Red vs Blue: Which US Political Spectrum Dominates Top States?
TL/DR –
U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best States Rankings suggest that a state’s political leanings may not significantly impact its overall performance. The top 10 states in the ranking include an equal number of red states (those who voted for Donald Trump in 2020) and blue states (those who voted for Joe Biden in 2020). Furthermore, these states differ in areas of excellence, with blue states performing better in healthcare and the environment, while red states excel in economy and fiscal stability.
Political Leaning and State Excellence in U.S. Presidential Election
Contrary to expectations, political leanings may have less impact on a state’s performance, as seen in the annual Best States rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Blue states that supported President Joe Biden in 2020 generally excel in areas like healthcare and environment, while red states that voted for former President Donald Trump display strong performance in economic and fiscal stability.
When considering all eight categories of the Best States rankings, the top 10 is evenly divided between red and blue states, reflecting the nation’s political disparity.
Red vs. Blue: State Performances
The leading state, Utah, is red, while the second-place New Hampshire is a blue state. A mix of political and policy aspects seems to contribute to the excellence of the top states. Red states, like Utah, that ranks best for education and economy, are followed by blue-like New Hampshire, with low crime rates and high performance in economy, education, opportunity, and environment. Florida and Massachusetts are also on the top 10 list.
Most red states within the top 20 overall rankings are primarily found in the Great Plains and Mountain regions, while the bottom 10 red states are primarily located in the South.
Most Populated States Rankings
Large states like New York and Pennsylvania rank in the mid-range of the rankings. Florida, the third most populous state, is the only large state to make the top 10, ranking ninth overall.
Key States in the 2024 Election
The seven swing states that could determine the 2024 presidential election outcome have varied positions in the Best States ranking, ranging from Wisconsin at 17th to Michigan at 42nd.
Blue States Excel in Health Care and Environment
Blue states consistently score high in health care and natural environment. The top 13 states for health care all went for Biden in 2020, including Pennsylvania. The bottom 12 states in this category are all red states.
Economy, Opportunity and Education
Both red and blue states are evenly distributed in the top 10 for economic performance. However, the bottom five states in this category are all red. Meanwhile, the opportunity category presents an unusual mix, with blue states Vermont and Maine ranking first and second, but also including several red states in the top 10.
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