UNDATED — Washington ranked 10th in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best States” list, down from eighth last year and second in 2023. The rankings are based on 71 metrics across eight categories, including health care, education, and the economy.
Washington performed best in infrastructure and natural environment, placing seventh in both. The state improved in education, rising to ninth overall, driven by a strong showing in higher education. However, it ranked 31st in pre-K-12.
Crime and corrections also improved, with the state climbing to 33rd, though public safety remained a weak spot at 44th.
Declines were seen in health care, fiscal stability, the economy, and opportunity. Washington fell to 15th in health care and 23rd in the economy. Affordability continues to drag down the opportunity category, where Washington ranked 40th.
Utah remained No. 1 for the third year, while Louisiana was again last.