Is Arizona one of the worst states to live in the United States? From an Arizona resident, no.

The sun sets over the Sonoran desert
Credit: Canva
loading...

Unfortunately, not everyone in the country sees the Grand Canyon state like I do, least of all US News and World Report. Their annual ranking of the best states to live in came out recently, and it's not very nice to us here in the Southwest.

Where Does Arizona Rank in the U.S.?

According to the 2024 report, Arizona places not in the top ten, not even the top half, but all the way at number 32. This comes for a multitude of reasons, but it likely has to do with two factors: housing and education.

Student puts his head in his hands
Credit: Canva
loading...

Housing has been getting harder and harder to find across the state, and funding for Arizona schools is nearing an all time low. While other factors affected this score, these are the largest issues that need to be tackled.

KWCD Country logo
Get our free mobile app

What Does Arizona Excel At Nationally?

While Arizona does fall to the bottom of the list, we do fare better than most other states at certain points. While Crime, Education, Fiscal Stability, Job Opportunity, and natural Environment rank in the bottom half of the states (Natural Environment? Really???), Arizona excels at Healthcare, Economy and Infrastructure.

A group of doctors
Credit: Canva
loading...

Even with these wins, those rankings only get as high as 10th in the nation for the state economy, while Infrastructure ranks at number 18 and Healthcare comes in at number 20.

Workers look at their construction site
Credit: Canva
loading...

While there are certain metrics that are objectively correct, moving to Arizona from #9 Florida was one of the best choices I ever made.

But hey, at least we're ranked higher than California. ;)

[US News and World Report]

8 Major Red Flags for People Moving to Arizona

Arizona is a great place to live - but there are some things you should absolutely consider before moving here. Check out these Red Flags. They could be deal breakers!

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson

Fleeing Arizona? Here are the Top 10 States People from Arizona are Moving to Most

You might be looking for a cooler climate with four seasons. Perhaps you want to live closer to your friends and family. Or maybe you're in the middle of a big life change and ready for something different.

No matter the reason, people just like you are fleeing Arizona, and their reasons are as varied as the number of cactus we have in the Grand Canyon State.

According to the US Census Bureau, Here are the top 10 states that people fleeing Arizona are moving to.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson

Top 10 Misconceptions Outsiders Have About Arizona

Most non-residents have a very different view of the Grand Canyon State than reality. Here are the top things people get wrong.

More From KWCD Country