As with any lists of likes or dislikes, it all depends on the criteria used for judging.
We could all mention things we like about each state, and then mention things we hate about each state.
I think you nailed it right there, FRiend: “it all depends on the criteria used for judging.”
Most hated states ... what a load of hooey!
I was a reporter/editor for 25 years. These various and sundry rankings come out every year from a bewildering variety of sources. In my view, they’re one step above political polls in credibility, although their potential for harm is generally less.
Case in point: Back in the 90s, I remember my newspaper making a big to-do out of a national ranking of “best places to live” that put our Virginia city in the top 25, or thereabouts.
Considering our city was under threat of plant closings at the time, I can understand why my editors felt the need for a feelgood story.
Of course, in succeeding years, our community was nowhere near that top 25 ranking.
What changed? Nothing really, except perhaps the criteria used to come up with the rankings.
Our town was still a safe, clean, neighborly place to live, albeit under some economic pressure — and no doubt too blue-collar culturally for the urban sophisticates who publish “top 25 rankings.”