Best States in the West 2026: 13 States Ranked
How do Western states compare? All 13 ranked by composite score across economy, safety, health, education, and more.
West states ranked
The West includes 13 states with an average composite score of 57.2/100. Utah leads the region at 81.5 (A+ grade, #2 nationally), while New Mexico trails at 32.6 (D, #46). The spread of 48.9 points within the region shows how different the states are despite sharing geography.
Average median income across the West: $79,506. Unemployment: 4.2%. Cost of living: 100. Violent crime: 393/100K. These regional averages compare to national figures of $74,753, 3.8%, 97, and 350/100K.
| Rank | State | Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Utah | 81.5 | A+ |
| #2 | Montana | 70.8 | B+ |
| #3 | Idaho | 69.2 | B+ |
| #4 | Wyoming | 68.2 | B+ |
| #5 | Colorado | 67.4 | B+ |
| #6 | Hawaii | 64.8 | B |
| #7 | Washington | 63.2 | B |
| #8 | Oregon | 60.0 | B |
| #9 | Arizona | 44.3 | C |
| #10 | California | 42.9 | C |
| #11 | Alaska | 39.3 | D |
| #12 | Nevada | 39.2 | D |
| #13 | New Mexico | 32.6 | D |
#1 in the West: Utah
Utah leads the West with a composite score of 81.5/100 and a A+ grade. The state's strongest categories are education (93.9) and health (91.8). Median income: $87,804. Unemployment: 3.2%. Violent crime: 228/100K.
#2 in the West: Montana
Montana ranks #2 in the region at 70.8/100 (B+ grade). Strong in affordability (71.8) and outdoor access (71.7). Median income: $72,340. COL index: 90. The weakest category is economy at 46.1.
#3 in the West: Idaho
Idaho ranks #3 in the region at 69.2/100 (B+ grade). Strong in safety (78.1) and growth (76.0). Median income: $68,930. COL index: 91. The weakest category is education at 40.8.
#4 in the West: Wyoming
Wyoming ranks #4 in the region at 68.2/100 (B+ grade). Strong in outdoor access (95.7) and safety (79.6). Median income: $71,847. COL index: 91. The weakest category is education at 36.7.
#5 in the West: Colorado
Colorado ranks #5 in the region at 67.4/100 (B+ grade). Strong in education (73.5) and health (67.3). Median income: $91,340. COL index: 101. The weakest category is outdoor access at 44.5.
Western strengths and trade-offs
The West is defined by extremes. The region contains some of the best states in the country and some of the most expensive. Median household income averages $79,506, but the average cost of living index of 100 eats into that advantage. The average median home price is $537,154.
Where the West excels: outdoor access (average score: 52.9) and environment (49.3). Public land covers 46.4% of the average Western state. Population growth of 0.92% reflects continued migration westward, driven by lifestyle, climate, and job opportunities in tech and energy.
The bottom of the region
New Mexico (32.6), Nevada (39.2), Alaska (39.3) round out the bottom of the West. New Mexico's biggest challenges are safety (11.1) and education (12.2). But even the lowest-ranked Western state has strengths: New Mexico scores 79.5 in affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the best state in the West?
Utah ranks #1 in the West with a composite score of 81.5/100 and a A+ grade (nationally: #2).
Q:How many states are in the West?
There are 13 states in the West region.
Q:What is the average cost of living in the West?
The average cost of living index across Western states is 100 (national average: 97).
Q:Which Western state has the strongest economy?
Hawaii leads the West for economy with a score of 90.0/100.