Best States in the Northeast 2026: 11 States Ranked
How do Northeastern states compare? All 11 ranked by composite score across economy, safety, health, education, and more.
Northeast states ranked
The Northeast includes 11 states with an average composite score of 68.5/100. New Hampshire leads the region at 86.6 (A+ grade, #1 nationally), while Delaware trails at 52.4 (C+, #28). The spread of 34.2 points within the region shows how different the states are despite sharing geography.
Average median income across the Northeast: $86,238. Unemployment: 4%. Cost of living: 103. Violent crime: 251/100K. These regional averages compare to national figures of $74,753, 3.8%, 97, and 350/100K.
| Rank | State | Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Hampshire | 86.6 | A+ |
| #2 | Vermont | 77.5 | A+ |
| #3 | Maine | 76.8 | A |
| #4 | Connecticut | 73.5 | A |
| #5 | Massachusetts | 70.3 | B+ |
| #6 | Rhode Island | 69.3 | B+ |
| #7 | Maryland | 66.9 | B+ |
| #8 | New Jersey | 65.1 | B |
| #9 | Pennsylvania | 58.2 | B |
| #10 | New York | 56.8 | B |
| #11 | Delaware | 52.4 | C+ |
#1 in the Northeast: New Hampshire
New Hampshire leads the Northeast with a composite score of 86.6/100 and a A+ grade. The state's strongest categories are health (100.0) and safety (92.0). Median income: $97,880. Unemployment: 2.8%. Violent crime: 110/100K.
#2 in the Northeast: Vermont
Vermont ranks #2 in the region at 77.5/100 (A+ grade). Strong in health (95.9) and safety (78.9). Median income: $74,919. COL index: 97. The weakest category is growth at 30.2.
#3 in the Northeast: Maine
Maine ranks #3 in the region at 76.8/100 (A grade). Strong in safety (93.3) and health (79.6). Median income: $68,810. COL index: 97. The weakest category is transportation at 40.8.
#4 in the Northeast: Connecticut
Connecticut ranks #4 in the region at 73.5/100 (A grade). Strong in education (98.0) and health (93.9). Median income: $93,228. COL index: 104. The weakest category is outdoor access at 23.8.
#5 in the Northeast: Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks #5 in the region at 70.3/100 (B+ grade). Strong in education (100.0) and health (98.0). Median income: $101,370. COL index: 108. The weakest category is affordability at 26.0.
Northeastern strengths and trade-offs
Northeastern states tend to lead in education and health. The region's average education score is 79.6 (national: ~50) and health averages 79.8. Multiple states rank in the national top 10 for both categories.
The trade-off is cost. The average cost of living index is 103, and the average median home price is $446,909. The region's tax burden averages 9.7% — the highest of any region. You pay more here, but you tend to get more in return: better schools, better healthcare, better infrastructure.
The bottom of the region
Delaware (52.4), New York (56.8), Pennsylvania (58.2) round out the bottom of the Northeast. Delaware's biggest challenges are outdoor access (23.9) and economy (32.1). But even the lowest-ranked Northeastern state has strengths: Delaware scores 67.3 in affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the best state in the Northeast?
New Hampshire ranks #1 in the Northeast with a composite score of 86.6/100 and a A+ grade (nationally: #1).
Q:How many states are in the Northeast?
There are 11 states in the Northeast region.
Q:What is the average cost of living in the Northeast?
The average cost of living index across Northeastern states is 103 (national average: 97).
Q:Which Northeastern state has the strongest economy?
New Hampshire leads the Northeast for economy with a score of 84.5/100.