Most Livable State

Mississippi repeats last place finish

“New Hampshire slipped past Minnesota by the smallest of margins to earn this prestigious honor,” said Scott Morgan, President of Morgan Quitno Press. “The competition was fierce. Both states did well in nearly every category considered for the award.”

For fourteen years, Morgan Quitno Press has issued its Livable State Award. Based on 44 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 just-released 2004 edition of State Rankings compares states in more than 550 categories.

“Our award is unique because it does not focus on any one category of data,” said Morgan. “It takes into account a broad range of economic, educational, health-oriented, public safety and environmental statistics. The Most Livable State Award tells an interesting story about life and government in the 50 United States.”

Rounding out the top five spots with New Hampshire are (in descending order) Minnesota, Vermont, Iowa and New Jersey. Bringing up the opposite end of the rankings scale with Mississippi are Louisiana in 49th, South Carolina in 48th, Alabama in 47th and Tennessee 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 44 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.