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Dead last is what Louisiana is ranked for the second year in a row in US News and World Report’s 2024 Best States report. Managing Editor for Government Rankings Gary Emerling says the ranking is based on several categories that Louisiana does not perform well in.
“No. 48 for obesity rate, No. 47 for adults who have experienced poor mental health recently, 49 for preventable hospital admissions among Medicare beneficiaries,” Emerling said.
Some factors contributing to the poor ranking are Louisiana factories putting more than three-thousand pounds of industrial toxins per square mile compared to the national average of just over 900. Nearly one-third of Louisiana roads are in poor condition and a high crime rate.
“(With) relatively high crime rates we look at both property and violent crime, and then it also has a high incarceration rate, as well as juvenile incarceration,” Emerling stated.
But there were some positive takeaways from the ranking. Pre-K through 12th grade has improved to 40th from 46th in 2019. He says more children under the age of five are also spending time in an education setting.
“There was some notable improvement from Louisiana in preschool enrollment though,” Emerling said.
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