Florida has been ranked No. 9 overall in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best States rankings, an improvement from its previous ranking of No. 10. The state was specifically recognized for its education system, holding onto the No. 1 spot nationwide 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.
Over the past decade, Florida’s population has grown by 18%, with many people drawn to the state 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