Texas, known for its thriving trade and employment opportunities, has earned a spot on a list no state wants to be on: the states with the worst quality of life in the U.S. for 2025. Despite its booming economy, the state faces significant challenges that have contributed to its low ranking.
Why Texas Scores So Low
Every year, CNBC ranks all 50 states based on their business climate, including factors like healthcare, crime, and worker protections.
Unfortunately, Texas fell short in several of these categories, leading to an overall grade of F. Out of 265 possible points, the state scored a mere 72, one of the lowest scores of any state.
Here’s why Texas didn’t score well:
Despite having world-class medical hospitals, Texas faces major healthcare challenges. The state has the lowest per capita rate of primary care doctors in the country and is second-to-last in mental health providers.
On top of that, Texas has the highest uninsured rate, making access to healthcare difficult for many residents. For those needing routine care or mental health services, the lack of providers and insurance coverage creates significant barriers.
Texas is one of the states with the fewest legal protections for workers. This means that many Texans have little to no protection when it comes to things like fair pay, job security, and protection from discrimination. While the state boasts a robust job market, these issues can make it more difficult for workers to feel secure in their positions.
While Texas does not rank highest in the U.S. for violent crime, the crime rate is still high enough to contribute to the state’s low quality of life score. Crime impacts the overall safety of communities, affecting residents’ peace of mind and daily living.
The Bright Spots in Texas
Despite the low ranking, there are a few areas where Texas shines:
Air Quality:
Texas scored well for air quality, which is a key factor for residents’ health and well-being.
Childcare Availability:
The state also ranked highly for the availability of childcare, an important factor for families with young children.
These positives show that Texas does have strengths to build on, but there’s still work to be done to improve its overall quality of life.
What Needs to Change?
Texas has all the potential to be a leader in quality of life—its booming economy and robust employment numbers should position it as one of the best states to live in.
However, improvements are needed in healthcare access, worker protections, and crime reduction. If Texas wants to continue attracting businesses and workers, it needs to focus on more than just its economy—it needs to create a better environment for its residents.
After all, a state that’s great for business might not attract the workforce it needs if the quality of life isn’t up to par.
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