Nebraska ranks fifth best state in new report

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — In a new study by U.S. News and World Report, Nebraska was ranked fifth overall best state.

The report ranks each state on eight categories including crime and corrections, opportunity, natural environment, infrastructure, healthcare, fiscal stability, education and economy.

Along with the categories, the states are ranked on thousands of data points, according to U.S. News.

Nebraska was ranked 19th for crime and corrections, 15th in economy, 11th in education, eighth in fiscal stability, 34th in healthcare, third in infrastructure, 11th in natural environment and 14th in opportunity.

Each category holds different weight towards the rankings, with education and healthcare holding the most.

Gov. Jim Pillen said there is no better place than Nebraska.

“There is no better place to live, work, and raise a family than here in Nebraska, and this report reflects the incredible strength of our state,” said Pillen. “We are committed to continuing this momentum and making sure Nebraska remains a national leader for years to come.”

According to Pillen, there has been substantial growth across the Midwest in economy, healthcare and natural environment which led to the region’s rise in rankings.

Nebraska’s highest rated category, infrastructure, is due to its numbers of roads in poor condition, average commute time and renewable energy usage compared to the national average.