Best States for Young Professionals 2026: All 50 Ranked
Which states are best for young professionals? Custom-weighted rankings based on economy, growth, livability, and more.
Top 10 states for young professionals
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.
South Dakota leads the young professionals rankings with a persona-weighted score of 64.9/100. New Hampshire (64.3) and Utah (62.4) round out the top three.
The gap between #1 and #10 is 7.7 points. What separates these states from the rest is consistent strength across the categories that matter most for young professionals: economy, growth, livability.
| Rank | State | Young Professionals Score | Economy | Growth | Livability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Dakota | 64.9 | 70.3 | 63.4 | 54.3 |
| #2 | New Hampshire | 64.3 | 84.5 | 52.9 | 56.2 |
| #3 | Utah | 62.4 | 68.7 | 61.0 | 22.6 |
| #4 | North Dakota | 62.1 | 67.7 | 53.7 | 47.3 |
| #5 | Idaho | 60.4 | 49.8 | 76.0 | 42.6 |
| #6 | Nebraska | 59.4 | 60.0 | 46.9 | 41.3 |
| #7 | Montana | 58.7 | 46.1 | 62.7 | 70.1 |
| #8 | Minnesota | 58.5 | 63.6 | 42.0 | 44.6 |
| #9 | Virginia | 58.4 | 72.2 | 50.4 | 31.4 |
| #10 | Maine | 57.2 | 49.7 | 48.8 | 61.8 |
#1: South Dakota
South Dakota leads the young professionals rankings with a weighted score of 64.9/100. The state scores 70.3 in economy, 63.4 in growth, 54.3 in livability. Overall rank: #3 (80.2/100, A+ grade). Median income: $72,280. Cost of living: 88.
South Dakota's weakest area for this ranking is outdoor access at 45.8, but the weights for young professionals put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 2%. Violent crime: 330/100K. Life expectancy: 78.5 years.
#2: New Hampshire
New Hampshire scores 64.3/100 for young professionals, with strength in economy (84.5) and growth (52.9). The state ranks #1 overall and offers a cost of living index of 105 with $483,000 median homes.
New Hampshire's weakest area for this ranking is transportation at 35.9, but the weights for young professionals put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 2.8%. Violent crime: 110/100K. Life expectancy: 79.2 years.
#3: Utah
Utah scores 62.4/100 for young professionals, with strength in economy (68.7) and growth (61.0). The state ranks #2 overall and offers a cost of living index of 95 with $548,000 median homes.
Utah's weakest area for this ranking is livability at 22.6, but the weights for young professionals put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 3.2%. Violent crime: 228/100K. Life expectancy: 79.4 years.
#4: North Dakota
At #4, North Dakota scores 62.1/100. Economy: 67.7. Growth: 53.7. Livability: 47.3. Overall rank: #6. The state's affordability score of 84.7 is a standout.
North Dakota's weakest area for this ranking is environment at 38.5, but the weights for young professionals put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 2.2%. Violent crime: 267/100K. Life expectancy: 79 years.
#5: Idaho
At #5, Idaho scores 60.4/100. Economy: 49.8. Growth: 76.0. Livability: 42.6. 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 young professionals 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. Young Professionals rankings shift the emphasis to what this group cares about most: economy (22%), growth (18%), affordability (15%). Categories like outdoor access and education and environment carry zero weight.
This means a state can rank poorly overall but well for young professionals if its strengths align with the weighted categories. South Dakota ranks #3 overall but #1 for young professionals — in this case, both rankings agree.
States to avoid for young professionals
The bottom of the young professionals rankings: Louisiana (32.9), California (33.7), West Virginia (36.8). Lower scores in economy and growth are the primary reasons.
Louisiana scores 32.9/100 with economy at 20.6, growth at 22.1, livability at 23.2. These aren't necessarily bad states — they just don't align well with what young professionals prioritize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the best state for young professionals in 2026?
South Dakota ranks #1 with a young professionals score of 64.9/100, driven by strong economy, growth, livability scores.
Q:What categories matter most for young professionals?
The top-weighted categories are Economy (22%), Growth (18%), Affordability (15%).
Q:How do young professionals rankings differ from overall rankings?
Young Professionals rankings emphasize economy, growth, livability while de-weighting categories less relevant to this lifestyle.
Q:Which state ranks worst for young professionals?
West Virginia ranks last with a score of 36.8/100, primarily due to low economy and growth scores.