07-05-2025
U.S. News & World Report ranks North Carolina as the 13th best state
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina is the 13th best state in the nation, according to the new ranking from U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News & World Report released its Best States 2025 ranking Tuesday. It was based on 71 metrics across eight categories: education, health care, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, natural environment, and crime and corrections.
In the ranking, North Carolina placed seventh in economy, including fifth in growth. It was also 12th in education, 14th in fiscal stability, 18th in opportunity, 25th in health care and crime and corrections, 26th in natural environment, and 32nd in infrastructure.
The Tar Heel State moved up six spots from 19th in 2024 to 13th in 2025.
'We have long known that North Carolina is a top state to live, work, and raise a family,' Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement. 'I am proud of our state's work to grow our economy and make it work for more people. But we cannot rest on our laurels. We must invest in public education, health care, infrastructure, public safety, and workforce development to ensure our state's competitive status for years to come.'
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