Best and Worst States for Young Adults – Full 50-State List

MoneyRates.com has ranked all the U.S. states, plus the District of Columbia, according to how well they suit young people.

Written by Kristin Marino

Financial Expert

Why MoneyRates is your trusted source

Key Takeaways

North Dakota was the best place for young people in 2014.
New Hampshire was the worst state for young adults in 2014.
8 out of the 10 of the top states for young adults are in the western US.

While the top 10 and bottom 10 states get most of the attention, MoneyRates has ranked all 50 states — plus the District of Columbia — in terms of their suitability for young people in 2014.

As noted in the features for Best States for Young Adults and Worst States for Young Adults, these rankings are based on the following criteria:

Youth employment
The youthfulness of the state’s population
Affordability of in-state college tuition
Rental availability
Rental costs
High-speed broadband access
Bar and nightclubs per capita
Fitness clubs per capita

Here are the states according to their ranking, starting with the best.

Kristin Marino

Managing Editor

Kristin Marino is a seasoned voice in the finance and education sectors, with rich experience spanning decades as a writer and editor. Kristin has lent her editorial financial expertise to platforms like MoneyRates, The Balance, and MoneyGeek. With a keen ability to distill complex financial concepts into accessible insights, she remains dedicated to guiding readers toward informed financial choices.

Home » research-center » Best and Worst States for Young Adults – Full 50-State List