Louisiana has once again found itself at the bottom of the list in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 Best States report. The state’s ranking was attributed to a variety of factors including high rates of violent crime, industrial pollution, poverty, and a declining population.
According to the report, Louisiana ranked last in several key categories including crime/corrections, economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, natural environment, and opportunity. Residents of the state suffer from 629 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which is 65% higher than the national average. Additionally, Louisiana has a negative net migration rate and a high rate of preventable hospital admissions.
The state’s infrastructure was also a cause for concern, with nearly one-third of roads in poor condition and a lack of internet access. Louisiana factories were found to release a significantly higher amount of industrial toxins compared to the national average.
This latest ranking adds to a series of studies that have listed Louisiana as one of the worst states in terms of quality of life. The state has a high poverty rate, particularly among women, who face challenges in areas such as education, life expectancy, and economic opportunities.
Despite these challenges, Louisiana has been slow to make improvements in key areas such as healthcare, education, and economic stability. The state’s poor rankings in various reports highlight the need for significant changes to improve the overall well-being of its residents.