Vermont named best state for quality of life

Vermont was named the best state for quality of life by CNBC for the fifth year in a row, according to a Monday release from the news outlet.

Maine, New Jersey, Minnesota, Connecticut, Hawaii, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Virginia also made the top 10 list for a high quality of life. 

But the Green Mountain state outscored them all and received an A plus rating for its living standards, which earned a score of 228 out of 265 Points.

Researchers found strong pull factors for the state include its inclusiveness, health, air quality, low crime rate and reproductive rights.

“Vermont state laws are inclusive and welcoming. The state offers broad protections against discrimination of all kinds,” CNBC reported.

“No state is more protective of reproductive rights than Vermont, which in 2022 became the first state to enshrine them in its constitution,” they added.

The report found no real weaknesses in Vermont's rankings for quality of life issues, and complimented it for its smooth voting process with 45 days of early voting offered in person and by mail. 

The CNBC findings were concluded during its annual project that lists the top states for business. 

While Vermont received high rankings for its quality of life, it scored low in infrastructure and access to capital.

Vermont’s unemployment rate sits at 2.6 percent with a population of approximately 648,493. 

The top corporate tax rate is 8.5 percent and top individual income tax rate is 8.75 percent.