Story perspectives

CNBC Labels Red States “Worst,” Critics Call Ranking Biased

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

CNBC named Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, Louisiana, Georgia, Utah, Missouri, Alabama, Oklahoma and Arkansas as worst states to live in.
Nine of those states recorded population gains in 2025, with Texas adding 67,300 residents.
The author says the ranking unfairly targets red states, omits traffic, housing costs, taxes, business climate, unemployment and wages, and is biased by policies like Governor Bill Lee’s June “Nuclear Family Month” resolution and a bathroom law.

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Story summary

CNBC named Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, Louisiana, Georgia, Utah, Missouri, Alabama, Oklahoma and Arkansas as worst states to live in.
Nine of those states recorded population gains in 2025, with Texas adding 67,300 residents.
The author says the ranking unfairly targets red states, omits traffic, housing costs, taxes, business climate, unemployment and wages, and is biased by policies like Governor Bill Lee’s June “Nuclear Family Month” resolution and a bathroom law.