Rhode Island Ranked 24th in U.S. News & World Report

Scenic view of Rhode Island with urban areas and nature.

News Summary

Rhode Island has risen to become the 24th best state in the U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings, moving up from 26th place. The rankings reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to improve various aspects of resident lives such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. However, economic challenges persist, including a significant rise in unemployment and adverse conditions for new businesses. State officials are focusing on innovation and community engagement to enhance overall quality of life amidst these issues.

Rhode Island Ranked 24th in U.S. News & World Report’s Annual State Rankings

Rhode Island has improved its standing in the U.S. News & World Report’s annual state rankings, moving up two spots to become the 24th best state in the nation. This latest ranking, part of an evaluation that assesses how well each state serves its citizens, was announced on Tuesday morning.

The annual ranking considers multiple categories crucial to resident well-being, including health care, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, and crime. This upward movement from the previous year’s ranking of 26th reflects Rhode Island’s efforts to enhance services and overall quality of life for its residents.

Key Evaluation Metrics

In evaluating the states, U.S. News & World Report analyzes a range of qualitative and quantitative data. Each of the categories plays a significant role in determining a state’s performance. Health care, for example, looks at both accessibility and quality of clinical services offered. Education evaluates student achievement and school resources, while the economy considers job growth, income levels, and economic diversification.

Infrastructure involves assessing transportation systems and public utilities, whereas opportunity focuses on factors that lead to upward mobility, including job opportunities and educational attainment. Fiscal stability is crucial as it reflects the state’s ability to manage debt and budget responsibly, while crime statistics are vital for ensuring public safety.

Challenges Ahead

27% year-over-year rise in unemployment, raising concerns over job security and economic stability. Additionally, a recent WalletHub report highlighted Rhode Island as the worst state for starting a business. These figures underscore the hurdles that new entrepreneurs encounter, such as complex regulations and limited access to funding.

In the realm of healthcare, Rhode Island boasts four major hospital campuses and several offsite facilities, which are essential components of its health service ecosystem. Despite these resources, ongoing challenges persist in ensuring that all citizens receive timely and effective care.

Upcoming Rewards for Innovation

2025 Fast50 Awards and the Inno Under 25 list, which aims to recognize young innovators making a significant impact in various fields. These events highlight the state’s commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and celebrating those who drive positive change.

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STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.

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