What Are the Best States in the Midwest in 2026? 12 States Ranked
South Dakota is the best state in the Midwest in 2026 with a composite score of 81.8/100 and a A+ grade (#2 nationally). All 12 Midwestern states are ranked across economy, safety, health, education, and more using real federal data.
Midwest states ranked
The Midwest includes 12 states with an average composite score of 62.7/100. South Dakota leads the region at 81.8 (A+ grade, #2 nationally), while Michigan trails at 47.7 (C, #35). The spread of 34.1 points within the region shows how different the states are despite sharing geography.
Average median income across the Midwest: $71,640. Unemployment: 3.3%. Cost of living: 92. Violent crime: 340/100K. These regional averages compare to national figures of $74,753, 3.8%, 97, and 350/100K.
| Rank | State | Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Dakota | 81.8 | A+ |
| #2 | Minnesota | 76.7 | A |
| #3 | North Dakota | 76.6 | A |
| #4 | Nebraska | 74.9 | A |
| #5 | Iowa | 69.5 | B+ |
| #6 | Wisconsin | 65.2 | B |
| #7 | Kansas | 59.3 | B |
| #8 | Illinois | 52.0 | C+ |
| #9 | Indiana | 50.7 | C+ |
| #10 | Missouri | 49.3 | C+ |
| #11 | Ohio | 49.1 | C+ |
| #12 | Michigan | 47.7 | C |
#1 in the Midwest: South Dakota
South Dakota leads the Midwest with a composite score of 81.8/100 and a A+ grade. The state's strongest categories are education (89.8) and affordability (84.5). Median income: $72,280. Unemployment: 2%. Violent crime: 330/100K.
#2 in the Midwest: Minnesota
Minnesota ranks #2 in the region at 76.7/100 (A grade). Strong in health (89.8) and education (87.8). Median income: $85,551. COL index: 98. The weakest category is outdoor access at 30.7.
#3 in the Midwest: North Dakota
North Dakota ranks #3 in the region at 76.6/100 (A grade). Strong in affordability (84.7) and education (81.6). Median income: $72,583. COL index: 89. The weakest category is environment at 38.5.
#4 in the Midwest: Nebraska
Nebraska ranks #4 in the region at 74.9/100 (A grade). Strong in education (83.7) and affordability (82.8). Median income: $73,423. COL index: 90. The weakest category is outdoor access at 22.0.
#5 in the Midwest: Iowa
Iowa ranks #5 in the region at 69.5/100 (B+ grade). Strong in affordability (85.0) and education (77.6). Median income: $72,429. COL index: 89. The weakest category is outdoor access at 22.4.
Midwestern strengths and trade-offs
The Midwest's calling card is affordability combined with stability. The average COL index is 92, homes run $279,250 at the median, and education scores average 69.2 — among the best of any region.
The challenge is growth. Average population growth across Midwestern states is 0.53%, and several states are losing people. Limited industry diversification in some areas and harsh winters contribute. That said, the states that are growing — typically those with strong metros — are doing so sustainably, without the affordability crises plaguing faster-growing regions.
The bottom of the region
Michigan (47.7), Ohio (49.1), Missouri (49.3) round out the bottom of the Midwest. Michigan's biggest challenges are outdoor access (17.8) and growth (25.0). But even the lowest-ranked Midwestern state has strengths: Michigan scores 75.7 in affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the best state in the Midwest?
South Dakota ranks #1 in the Midwest in 2026 with a composite score of 81.8/100, a A+ grade, and a national ranking of #2 out of 50 states. South Dakota's strongest categories are education (89.8) and affordability (84.5). The state has a median household income of $72,280, a 2% unemployment rate, and a cost of living index of 88. Minnesota (76.7) follows as the #2 state in the region.
Q:How many states are in the Midwest?
There are 12 states in the Midwest region. The average composite score across these states is 62.7/100, compared to the national average of 57.4. Within the region, there is a 34.1-point spread between the best state (South Dakota, 81.8) and the lowest-ranked (Michigan, 47.7), showing significant variation despite shared geography. Regional averages for key metrics: median income $71,640, unemployment 3.3%, cost of living index 92, and violent crime rate 340 per 100K.
Q:What is the average cost of living in the Midwest?
The average cost of living index across Midwestern states is 92, compared to the national average of 97. This means the Midwest is generally more affordable than the national average, though individual states vary. The average median home price in the region is $279,250 and the average tax burden is 8.6%. For a detailed cost comparison, our affordability calculator at /affordability lets you model household costs across all 50 states.
Q:Which Midwestern state has the strongest economy?
South Dakota leads the Midwest for economy with a score of 70.3/100, driven by a 2% unemployment rate and a median income of $72,280. The regional average economy score is 50.6/100. Economic strength in the Midwest varies based on industry mix, urbanization, and education levels — states with diversified economies anchored by knowledge-sector industries tend to outperform those reliant on single industries like agriculture or extraction.
Q:Which Midwestern state is safest?
Wisconsin is the safest state in the Midwest with a safety score of 69.9/100 and a violent crime rate of 295 per 100,000 residents. The regional average violent crime rate is 340 per 100K, compared to the national average of 350. Safety varies significantly across the Midwest — the gap between the safest and least safe Midwestern states spans 32.2 points, showing that regional geography alone doesn't determine safety outcomes.