)Though I do agree with your questioning the list. Where's West Virginia?
Looking at the data points many of these states should be a solid F.
Scrivener7
(56,499 posts)pinkstarburst
(1,785 posts)But I still think the list is just silly. Including Texas and Georgia, but not Mississippi or West Virginia?
Texas has so many people moving here we're likely going to pick up seats following the next census, so that seems like a strange choice to include.
yardwork
(67,261 posts)The article was difficult to read. I wish they'd post the list and then give details.
I was surprised to see GA but not SC and MS.
pinkstarburst
(1,785 posts)Texas and Georgia are on there but not Mississippi or West Virginia?
Texas literally has so many people moving here that we're likely to gain seats following the next census.