Illinois has made a modest gain in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best States rankings, moving up to 36th place out of all 50 states. The Prairie State rose two spots from its 38th-place finish last year and returned to its 2023 ranking.
The annual report, released in early May, evaluates states across a range of categories, including crime and corrections, economy, education, fiscal stability, health care, infrastructure, natural environment, and opportunity.
Illinois earned top-15 placements in two key areas: education (No. 14) and crime and corrections (No. 15). The state performed particularly well in pre-K through 12th-grade education, finishing fourth nationwide, underscoring the strength of its public school systems.
However, the state struggled in other areas. Illinois ranked last (50th) in fiscal stability, reflecting ongoing concerns about state budget management and long-term financial health. Additionally, the state came in 45th in natural environment, with low marks in air and water quality (No. 41) dragging down its environmental score.
Utah topped the rankings for the third year in a row, praised for its growing national reputation and well-rounded performance across categories. Among Midwestern states, Idaho (No. 3), Minnesota (No. 4), and Nebraska (No. 5) led the region.
At the bottom of the list, Louisiana remained in last place, continuing its struggle with issues such as health care, infrastructure, and opportunity.
While Illinois’ slight improvement offers some optimism, the rankings highlight areas in need of serious policy attention as the state looks to build a more stable and sustainable future.
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