Vermont ranks first in CNBC’s 2026 best states to live in survey

Vermont ranked No. 1 in CNBC’s 2026 list of the best states to live in, marking its latest strong showing in the annual qualityoflife ranking. The report weighs factors such as health, crime, air quality, childcare, inclusiveness, worker protections, and reproductive rights, alongside broader state business conditions. The ranking highlights Vermont’s high health ratings, low crime, and strong protections for residents. It also notes a key weakness: homelessness. State officials recently approved a plan to restructure the response system and expand shelter options. Other states near the top of the list included New Jersey, Maine, Minnesota, and Connecticut. The report said quality of life has become a more important consideration as companies look for places where workers want to live.