Best States in the South 2026: 14 States Ranked
How do Southern states compare? All 14 ranked by composite score across economy, safety, health, education, and more.
South states ranked
The South includes 14 states with an average composite score of 43.1/100. Virginia leads the region at 74.3 (A grade, #9 nationally), while Louisiana trails at 25.2 (F, #50). The spread of 49.1 points within the region shows how different the states are despite sharing geography.
Average median income across the South: $63,985. Unemployment: 3.8%. Cost of living: 93. Violent crime: 396/100K. These regional averages compare to national figures of $74,753, 3.8%, 97, and 350/100K.
| Rank | State | Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Virginia | 74.3 | A |
| #2 | North Carolina | 53.5 | C+ |
| #3 | Florida | 51.7 | C+ |
| #4 | Georgia | 51.3 | C+ |
| #5 | Texas | 45.9 | C |
| #6 | Tennessee | 45.3 | C |
| #7 | South Carolina | 43.2 | C |
| #8 | Oklahoma | 41.8 | C |
| #9 | Alabama | 39.4 | C |
| #10 | Kentucky | 38.0 | D |
| #11 | West Virginia | 32.5 | D |
| #12 | Mississippi | 31.4 | D |
| #13 | Arkansas | 29.9 | F |
| #14 | Louisiana | 25.2 | F |
#1 in the South: Virginia
Virginia leads the South with a composite score of 74.3/100 and a A grade. The state's strongest categories are education (81.6) and safety (79.9). Median income: $87,106. Unemployment: 2.9%. Violent crime: 201/100K.
#2 in the South: North Carolina
North Carolina ranks #2 in the region at 53.5/100 (C+ grade). Strong in affordability (74.9) and fiscal health (71.5). Median income: $66,880. COL index: 94. The weakest category is outdoor access at 13.5.
#3 in the South: Florida
Florida ranks #3 in the region at 51.7/100 (C+ grade). Strong in fiscal health (70.2) and growth (65.3). Median income: $71,516. COL index: 103. The weakest category is outdoor access at 27.8.
#4 in the South: Georgia
Georgia ranks #4 in the region at 51.3/100 (C+ grade). Strong in affordability (74.1) and fiscal health (69.7). Median income: $71,355. COL index: 97. The weakest category is outdoor access at 7.6.
#5 in the South: Texas
Texas ranks #5 in the region at 45.9/100 (C grade). Strong in affordability (75.8) and fiscal health (72.2). Median income: $73,035. COL index: 97. The weakest category is outdoor access at 4.7.
Southern strengths and trade-offs
The South's biggest advantage is cost of living. The regional average COL index is 93, the lowest of any region, and the average median home price is $320,071. Tax burdens average 8.1%, also low nationally.
The challenges: health outcomes lag other regions at an average score of 19.5, and violent crime averages 396 per 100K (vs. national 350). Education scores average 30.3. The region's rapid population growth (driven by migration from higher-cost areas) puts pressure on infrastructure and services.
The bottom of the region
Louisiana (25.2), Arkansas (29.9), Mississippi (31.4) round out the bottom of the South. Louisiana's biggest challenges are health (0.0) and outdoor access (10.3). But even the lowest-ranked Southern state has strengths: Louisiana scores 90.8 in affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the best state in the South?
Virginia ranks #1 in the South with a composite score of 74.3/100 and a A grade (nationally: #9).
Q:How many states are in the South?
There are 14 states in the South region.
Q:What is the average cost of living in the South?
The average cost of living index across Southern states is 93 (national average: 97).
Q:Which Southern state has the strongest economy?
Virginia leads the South for economy with a score of 72.2/100.