Oklahoma ranked among the top 10 worst states to live in, according to a new study: Check out the full list

This blog originally appeared at THE OKLAHOMAN.

In a 2024 study by WalletHub ranking the best states to live in, Oklahoma was placed as the 7th-worst.

The personal finance company evaluated each state using 51 key indicators of livability, ranging from housing costs and income growth to education levels and the quality of hospital systems.

Here’s how Oklahoma measured up:

Oklahoma ranks as the 7th-worst state to live in. Overall, Oklahoma came in 44th in the study ranking the best states to live in.

Here’s where the state stood on some key indicators:

• 49th in percentage of insured population
• 45th in income growth
• 43rd in percentage of population in poverty
• 43rd in percentage of adults in fair or poor health
• 42nd in average weekly work hours
• 38th in homeownership rate
• 25th in restaurants per capita

Top 10 Best States to Live In
WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe emphasized that financial factors should be a primary consideration when choosing where to live. She also noted that while many states boast strong economies, it’s crucial to consider other aspects, such as the potential impact on one’s health and safety.

Massachusetts Ranked as the Best State to Live In

The study named Massachusetts the top state to live in, with WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe attributing this achievement to the state’s strong healthcare system and high-quality education.

“Massachusetts has the lowest premature death rate in the country and the lowest percentage of adults in fair or poor health,” Happe said. “The Bay State also ranks first in the nation for the quality of its school systems. In addition, Massachusetts has the third-highest median household income, at over $94,000.”

WalletHub’s Top 10 Best States to Live In for 2024:

1. Massachusetts
2. Florida
3. New Jersey
4. Utah
5. New Hampshire
6. Idaho
7. Pennsylvania
8. Wisconsin
9. New York
10. Wyoming

Ten Worst States to Live In

With Oklahoma ranking as the 7th-worst state to live in, Randal Ice, professor emeritus at the University of Central Oklahoma, emphasized in the study that state policymakers need to ensure competitive tax rates, especially for high-income and highly mobile individuals, to attract new residents.

However, even highly paid CEOs can relocate a company to a low-tax area, taking many jobs with them when tax rates are unfavorable,” Ice noted. “But life is about more than just taxes. Quality of life factors also influence where people choose to settle. States should take these aspects into account when providing services to residents and adjust accordingly. It’s a highly competitive environment for attracting the best and brightest.

WalletHub’s Top 10 Worst States to Live In for 2024:

1. Louisiana
2. New Mexico
3. Arkansas
4. Alaska
5. Nevada
6. Mississippi
7. Oklahoma
8. South Carolina
9. Oregon
10. Arizona

Read more.