Indiana ranked among the worst states for quality of life
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CNBC has released its list of America’s 10 worst states for quality of life, and Indiana is near the top of the list. The states are scored on multiple livability factors, including crime rates, health care, air quality, and childcare.
The network said it also considers worker protections, legal safeguards against discrimination of all kinds, and inclusiveness in state laws.
Indiana is ranked No. 2 on this year’s list.
“Indiana is the worst state for access to child care, with just 772 licensed facilities in a state of nearly seven million people,” CNBC said. “The low supply versus demand makes child care expensive in the Hoosier State. A married couple can expect to spend nearly 13% of a median income on child care.”
The ranking also cited Indiana passing laws targeting the LGBTQ+ population, including a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and barring teachers from discussing human sexuality from pre-kindergarten through third grade.
The quality of life ranking is part of CNBC’s list of America’s Top States for Business in 2024. Indiana is ranked No. 11 this year, and got high marks in other categories, including business friendliness (No. 4), cost of doing business (No. 5), and infrastructure (No. 9).