The 2026 edition of CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business study has shed light on the states with the lowest quality of life scores. The study, which increased the weight of quality of life factors to 11.6% of the
Louisiana also fared poorly, ranking as the fourth-worst state for quality of life. These rankings have sparked discussions about the challenges facing these states, particularly in areas such as safetyhealthcare and inclusivity.
Tennessee’s struggles with inclusivity and crime
Tennessee’s low quality of life score can be attributed to several factors. The state has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, according to FBI statistics. Additionally, the United Health Foundation reports that Tennessee has the third-highest rate of drug deaths.
The study also highlighted Tennessee’s struggles with inclusivity. The state has implemented laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community including a bathroom law that requires transgender people to use restrooms designated for their sex at birth. Furthermore, the state restricts localities from adopting their own anti-discrimination ordinances.
Governor Bill Lee’s designation of June as Nuclear Family Month has also been cited as a factor contributing to the state’s low inclusivity score. This move has been seen as controversial, especially considering that June is widely recognized as Pride Month across the United States.
Louisiana’s challenges with safety and healthcare
Louisiana’s poor ranking can be attributed to challenges in safety and healthcare. The state ranked second-worst in ConsumerAffairs’ analysis of the worst states to move to, with affordability and safety carrying the most weight in the analysis.
The safety scores considered factors such as violent crimeproperty crime and the risk of natural disasters. Louisiana’s high crime rates and vulnerability to natural disasters have contributed to its low safety score.
Healthcare is another area where Louisiana struggles. The state’s health system performance, access to healthcare professionals, and air quality were all factors considered in the analysis. Louisiana’s poor performance in these areas has contributed to its low quality of life score.
The political backlash
The fact that all ten states on CNBC’s list of the worst states to live in are led by Republicans has drawn criticism from conservatives. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called the ranking nonsense arguing that people are moving to Tennessee in large numbers.
However, the rankings are based on objective data and factors that companies and workers may consider when deciding whether to relocate. The study’s focus on quality of life factors such as crime rates, healthcare access, worker protections, and inclusivity provides a comprehensive assessment of the states’ livability.
The rankings have sparked a broader discussion about the challenges facing these states and the need for policies that promote safety, healthcare, and inclusivity. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how these states will address the issues highlighted in the study.