politics
California ranks 48th in annual state relocation study
A new ranking placed California 48th out of 50 states for people considering a move. The state scored lowest in affordability and near the bottom in safety.
Jul 9, 1:18 PM·1m read2 sources
New York PostAudio version
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California placed 48th out of 50 states in a ranking of best and worst places to move, according to an annual report by ConsumerAffairs. The state held the same position as the prior year, with only Louisiana and New Mexico ranked lower. The study evaluated states on affordability, safety, economic strength, healthcare and education, and quality of life.
California ranked last in affordability, 49th in safety, and 41st in economic strength.
Category scores The state placed 23rd in healthcare and education and 14th in quality of life. The report noted that typical housing costs account for 21.1 percent of median income in California, above the national average of 17.6 percent. Living costs in the state run about 10.7 percent above the national average, the study stated.
California recorded 4.9 violent crimes and 20.78 property crimes per 1,000 residents, exceeding national averages of 3.6 and 17.6.
Top and bottom states New Hampshire ranked first, followed by Utah, Idaho, Virginia, and Maine. Arkansas and Oklahoma finished 47th and 46th. The report also referenced a separate WalletHub analysis that found six of the least-educated cities in the country are located in California.
