Worst State to Live: Texas Ranks Lowest in CNBC's 2023 Best and Worst States List

Texas has been ranked as the worst state to live in the United States, according to CNBC's latest research on the best and worst states for business in 2023. The rankings take into account various factors falling under the category of Life, Health & Inclusion, which include crime rates, environmental quality, health care, and childcare availability, along with state laws regarding inclusiveness, reproductive rights, anti-discrimination, and voting rights.

Out of a possible 350 points, Texas received a dismal 53 points in the Life, Health & Inclusion category, earning it an F grade in CNBC's Top States study, and securing its position at the bottom of the list. Despite Texas ranking sixth in CNBC's overall Top States for Business study, the state's poor performance in the quality of life and inclusiveness categories has led to its unenviable distinction as the worst place to live and work in 2023.

Joining Texas in the top 10 worst states to live and work are Oklahoma, Louisiana, South Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Florida. These states scored poorly in various aspects, leading to their unfavorable rankings.

On a brighter note, Vermont has been crowned as the best state to live in the US, thanks to its residents experiencing lower stress levels and better health overall. Vermont's beautiful landscape, particularly the Green Mountains, offers excellent air quality, contributing to its high score in environmental quality. Additionally, the state excels in providing accessible childcare, robust anti-discrimination protections, and easy access to voting, earning it an A+ in Life, Health & Inclusion.

The top 10 best states to live and work, along with Vermont, are Maine, New Jersey, Minnesota, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Connecticut. These states showcase a higher quality of life and offer better inclusiveness in their policies.

CNBC's rankings for the best and worst states to live and work are part of their comprehensive study that evaluates business competitiveness across 86 metrics in 10 categories. The study examines factors such as the workforce, infrastructure, cost of doing business, state laws, and education to provide an overall picture of each state's business climate.

With North Carolina taking the top spot in CNBC's overall Top States for Business study, it demonstrates that different states excel in different areas, and economic opportunities may not always align with the overall quality of life and inclusiveness experienced by their residents.