WASHINGTON -- Florida gets good news in the latest US News ranking of the Best States.
US News ranked the 50 states weighting factors such as health, the economy, education and infrastructure. Overall, Florida ranks #9 (Utah ranks #1).
Perhaps, most significantly, Florida ranks number one in two important categories, the economy and education. US News managing editor for government surveys, Gary Emerling, says Florida is benefiting from migration, which is growing the state's GDP and encouraging business formation. Florida's relatively low taxes (measured in percentage from personal income overall) don't hurt.
Florida's high marks on education are based on the performance of its university system, in terms of low tuition and graduation rates after four years (for 2-year programs) and six years (for bachelor's degrees).
One area where Florida could stand improvement: affordability. US News puts our state in the bottom ten there.
More on why Florida ranks highly:
Listen to an interview with Gary Emerling of US News below:
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