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[2001 Rankings] [43 Factors] [State Rankings for 43 Factors]
[Methodology] [Most Livable State Rankings 1991 to 2001]
[Corporate Information Sheet] [MQ Home Page]
LAWRENCE, KS. Minnesota is simply unbeatable. For a record fifth year in a row, Minnesota is the nation’s Most Livable State. Morgan Quitno Press, a Lawrence, Kansas-based publishing and research company today announced the findings of its eleventh annual award. Continuing the consistency — but at the opposite end of the scale — is Mississippi, which ranks #50 for the third consecutive year.
“Our findings are still the same: Minnesota’s well educated, healthy and involved citizens give their state a significant edge over other states,” said Scott Morgan, President of Morgan Quitno Press. “Minnesota has a record of excellence in a number of categories. The state has very low infant mortality and teen birth rates, a high homeownership rate, a very good high school graduation rate and high spending for the arts. The only category that Minnesota ranks poorly in is average daily mean temperature.”
For the last eleven years, Morgan Quitno Press has issued its Livable State Award. Based on 43 factors selected from updated editions of its annual reference book, State Rankings, the Most Livable State Award recognizes a state for its high quality of life. The 2001 edition of State Rankings, which compares states in more than 550 categories, was published in April.
“We issue the award every year because it tells an interesting story about life and government in the 50 United States,“ said Morgan. Our award is not a measurement of which state is most fun or the best place for everyone to live. It is based on statistical indicators that reflect the kind of lifestyle that most Americans agree is positive — affordable housing, safe streets, good employment opportunities, a strong education system and a healthy state economy.”
Rounding out the top five spots with Minnesota are (in descending order) Colorado, Iowa, Virginia and Utah. Bringing up the opposite end of the scale with Mississippi are Louisiana in 49th, West Virginia in 48th, New Mexico in 47th and Alabama in 46th place.
The Most Livable State Award is one of four designations announced annually by Morgan Quitno Press in conjunction with the publication of its annual reference books. These other annual announcements designate the nation’s Safest City and Metro Area, the Healthiest State and the Most Dangerous/Safest State. A listing of the Most Livable State Award’s previous years' rankings, 43 factors, rankings of all 50 states for each factor and an explanation of the methodology are available from Morgan Quitno Press via the Internet at www.statestats.com or by calling 785-841-3534.
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