North Dakota’s climb into the top five was bolstered by top-tier finishes in several individual categories. Graphic: North Dakota Department of Commerce
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – The Upper Midwest delivered a dominant performance in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings, with North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota all securing spots in the top four nationwide.
Utah claimed the top overall ranking for the fourth consecutive year, but its closest competitors hail entirely from the region. South Dakota took the No. 2 spot, Minnesota followed at No. 3, and North Dakota made a significant leap to rank No. 4 overall, up from 12th place in 2025.
The annual report evaluates all 50 states across 71 metrics and thousands of data points grouped into eight key categories: health care, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections, and natural environment. Metric weightings were informed by national survey data reflecting what residents prioritize most.
North Dakota’s climb into the top five was bolstered by top-tier finishes in several individual categories. The state ranked No. 2 in employment, No. 3 in fiscal stability, No. 5 in energy, and No. 7 in both infrastructure and opportunity.
“North Dakota’s continued success reflects the hard work, resilience, and forward-looking spirit of people across our state,” North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong said in a statement following the release. “We remain committed to strengthening our communities, expanding opportunities and supporting long-term prosperity for all North Dakotans.”
North Dakota Department of Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken credited the state’s energy sector, steady workforce, and sound fiscal standing for driving the gains.
Regional neighbor Minnesota posted strong scores powered by its major healthcare and economic drivers, including the world-renowned Mayo Clinic headquartered in Rochester and major Fortune 500 employers such as UnitedHealth Group, Target, 3M, and General Mills.
Meanwhile, South Dakota secured its No. 2 position behind robust economic activity driven by agriculture, alongside a thriving tourism sector anchored by Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park.
All three states share deep historical ties to the region’s Native American heritage, with the Dakota tribes giving both North and South Dakota their names, derived from the Dakota word for “friend”, and naming Minnesota “Minisota,” meaning “sky-tinted water.” Both North and South Dakota were admitted to the Union simultaneously in November 1889 under President Benjamin Harrison.
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