Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Idaho Tops WalletHub Ranking of Best US States for 2026
A company called WalletHub compared all 50 US states to find which ones are the best places to live.
They looked at 51 different things, like how expensive homes are, how much money people earn, schools, doctors, safety and overall quality of life.
Idaho was chosen as the number one state.
It has low taxes, growing incomes, and very little crime.
New Jersey came in second because people there earn a lot of money and do not carry much debt.
Wisconsin was third because homes are affordable and the schools are very good.
Massachusetts and New Hampshire finished fourth and fifth.
That means three of the top five states are in a part of the country called New England.
The ranking helps people learn which states might be a good fit for them.
WalletHub ranked all 50 US states across 51 indicators of livability to find the best places to live.
Idaho ranks No. 1, supported by low taxes, strong income growth, high homeownership and a strong safety record.
New Jersey ranks second, with the third-highest median household income of nearly $104,000 and the second-lowest median debt.
Wisconsin ranks third, driven by affordable housing, strong education, a high graduation rate and low unemployment.
Massachusetts and New Hampshire round out the top five, putting three New England states among the leaders.
- Who
- WalletHub, the organization behind the ranking, compared all 50 US states.
- What
- A ranking of the best US states to live in based on 51 livability indicators including housing affordability, income growth, education, healthcare, safety and quality of life.
- When
- The 2026 ranking.
- Where
- All 50 US states, with the top five being Idaho, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
- Why
- To identify which states offer the best overall living conditions and help people decide where to live.
- Ranking organization
- WalletHub
- States compared
- All 50 US states
- Indicators used
- 51 livability indicators
- No. 1 state
- Idaho
- No. 2 state
- New Jersey
- No. 3 state
- Wisconsin
- Top five also include
- Massachusetts (4th) and New Hampshire (5th)
- New Jersey median household income
- Nearly $104,000