Once again, Colorado finds itself slipping in the national rankings, according to the latest report from U.S. News and World Report. The annual assessment evaluates all 50 states across various categories, including crime and corrections, economy, education, fiscal stability, healthcare, infrastructure, natural environment, and opportunity.

Colorado Slides to 16th Position

In the most recent ranking, Colorado has fallen to the 16th position, marking a continued decline in its standing over recent years. The state has been steadily losing ground in the national ranking, with 2024 being no exception.

Rankings Overview

Trends Over Time

Since the inception of the U.S. News and World Report rankings in 2017, Colorado’s performance has shown a downward trend. In the previous year, Colorado held the 15th spot, indicating a consistent loss of traction.

Performance Metrics

The rankings scorecard for 2024 reveals a mixed performance for Colorado, with the state landing in the top 50% in four categories and the bottom 50% in four others.

Category Rankings for Colorado in 2024

• Crime and Corrections: 47th
• Economy: 4th
• Education: 5th
• Fiscal Stability: 36th
• Healthcare: 12th
• Infrastructure: 12th
• Natural Environment: 26th
• Opportunity: 39th

Insights into Colorado’s Performance

Crime and Corrections

Colorado’s ranking in crime and corrections highlights significant challenges, with the state being positioned as one of the worst performers. Above-average violent crime rates contribute to this ranking, with Colorado reporting 492 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 381 per 100,000 residents.

Economic Strength

On a positive note, Colorado stands out for its robust economy, securing the 4th position overall. The state has experienced impressive job growth, with a rate of 2.9% in the past year, surpassing the national average of 2.7%.

Educational Excellence

Education emerges as another area of strength for Colorado, with the state ranked 5th in the nation. Notably, Colorado’s higher education system garners praise, securing the fourth-best position nationally.

Affordability Concerns

However, affordability remains a significant challenge for residents, with Colorado ranking as one of the least affordable states, landing at No. 41 in this category.

National Rankings Overview

Top Performers

Utah claims the top spot as the best overall state in the U.S., followed closely by New Hampshire, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Idaho, rounding out the top five performers.

Lowest Performer

Conversely, Louisiana finds itself at the bottom of the rankings as the worst-performing state overall.

In conclusion, while Colorado continues to excel in certain areas such as its economy and education system, challenges persist in categories such as crime, affordability, and overall ranking. Addressing these areas of concern will be crucial for the state to regain its competitive edge on the national stage.

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