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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina remains the 13th-best state in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
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The Tar Heel State ranked 13th overall in the 2026 edition of the best states, unchanged from its ranking last year.
According to U.S. News & World Report, North Carolina placed 10th in education, 14th in economy, 19th in both healthcare and financial stability, 21st in opportunity, 24th in crime and corrections, and 26th in both infrastructure and natural environment.
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North Carolina was also ranked as the best state in the South and Southeast behind Florida, which placed eigth.
U.S. News & World Report named Utah as the best state in the nation. In last place was Louisiana.
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