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 79.3/100 and a A+ grade (#3 nationally). All 12 Midwestern states are ranked across economy, safety, health, education, and more using real federal data.
By America's Dashboard · 8 sections · Figures from the latest public releases
Midwest states ranked
The Midwest includes 12 states with an average composite score of 62/100. South Dakota leads the region at 79.3 (A+ grade, #3 nationally), while Michigan trails at 42.7 (D, #45). The spread of 36.6 points within the region shows how different the states are despite sharing geography.
Average median income across the Midwest: $76,509. Unemployment: 3.7%. Cost of living: 93. Violent crime: 296/100K. These regional averages compare to national figures of $80,903, 3.9%, 97, and 313/100K.
| Rank | State | Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Dakota | 79.3 | A+ |
| #2 | North Dakota | 75.5 | A+ |
| #3 | Nebraska | 71.1 | A |
| #4 | Wisconsin | 70.6 | B+ |
| #5 | Minnesota | 70.4 | B+ |
| #6 | Iowa | 69.2 | B+ |
| #7 | Indiana | 59.2 | B |
| #8 | Kansas | 55.1 | C+ |
| #9 | Ohio | 52.1 | C+ |
| #10 | Missouri | 51.0 | C+ |
| #11 | Illinois | 47.6 | C |
| #12 | Michigan | 42.7 | D |
#1 in the Midwest: South Dakota
South Dakota leads the Midwest with a composite score of 79.3/100 and a A+ grade. The state's strongest categories are affordability (84.7) and fiscal health (76.3). Median income: $76,881. Unemployment: 2.1%. Violent crime: 307.5/100K.
#2 in the Midwest: North Dakota
North Dakota ranks #2 in the region at 75.5/100 (A+ grade). Strong in affordability (83.5) and safety (70.2). Median income: $77,871. COL index: 89. The weakest category is environment at 38.5.
#3 in the Midwest: Nebraska
Nebraska ranks #3 in the region at 71.1/100 (A grade). Strong in affordability (81.6) and safety (78.0). Median income: $76,376. COL index: 90.1. The weakest category is outdoor access at 22.0.
#4 in the Midwest: Wisconsin
Wisconsin ranks #4 in the region at 70.6/100 (B+ grade). Strong in safety (81.6) and education (76.5). Median income: $77,488. COL index: 94.1. The weakest category is outdoor access at 23.9.
#5 in the Midwest: Minnesota
Minnesota ranks #5 in the region at 70.4/100 (B+ grade). Strong in safety (77.1) and health (74.5). Median income: $87,117. COL index: 98.6. The weakest category is outdoor access at 30.7.
Midwestern strengths and trade-offs
The Midwest's calling card is affordability combined with stability. The average COL index is 93, the typical home is valued at $284,565 on average, and education scores average 64.3, the highest of the four regions.
Growth is modest. Average population growth across Midwestern states is 0.45%, third of the four regions for population growth, and none of its states is losing people. The region grows without the housing squeeze of the fastest-growing states, though harsh winters and thinner job markets outside the big metros hold some states back.
The bottom of the region
Michigan (42.7), Illinois (47.6), Missouri (51.0) round out the bottom of the Midwest. Michigan's biggest challenges are outdoor access (17.8) and economy (21.9). But even the lowest-ranked Midwestern state has strengths: Michigan scores 73.3 in affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best state in the Midwest?
South Dakota ranks #1 in the Midwest in 2026 with a composite score of 79.3/100, a A+ grade, and a national ranking of #3 out of 50 states. South Dakota's strongest categories are affordability (84.7) and fiscal health (76.3). The state has a median household income of $76,881, a 2.1% unemployment rate, and a cost of living index of 88.6. North Dakota (75.5) follows as the #2 state in the region.
How many states are in the Midwest?
There are 12 states in the Midwest region. The average composite score across these states is 62/100, compared to the national average of 57.9. Within the region, there is a 36.6-point spread between the best state (South Dakota, 79.3) and the lowest-ranked (Michigan, 42.7), showing significant variation despite shared geography. Regional averages for key metrics: median income $76,509, unemployment 3.7%, cost of living index 93, and violent crime rate 296 per 100K.
What is the average cost of living in the Midwest?
The average cost of living index across Midwestern states is 93, 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 typical home value in the region is $284,565 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.
Which Midwestern state has the strongest economy?
South Dakota leads the Midwest for economy with a score of 70.0/100, driven by a 2.1% unemployment rate and a median income of $76,881. The regional average economy score is 47.1/100. 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.
Which Midwestern state is safest?
Wisconsin is the safest state in the Midwest with a safety score of 81.6/100 and a violent crime rate of 240.3 per 100,000 residents. The regional average violent crime rate is 296 per 100K, compared to the national average of 313. Safety varies significantly across the Midwest — the gap between the safest and least safe Midwestern states spans 28.9 points, showing that regional geography alone doesn't determine safety outcomes.