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Story summary
- U.S. News & World Report placed Utah first in its 2026 ranking based on metrics weighted toward education and health care.
- Utah topped the list despite a 48/50 natural-environment score.
- Mississippi and New Mexico were last for health care and worst in education, with New Mexico fourth worst and 2025 population shrinking.
- California placed 35th, seventh for health care and 50th for opportunity.
