What Are the Best States in the South in 2026? 14 States Ranked
Virginia is the best state in the South in 2026 with a composite score of 67.7/100 and a B+ grade (#15 nationally). All 14 Southern 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
South states ranked
The South includes 14 states with an average composite score of 49.4/100. Virginia leads the region at 67.7 (B+ grade, #15 nationally), while Louisiana trails at 30.0 (F, #50). The spread of 37.7 points within the region shows how different the states are despite sharing geography.
Average median income across the South: $70,585. Unemployment: 3.9%. Cost of living: 93. Violent crime: 344/100K. These regional averages compare to national figures of $80,903, 3.9%, 97, and 313/100K.
| Rank | State | Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Virginia | 67.7 | B+ |
| #2 | Florida | 59.9 | B |
| #3 | North Carolina | 59.1 | B |
| #4 | Tennessee | 57.1 | B |
| #5 | Georgia | 55.4 | B |
| #6 | Texas | 52.2 | C+ |
| #7 | South Carolina | 49.0 | C |
| #8 | Alabama | 48.5 | C |
| #9 | Kentucky | 44.8 | C |
| #10 | Oklahoma | 43.0 | D |
| #11 | West Virginia | 42.8 | D |
| #12 | Mississippi | 41.9 | D |
| #13 | Arkansas | 40.1 | D |
| #14 | Louisiana | 30.0 | F |
#1 in the South: Virginia
Virginia leads the South with a composite score of 67.7/100 and a B+ grade. The state's strongest categories are safety (79.3) and education (65.4). Median income: $92,090. Unemployment: 3.4%. Violent crime: 205.9/100K.
#2 in the South: Florida
Florida ranks #2 in the region at 59.9/100 (B grade). Strong in safety (73.1) and fiscal health (70.2). Median income: $77,735. COL index: 103.4. The weakest category is livability at 26.9.
#3 in the South: North Carolina
North Carolina ranks #3 in the region at 59.1/100 (B grade). Strong in affordability (73.8) and fiscal health (71.5). Median income: $73,958. COL index: 94.3. The weakest category is outdoor access at 13.5.
#4 in the South: Tennessee
Tennessee ranks #4 in the region at 57.1/100 (B grade). Strong in affordability (77.9) and fiscal health (76.1). Median income: $71,997. COL index: 91.9. The weakest category is outdoor access at 13.3.
#5 in the South: Georgia
Georgia ranks #5 in the region at 55.4/100 (B grade). Strong in affordability (73.1) and safety (71.2). Median income: $79,991. COL index: 96.3. The weakest category is outdoor access at 7.6.
Southern strengths and trade-offs
The South's biggest advantage is cost. The regional average COL index is 92.6, the lowest of the four regions for cost of living, and the average typical home value is $279,598. Tax burdens average 8.1%, the lowest of the four regions.
The challenges: health scores average 35.9, the lowest of the four regions, and violent crime averages 344 per 100K (vs. national 313). Education scores average 55.4. Population growth averages 0.70%, the highest of the four regions for population growth, which puts pressure on infrastructure and services.
The bottom of the region
Louisiana (30.0), Arkansas (40.1), Mississippi (41.9) round out the bottom of the South. Louisiana's biggest challenges are outdoor access (10.3) and environment (16.0). But even the lowest-ranked Southern state has strengths: Louisiana scores 88.7 in affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best state in the South?
Virginia ranks #1 in the South in 2026 with a composite score of 67.7/100, a B+ grade, and a national ranking of #15 out of 50 states. Virginia's strongest categories are safety (79.3) and education (65.4). The state has a median household income of $92,090, a 3.4% unemployment rate, and a cost of living index of 101.1. Florida (59.9) follows as the #2 state in the region.
How many states are in the South?
There are 14 states in the South region. The average composite score across these states is 49.4/100, compared to the national average of 57.9. Within the region, there is a 37.7-point spread between the best state (Virginia, 67.7) and the lowest-ranked (Louisiana, 30.0), showing significant variation despite shared geography. Regional averages for key metrics: median income $70,585, unemployment 3.9%, cost of living index 93, and violent crime rate 344 per 100K.
What is the average cost of living in the South?
The average cost of living index across Southern states is 93, compared to the national average of 97. This means the South is generally more affordable than the national average, though individual states vary. The average typical home value in the region is $279,598 and the average tax burden is 8.1%. For a detailed cost comparison, our affordability calculator at /affordability lets you model household costs across all 50 states.
Which Southern state has the strongest economy?
Virginia leads the South for economy with a score of 64.6/100, driven by a 3.4% unemployment rate and a median income of $92,090. The regional average economy score is 39.5/100. Economic strength in the South 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 Southern state is safest?
West Virginia is the safest state in the South with a safety score of 80.9/100 and a violent crime rate of 241.7 per 100,000 residents. The regional average violent crime rate is 344 per 100K, compared to the national average of 313. Safety varies significantly across the South — the gap between the safest and least safe Southern states spans 35.4 points, showing that regional geography alone doesn't determine safety outcomes.