The 2019 Best States Rankings by U.S. News and World Report put Minnesota number three when it comes to the top states, only bested by number one Washington and runner-up New Hampshire.

Most Minnesotans aren't shy when it comes to bragging about the quality of life in the state we call home, and now there's a new national ranking to back that attitude up.

The 2019 Best States Rankings by U.S. News and World Report put Minnesota number three when it comes to the top states, only bested by number one Washington and runner-up New Hampshire.

Rankings were compiled by looking at thousands of data points that measure how well states are performing for their citizens. In addition to health care and education, the metrics take into account a state’s economy, roads, bridges, internet and other infrastructure, public safety, the fiscal stability of state government, and opportunities afforded residents.

More weight was given to some measures than others, based on a survey of what matters most to state residents. Health care and education were weighted most heavily, followed by economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime rates, and natural environment.

Coming in dead last among the 50 states was Louisiana.