Best States for Outdoor Enthusiasts 2026: All 50 Ranked
Which states are best for outdoor enthusiasts? Custom-weighted rankings based on outdoor access, environment, safety, and more.
Top 10 states for outdoor enthusiasts
Rankings weighted toward outdoor access (parks, public land, recreation), environmental quality, safety, health infrastructure, and affordable housing — for those who prioritize access to nature and an active lifestyle.
Wyoming leads the outdoor enthusiasts rankings with a persona-weighted score of 69.1/100. Vermont (66.1) and Montana (64.0) round out the top three.
The gap between #1 and #10 is 14.8 points. What separates these states from the rest is consistent strength across the categories that matter most for outdoor enthusiasts: outdoor access, environment, safety.
| Rank | State | Outdoor Enthusiasts Score | Outdoor Access | Environment | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wyoming | 69.1 | 95.7 | 46.6 | 79.6 |
| #2 | Vermont | 66.1 | 55.6 | 76.3 | 78.9 |
| #3 | Montana | 64.0 | 71.7 | 62.9 | 56.4 |
| #4 | Maine | 63.4 | 45.0 | 77.1 | 93.3 |
| #5 | Idaho | 60.4 | 50.2 | 70.0 | 78.1 |
| #6 | New Hampshire | 60.3 | 43.0 | 45.2 | 92.0 |
| #7 | South Dakota | 56.5 | 45.8 | 53.3 | 62.7 |
| #8 | Oregon | 56.2 | 53.4 | 64.2 | 67.7 |
| #9 | Alaska | 55.6 | 100.0 | 49.5 | 10.1 |
| #10 | Rhode Island | 54.3 | 37.4 | 53.4 | 86.1 |
#1: Wyoming
Wyoming leads the outdoor enthusiasts rankings with a weighted score of 69.1/100. The state scores 95.7 in outdoor access, 46.6 in environment, 79.6 in safety. Overall rank: #16 (68.2/100, B+ grade). Median income: $71,847. Cost of living: 91.
Wyoming's weakest area for this ranking is education at 36.7, but the weights for outdoor enthusiasts put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 3.5%. Violent crime: 203/100K. Life expectancy: 77.5 years.
#2: Vermont
Vermont scores 66.1/100 for outdoor enthusiasts, with strength in outdoor access (55.6) and environment (76.3). The state ranks #4 overall and offers a cost of living index of 97 with $388,000 median homes.
Vermont's weakest area for this ranking is growth at 30.2, but the weights for outdoor enthusiasts put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 2.7%. Violent crime: 208/100K. Life expectancy: 79.4 years.
#3: Montana
Montana scores 64.0/100 for outdoor enthusiasts, with strength in outdoor access (71.7) and environment (62.9). The state ranks #11 overall and offers a cost of living index of 90 with $523,000 median homes.
Montana's weakest area for this ranking is economy at 46.1, but the weights for outdoor enthusiasts put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 3.7%. Violent crime: 377/100K. Life expectancy: 77.8 years.
#4: Maine
At #4, Maine scores 63.4/100. Outdoor Access: 45.0. Environment: 77.1. Safety: 93.3. Overall rank: #7. The state's safety score of 93.3 is a standout.
Maine's weakest area for this ranking is transportation at 40.8, but the weights for outdoor enthusiasts put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 3.2%. Violent crime: 100/100K. Life expectancy: 78.7 years.
#5: Idaho
At #5, Idaho scores 60.4/100. Outdoor Access: 50.2. Environment: 70.0. Safety: 78.1. Overall rank: #14. The state's safety score of 78.1 is a standout.
Idaho's weakest area for this ranking is education at 40.8, but the weights for outdoor enthusiasts put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 3.2%. Violent crime: 214/100K. Life expectancy: 78.5 years.
How these rankings differ from overall rankings
Our overall state rankings weight all categories equally. Outdoor Enthusiasts rankings shift the emphasis to what this group cares about most: outdoor access (30%), environment (15%), safety (15%). Categories like fiscal health and education carry zero weight.
This means a state can rank poorly overall but well for outdoor enthusiasts if its strengths align with the weighted categories. Wyoming ranks #16 overall but #1 for outdoor enthusiasts, because its outdoor access and environment scores outweigh weaker areas.
States to avoid for outdoor enthusiasts
The bottom of the outdoor enthusiasts rankings: Louisiana (24.2), Arkansas (27.3), Alabama (29.5). Lower scores in outdoor access and environment are the primary reasons.
Louisiana scores 24.2/100 with outdoor access at 10.3, environment at 16.0, safety at 37.3. These aren't necessarily bad states — they just don't align well with what outdoor enthusiasts prioritize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the best state for outdoor enthusiasts in 2026?
Wyoming ranks #1 with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 69.1/100, driven by strong outdoor access, environment, safety scores.
Q:What categories matter most for outdoor enthusiasts?
The top-weighted categories are Outdoor Access (30%), Environment (15%), Safety (15%).
Q:How do outdoor enthusiasts rankings differ from overall rankings?
Outdoor Enthusiasts rankings emphasize outdoor access, environment, safety while de-weighting categories less relevant to this lifestyle.
Q:Which state ranks worst for outdoor enthusiasts?
Alabama ranks last with a score of 29.5/100, primarily due to low outdoor access and environment scores.