SALT LAKE CITY – For the third consecutive year, Utah has claimed the top spot in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best States” rankings, released Monday. While the Beehive State’s high performance in fiscal stability, infrastructure, and education was instrumental, the report also emphasized Utah’s strong community culture, deeply influenced by religion and conservative politics.
“Religion matters here,” the article states, noting that “a civil society forged by a conservative political culture and the influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” helps shape a well-organized and socially cohesive state. The church’s emphasis on service, family life, and civic involvement underpins many of Utah’s strengths in public policy, from low crime rates to educational outcomes.
Three‑peat! Utah was just ranked #1 overall in the @USNews Best States assessment for the third year in a row. From our strong economy to our top‑tier educational institutions, Utahns continue to show the nation how service, faith, freedom, and opportunity are foundational to… pic.twitter.com/mC9vfDwuqs
— Governor Cox (@GovCox) May 6, 2025
Governor Spencer Cox celebrated the news in a post on social media, writing, “Three‑peat! Utah was just ranked No. 1 overall in the @USNews Best States assessment for the third year in a row. From our strong economy to our top‑tier educational institutions, Utahns continue to show the nation how service, faith, freedom, and opportunity are foundational to success.”
Utah’s overall rankings were:
Despite the accolades, Utah ranked 48th in natural environment due to air quality and water concerns. The state also faces ongoing challenges in housing affordability and pay equity.
Idaho, which shares many cultural and religious ties with Utah, ranked third in the nation overall. The Gem State earned high marks in economy (4th), fiscal stability (8th), and opportunity (10th), while maintaining strong environmental and crime metrics.
Idaho has the third-largest population of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, behind Utah and California, a demographic detail that mirrors the community-first values cited in Utah’s success.
The top five in the 2025 rankings are:
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Utah
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New Hampshire
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Idaho
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Minnesota
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Nebraska
The rankings were compiled by U.S. News & World Report journalists Casey Leins, Elliott Davis Jr., and Gaby Galvin. Full methodology and category breakdowns are available at usnews.com.