In the 2026 "Best States" rankings released by major U.S. news outlet U.S. News & World Report, Virginia ranked 19th and Maryland ranked 21st, continuing a close competition between the two neighboring states. Neither state managed to break into the top 10.
Marking its 10th edition this year, the study evaluated and announced overall performance across eight categories, including the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the natural environment.
According to Evan Comen, senior data editor at U.S. News, Maryland's biggest weakness was the economy category. Maryland remained in the bottom 20% nationwide in gross domestic product (GDP) performance and population growth rate, pulling down its overall rank.
Conversely, the area that held Virginia back was infrastructure. Comen pointed out that "Virginia has a relatively high frequency of power outages per capita and tends to have long commute times," highlighting an urgent need for improvements in energy and transportation infrastructure.
However, both states demonstrated clear strengths in specific areas. Maryland ranked 5th in the nation for natural environment, recognized for its strong air and water quality management and pollution reduction achievements. Virginia not only ranked 9th in healthcare, but also received high marks in education as well as crime and corrections.
Meanwhile, Utah held onto the overall No. 1 spot for the fourth consecutive year in this year's overall rankings, while Louisiana remained at the bottom in 50th place.
U.S. News stated, "We hope this assessment serves as a useful standard for residents to hold local leaders accountable, for governments to identify areas for improvement, and for individuals and businesses considering moving or relocating operations."