When companies decide where to establish their operations, quality of life is crucial in attracting and retaining skilled employees. CNBC’s annual ranking of state business climates highlights the importance of quality of life among ten categories of competitiveness. This year, quality of life metrics encompass crime rates, health care access, air quality, child care availability, worker protections, and personal freedoms, including reproductive rights. Here, we delve into the ten worst states for quality of life 2025.
Contents
Criteria For Quality of Life Rankings
The rankings consider several critical factors:
- Crime Rates: High crime rates can deter both businesses and employees.
- Health Care Access: Adequate resources are essential for a thriving population.
- Air Quality: Poor air quality affects overall health and well-being.
- Child Care Availability: Access to quality child care is vital for working families.
- Worker Protections: Legal safeguards ensure fair treatment and a safe working environment.
- Legal Safeguards Against Discrimination: Protections against discrimination promote inclusiveness.
- Personal Freedoms: Reproductive rights and personal freedoms contribute to overall quality of life.
Top 10 Worst States for Quality of Life in 2024
Arizona
Arizona’s sweltering heat is not included in the quality of life metrics, but its poor air quality due to rising temperatures is a significant concern. The state also struggles with limited healthcare resources, having fewer than two staffed hospital beds per 1,000 people. Although a near-total abortion ban from 1864 was repealed, the state still imposes a 15-week ban, with the potential for the old ban to return briefly.
2025 Quality of Life Score: 119/325 (Grade: D-)
- Strengths: Crime, Voting Rights, Worker Protections
- Weaknesses: Air Quality, Reproductive Rights, Health Care
Kansas
Kansas lacks quality child care, with only 825 licensed centers for a population of 2.9 million. Child care is expensive, consuming nearly 14% of a married couple’s median income. Despite its idyllic prairies, Kansas reported over 11,000 violent crimes in 2022, keeping its crime rate above the national average.
2025 Quality of Life Score: 113/325 (Grade: F)
- Strengths: Health Care, Reproductive Rights
- Weaknesses: Child Care, Crime, Worker Protections
Louisiana
Louisiana has the fourth-highest violent crime rate in the nation and ranks as America’s least healthy state. High obesity rates and premature deaths plague the state. However, it excels in child care, with over 1,800 licensed facilities serving its population.
2025 Quality of Life Score: 100/325 (Grade: F)
- Strength: Child Care
- Weaknesses: Crime, Health, Reproductive Rights
Missouri
Missouri is one of the most burdensome states for voting, requiring a qualified excuse for mail voting. It also has the sixth-highest crime rate in the country. Despite a decline in violent crime, the state remains plagued by numerous offenses.
2025 Quality of Life Score: 98/325 (Grade: F)
- Strength: Air Quality
- Weaknesses: Voting Rights, Crime, Reproductive Rights
