Texas Drops To #38 In The Best States To Live In List

Texas ranking 2025: Why the Lone Star State landed at #38 on the best states to live in list

It’s hard to imagine that the place you live—the place you proudly call home—could be struggling in key areas. But in 2025, Texas has some real challenges, and they’re starting to bubble to the surface.

I love Texas food, wide-open road trips, and the friendly people you meet in every corner of the Lone Star State. You’d think those things alone would help Texas land in the top 10 on any Best States to Live In list.

However, a new WalletHub study paints a different picture. In their 2025 Best States to Live In rankings, Texas came in at #38.

Here’s the reality: Texans have been telling themselves for decades that this is the greatest state in the nation. But pride alone doesn’t keep us on top—it takes real work. And according to the WalletHub Texas score, we’re falling short in multiple areas.

The rankings were based on five major categories: Affordability, Economy, Education & Health, Quality of Life, and Safety. Each category included multiple metrics to determine the final standings.

The results? Texas scored poorly in every category except Quality of Life, where we ranked 9th in the nation. That’s a bright spot worth celebrating, but it’s not enough to make up for deficiencies in affordability, education, safety, and economic performance.

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The takeaway is simple: Texas can—and should—do better for all its citizens. Improvement starts with us. It starts with putting on our boots in the morning and committing to real change. The Lone Star State has everything it needs to be at the top of these rankings, but only if we work for it.

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