New Hampshire leaders are celebrating once again after the Granite State scored highest in two areas measured as part of the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best States” rankings: public safety and economic opportunity
Across all metrics, including data related to health care, infrastructure, fiscal stability, and more, New Hampshire ranked sixth overall — which was the highest ranking of any state in New England. Vermont ranked 10th, followed by Massachusetts at 11th, Connecticut at 18th, Maine at 27th, and Rhode Island at 33rd
In a statement, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, called her state “a beacon of opportunity in New England and for the nation.”
The public safety ranking was based on FBI data that shows New Hampshire had very low rates of violent crime and property crime in 2024 (since the 2025 numbers are still considered preliminary)
Pelham Police Chief Anne Perriello said in a statement that the high marks for public safety are attributable to law enforcement collaborating “at every level” to protect the public. She praised policymakers for recently tightening the state’s bail law, stiffening penalties for drivers who refuse a breath alcohol test, and taking steps to better protect crime victims
“We won’t take New Hampshire’s status as the safest state in the nation for granted,” Perriello said, “and we’ll keep working together to ensure it stays that way.”
The economic opportunity ranking was based on New Hampshire’s very low rates of poverty and food insecurity in 2024, relatively high household income, and better-than-average score in terms of income equality
In a statement, New Hampshire Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Lucy Lange said the state’s recipe for success involves “economic freedom, fiscal discipline, and minimal red tape.”
“By keeping our tax structure competitive and empowering local businesses to scale, we’re ensuring that individuals and families from every corner of the state have a clear, unhindered path to prosper,” Lange said
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Steven Porter can be reached at steven.porter@globe.com. Follow him @reporterporter
