Most Livable State — Again!

Mississippi repeats last place finish

“Minnesota is a perennial winner because it scores very well across-the-board,” said Scott Morgan, President of Morgan Quitno Press. “The state has very low infant mortality and teen birth rates, a high homeownership rate, a very good high school graduation rate and high spending for the arts. It’s hard to compete against a record like that.”

For the last thirteen years, Morgan Quitno Press has issued its Livable State Award. Based on 43 factors selected from updated editions of its annual reference book, State Rankings, the Most Livable State Award recognizes a state for its high quality of life. The 2003 edition of State Rankings compares states in more than 550 categories.

“Our Most Livable State Award is not a measurement of which state is most fun or the best place for everyone to live,” said Morgan. “It is based on statistical indicators that reflect the kind of lifestyle that most Americans agree is positive — affordable housing, safe streets, good employment opportunities, a strong education system and a healthy state economy. The award tells an interesting story about life and government in the 50 United States.”

Rounding out the top five spots with Minnesota are (in descending order) Iowa, New Hampshire, Nebraska and Virginia. Bringing up the opposite end of the scale with Mississippi are Louisiana in 49th, Tennessee in 48th, Alabama in 47th and West Virginia in 46th place.

The Most Livable State Award is one of five designations announced annually by Morgan Quitno Press in conjunction with the publication of its annual reference books. These other annual announcements name the nation’s Safest City and Metro Area, the Healthiest State, the Most Dangerous State and the Smartest State.

A listing of the Most Livable State Award’s 43 factors, rankings of all 50 states for each factor and an explanation of the methodology are available from Morgan Quitno Press via the Internet at www.statestats.com or by calling 785-841-3534.