Tennessee
While violent crime rates in Tennessee have declined, the state remains one of the most violent in the nation. Discriminatory legislation has also been a significant issue, with laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community and diminishing human rights protections.
2025 Quality of Life Score: 96/325 (Grade: F)
- Strengths: Child Care, Air Quality
- Weaknesses: Crime, Inclusiveness, Health Care
Arkansas
Arkansas has the second-highest violent crime rate in the nation and weak anti-discrimination laws. However, it offers affordable child care, with families spending just 9% of their income on these services. The state has nearly 1,800 licensed child-care facilities.
2025 Quality of Life Score: 93/325 (Grade: F)
- Strength: Child Care
- Weaknesses: Inclusiveness, Crime, Voting Rights
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s abortion laws are among the most restrictive in the nation, prohibiting the procedure at any stage except in specific circumstances. The state also faces poor health metrics, with high obesity rates and low physical activity levels contributing to its poor health ranking.
2025 Quality of Life Score: 85/325 (Grade: F)
- Strength: Air Quality
- Weaknesses: Reproductive Rights, Health, Worker Protections, Voting Rights
Alabama
Alabama is one of only three states that do not allow early voting, and new restrictions on absentee voting have recently been passed. The state ranks last for wage policies, with a minimum wage that covers less than 20% of the cost of living for a family of four. Additionally, it lacks public accommodation laws to protect against discrimination.
2025 Quality of Life Score: 83/325 (Grade: F)
- Strength: Child Care
- Weaknesses: Voting Rights, Inclusiveness, Worker Protections
Indiana
Indiana offers the worst access to child care, with just 772 licensed facilities for nearly seven million people. The state has enacted laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community, including bans on gender-affirming care for minors and restrictions on discussing human sexuality in schools.
2025 Quality of Life Score: 78/325 (Grade: F)
- Strength: Crime
- Weaknesses: Child Care, Reproductive Rights, Inclusiveness, Voting Rights
Texas
Despite its population growth, Texas ranks at the bottom in terms of quality of life. The state struggles with poor healthcare access, high numbers of uninsured residents, and significant medical debt. Additionally, it has no public accommodation laws against discrimination and the strictest abortion ban in the nation. New residents face minimal protections and low unemployment benefits, covering less than 10% of the average cost of living.
2025 Quality of Life Score: 75/325 (Grade: F)
- Strength: Air Quality
- Weaknesses: Reproductive Rights, Health Care, Voting Rights, Inclusiveness, Worker Protections
Final Thoughts
The rankings highlight the major factors contributing to poor quality of life in these states, including crime rates, health care access, and personal freedoms. These issues can significantly impact business decisions and the ability to attract and retain skilled workers. Improving livability factors is crucial for enhancing the overall quality of life and fostering a more attractive environment for businesses and employees.
