ConsumerAffairs recently conducted an analysis comparing all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., across five key categories to determine the best states to move to in 2024. Utah emerged as the top state, with Idaho securing the third spot. These two are the only western states in the top 10.
The study assessed affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Utah finished first in affordability, third in economy, third in quality of life, and eighth in education and health. Idaho, meanwhile, ranked fourth in affordability, seventh in safety, and tenth in both economy and quality of life.
In contrast, California’s poor scores in education and health, quality of life, and safety positioned it as the worst state to move to, according to the research.
ConsumerAffairs highlighted Utah’s top-ranking affordability, which is attributed to its low property taxes (0.57% average effective rate in 2021) and relatively high median household income ($79,449 in 2021). Idaho, generating significant interest from potential movers, earned the highest possible score for healthcare quality and has the lowest property crime rate in the U.S.
To determine the best states for movers, ConsumerAffairs compared states using five equally weighted categories, each worth 20 points. The methodology included:
- Affordability: Assessed based on regional price parity, median household income, and median annual property taxes.
- Economy: Evaluated through the poverty rate, population growth, unemployment rate, and home value.
- Education and Health: Measured by the insured population, healthcare quality, and high school graduation rate.
- Quality of Life: Considered road quality, weather, and public transportation usage.
- Safety: Assessed through property and violent crime rates, and the ratio of law enforcement employees to the population.
Each state was scored based on these metrics, with the top state in each category receiving the maximum points. The final rankings were determined by combining these scores.