A recent list from CNBC ranks America’s 10 Best States to Live in, and it raises eyebrows by showcasing what many consider the far-left’s skewed priorities. Notably, Tennessee is labeled as the worst state for living. Here’s how the states stack up:
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Georgia
- Utah
- Missouri
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
Interestingly, President Trump won every one of these states.
While I live just about 10 miles from Tennessee, I sometimes find myself wishing I were there. It’s beautiful like rural North Carolina, where I am currently, and shares the same southern charm—minus the state income tax. The main drawback? Memphis, which is under Democratic leadership.
Moreover, it’s curious that “normal people” didn’t make CNBC’s top 10 list, despite many fleeing states like New York, California, and Illinois. It raises questions about how CNBC interprets what makes a state “bad.”
In fact, nearly all of the states listed as “worst” are expected to gain population in 2025:
- Tennessee (+42,400)
- Texas (+67,300)
- Indiana (+12,200)
- Louisiana (-14,400)
- Georgia (+27,300)
- Utah (+3,300)
- Missouri (+14,400)
- Alabama (+23,400)
- Oklahoma (+14,500)
- Arkansas (+14,500)
Meanwhile, the exodus continues:
- California (-229,100)
- New York (-137,600)
- Illinois (-40,000)
- New Jersey (-37,400)
- Massachusetts (-33,300)
- Colorado (-12,100)
- Maryland (-12,100)
One would think this would settle the best and worst debate. It’s also worth noting that places like Colorado and Maryland are stunning, yet they still manage to drive people away.
So, how did CNBC arrive at the conclusion that nine popular states are among the 10 worst? It seems simple. They looked at crime rates, air quality, health care access, worker protections, and civil rights laws—all factors they claim can harm a state’s livability.
Starting with crime rates…
We all know that crime statistics can be skewed, particularly due to Democratic-led cities inflating these numbers within their states.
By 2024, cities like Memphis, Little Rock, Kansas City, St. Louis, and more, which have been led by Democrats for years, show high crime rates. Yes, these areas are problematic, but life outside these urban centers in red states is often quite different. Detailed proof is available if needed.
Most violent crimes and other issues are concentrated in these cities, where Republicans hold little sway.
Regarding the other criteria for livability, “health care access, worker protections, and civil rights” seem rather trivial.
The truth is, America isn’t a third-world nation. So when discussing “health care access” and other similar topics, most people don’t see them as primary factors in deciding where to settle.
Some other metrics are even less relevant…
Arkansas took a hit for being deemed “less inclusive,” which feels like a stretch. It’s also labeled No. 1 in “food insecurity,” a term that’s perplexing to consider in a wealthy country that’s supposedly addressed poverty. Notably, “hunger” isn’t mentioned—it’s ironic how poorer individuals are statistically at risk for obesity.
Oklahoma’s stance on “reproductive rights” implies a disapproval of abortion, while the minimum wage lacks contextual placement concerning the state’s cost of living.
Then there’s Tennessee, where Governor Bill Lee’s Republican Party is known for passing laws affecting the LGBTQ+ community, including regulations on bathroom use. It seems ironic that people aren’t flocking away from one of the few states where debates about bathroom access take center stage.
Other than crime, this survey fails to mention key aspects that matter to everyday people: transportation, housing costs, taxes, ease of starting a business, unemployment rates, education, and life expectancy. Unsurprisingly, these weren’t included.
In essence…
This survey appears to be disinformation by omission—essentially irrelevant—unless you happen to fit a very niche demographic.
Honestly, I can’t decide which is worse: that CNBC made this list to criticize red states, or that they actually believe this kind of reporting is relevant.
