Weโve ranked states based on their overall contributions to America, including inventions, cuisine, notable figures, and natural beauty.
We fully anticipate disagreements and accusations of bias or ignorance, especially when it comes to controversial placements like Arkansas, New York, or Montana. Rather than taking personal jabs at us, we hope this list sparks lively converstion.
So, delve into our rankings, and to my Florida cousins: my apologies, but we had to start somewhere.
Florida โ 50


While compiling a list like this, there may be a temptation to defy conventional wisdom and take an unconventional approach. However, Floridaโs impressive record of issues is so extensive that it leaves us with no other choice. Itโs almost as if Florida was destined for this ranking. Embrace it.
Delaware โ 49
Dogfish Head, a reference from Wayneโs World, is a notable mention, and thatโs pretty much it. Even Delaware residents themselves donโt put up much of a defense when the state is the subject of humor.


Ohio โ 48
The return of LeBron only solidified its status as the Florida of the North.


Arizona โ 47
Arizona, the likely response to the question โWhere do those nice retired people we met on that river cruise live?โ, is also a hub for Web.com Tour golf pros and college students with an affinity for tribal tattoos, often financed by their parents. While the stateโs canyons and deserts are renowned for their unspoiled beauty, the Northern region surprisingly hosts the worldโs largest population of ponderosa pine trees, though this fact would be more impressive if they were suitable for Christmas trees.


Utah โ 46
Utah continues to be astounded by its successful hosting of the Olympics to this day.


Mississippi โ 45
The only state children tend to use in counting games is as rare as a John Grisham novel where Jake Brigance abandons his legal career to join a catfish aquaculture farm in Yazoo City.


Connecticut -44
Even with the inventions of the cheeseburger, the can opener, ESPN, and Rick Mahorn, there are limits to what Michigan can achieve. Furthermore, weโre deducting points for John Mayer and warm lobster rolls.


North Dakota โ 43
While Chuck Klosterman is crafting a 3,000-word essay arguing that playing Queenโs โTenement Funsterโ from the โSheer Heart Attackโ album during the second season of the show Hang Time disproves this assertion, it remains a fact: North Dakota is the less prominent of the two Dakotas.


Missouri โ 42
Missouri, home of the Cardinals, renowned for having the best fans in baseball, and the place where they couldnโt retain an NFL football team. Not to forget the Chiefs. The Kansas City confusion, with most of it being in Missouri, is a perpetual source of bewilderment for others. And when a specific cheese is exclusively crafted for a unique pizza variety and isnโt used anywhere else, it hints that the cheese may not be all that exceptional. Nevertheless, Missouri does deliver some delicious ribs!


Nevada โ 41
When someone says theyโre from Vegas, theyโre either a so-so street magician or an up-and-coming baseball prodigy. If they claim to frequent Vegas regularly, exercise caution in trusting them. As for those who mention frequent trips to Reno, you might be in for an ominous encounter or an aggressive sales pitch for discounted irrigation equipment. However, you can count on finding excellent buffet deals!


Nebraska โ 40
This is the place where your grandpa orders his mail-order steaks, and where the local residents spot a football coach and proclaim, โThatโs the kind of person who should be in Congress.โ


South Carolina โ 39
Thereโs Charleston on one hand, and then thereโs everything else on the other.


Rhode Island โ 38


Idaho โ 37
Idaho often feels like the gun America playfully points at Canada. Itโs somewhat paradoxical that many Americans both cherish potatoes and jest about Idahoโs abundant potato farming. Itโs just not easy to get enthusiastic about the stateโs strides in semiconductor manufacturing, you know?


West Virginia โ 36
West Virginia is like that college friend who intentionally picks fights with security guards at free Barenaked Ladies concerts.


Kansas โ 35


Georgia โ 34
In the American middle school lunch table scenario, Georgia plays the role of the kid everyone doesnโt particularly like but puts up with because their parents are buddies, and they always have great snacks at their house. Itโs a bit like snacking on Augusta National and enjoying connecting flights through the Atlanta airport, if that provides some perspective.


South Dakota โ 33
Carving the faces of presidents into a mountain is a remarkable feat, and South Dakota must be doing something right. This might involve culinary delights like fry bread, chislic, kuchen, as well as being the home of January Jones and the location of what some consider THE GREATEST HBO SHOW OF ALL TIME. Nonetheless, itโs still one of the Dakotas.


Oklahoma โ 32
Oklahoma gets some points for onion burgers, Color Me Badd, Louis LโAmourโs later works, Ado Annie Carnes from the musical Oklahoma!, the invention of the first shopping cart, 2007 Wes Welker, and that elusive song from Cross Canadian Ragweed they donโt perform anymore. But, they lose negative infinity points for Skip Bayless.


Virginia โ 31
Virginia earns some minus points for its messy split from West Virginia and historical inaccuracies in Remember the Titans (partly Disneyโs fault), but it gains points for its ham and the positive aspects associated with Thomas Jefferson.


Massachusetts โ 30
If America is like Sirius Satellite Radio (which it is!), Massachusetts is that station that primarily airs NPR think pieces about โjimmies,โ interspersed with passionate sports talk-radio callers, and a touch of Dropkick Murphys for good measure.


Alabama โ 29


Indiana โ 28
Hoosiers often see themselves as the real-life version of a John Mellencamp song, even if theyโve never been born in a small town or dated someone named Diane. While their folksiness might appear a bit contrived at times, thereโs certainly some truth to the #HoosierHospitality they touted when people were upset about that one incident. Everyone had their doubts when they secured a Super Bowl, but they managed to leave people almost universally impressed, a notable achievement (cough Jacksonville cough).


Illinois โ 27
Chicago is a respectable city that swings between having an overly inflated sense of self-worth and yearning for external validation. Nonetheless, without Chicago, Illinois would be in dire straits. Ever been to Rockford? Theyโre so passionate about bowling that it makes others a bit uneasy. Also, since 1961, Illinois has managed to send a notable four governors to prison, so Bruce Rauner should tread cautiously!


Wyoming โ 26
Wyoming, portrayed by Jack Palance in City Slickers, is the state indulging in bull fries and venison jerky, clad in gold and brown attire, and engaging in playful banter with Colorado. It deserves recognition for establishing the USAโs inaugural national park in Yellowstone, and for giving teenage boys across the nation the opportunity to have a good chuckle at the Grand Tetons.


Iowa โ 25
The Hawkeye State is akin to the camper who shares your bunk, offering decent snacks and refraining from any attempts to pilfer your diary and reveal its secrets during lunch, even though he hears your quiet sobs as you write your thoughts under the covers. Essentially, itโs a pleasant but not entirely unforgettable state. Though, to be fair, in many countries, creating the Eskimo Pie, the loose-meat sandwich, and producing three-point shooting legend Chris Kingsbury for the University of Iowa would be more than enough to secure a prominent place. However, in America, things work a bit differently, as per Wikipedia.


New Hampshire โ 24
Residents of New Hampshire possess a unique kind of confidence not often found in New England, possibly obtained from regularly besting Dartmouthโs humanities majors. Itโs perhaps the most underestimated of the New England states, boasting stunning lakes, so-so outlet stores, and a cunning political primary system, where Carly Fiorina and others will pretend to enjoy buckwheat pancakes at the Littleton Diner. Itโs also where the rest of New England heads to purchase and perhaps not-so-legally transport bottle rockets across state lines for the 4th of July.


New Mexico โ 23


North Carolina -22
The realm of tobacco, basketball, and Petey Pablo rap tunes is a place of many merits. It boasts two barbecue styles with differing amounts of vinegar, the intriguing bikini string of beaches called the Outer Banks, the stain-inducing joy of Cheerwine, and the comforting fact that most Duke students return up North after four years.


New Jersey โ 21
In spite of the damage inflicted by particular reality TV shows and a certain Cowboys-loving governor, New Jersey is, in fact, quite fantastic. Most of the Jersey Shore (the place, not the show) is rather pleasant and free of laundry-obsessed orange folks. South Jersey is almost a pastoral paradise, and the state arguably excels in both pizza and cheesesteaks, outshining its more celebrated neighbors in every direction. Besides, our moms truly adore that Jersey Boys musical.


Maryland โ 20
Maryland is a somewhat elusive state, straddling the line between North and South, caught between the influences of DC and Baltimore, and sporting what might be Americaโs most underappreciated unpleasant accent. To truly grasp its essence, one should either dive into James Michenerโs epic novel โChesapeakeโ or begin liberally sprinkling Old Bay on all culinary creations while nurturing an uncomfortably strong fondness for Cal Ripken Jr.


Arkansas โ 19
The Razorback State is a bit of an underappreciated gem, often overlooked for its exceptional BBQ and the peaceful serenity of its spa towns (sometimes found in the same places). Depending on your taste, it boasts either the finest or most cringe-worthy college cheer with the iconic โWooooooo Pig Sooie!โ Itโs also home to what some may consider either the best or worst former president (Clinton) and the best or worst former NATO Supreme Allied Commander (Wesley Clark, a divisive figure). A curious tidbit: the pronunciation of โArkansasโ was a hotly debated issue between its two senators until 1881, as one of them persistently called it โArrr-kansas.โ This didnโt influence the ranking, but we thought you should know.


Montana โ 18
Montana has carved out a niche as the cool older sibling among the less populated and less celebrated Midwest and Mountain West states. It boasts a burgeoning brewing and distilling scene, along with some hidden gems for nightlife (Missoula, we see you!). Consequently, itโs become a trendy destination for Hollywood types aiming to truly emphasize their desire to โget away from it all.โ Your opinion on this may vary, as itโs a place where you might end up spending time in coffee shops once owned by Glenn Close.


Vermont โ 17
Once you move past the air of intellectualized, environmentally conscious coolness, which is always delivered in the most laid-back and unpretentious manner, you might find yourself captivated by a location brimming with top-notch craft beers, cheddar cheeses, and sweet tree sap for drizzling over your French toast sticks. The only challenge is navigating through a crowd of folks who once served in the Peace Corps but now peddle vegan grilled cheese and goo balls outside of String Cheese Incident shows while critiquing your carโs inability to run on compressed natural gas.


Alaska โ 16
Alaska is Americaโs last great expanse of pristine wilderness, offering unique opportunities for hunting wolves with spearguns from helicopters, along with the potential for encounters with rogue bears and, perhaps, a Palin or two. Savor the breathtaking beauty and haunting tranquility of walking on a glacier, but hurry because they might not be around much longer. And while youโre there, donโt forget to indulge in some salmon, packed with Omega 3s.


Oregon -15
A theory suggests that in places blessed with ideal weather, thereโs a strong inclination to revel in the outdoors, forsaking more intellectual pursuits. While this is great for staying fit, it can stifle creativity, hinder progressive thinking, and necessitate the constant use of expensive polarized sunglasses. Those sun-kissed, fit folks in San Diego might wonder, โIf I already have everything, whatโs the incentive to create?โ On the other hand, the good people of Oregon donโt face this dilemma, potentially explaining their dominance in the DIY movement and their role as pioneers in the craft food, beer, and everything else scene. This might even clarify the genius of native son Raymond Carver. However, it does absolutely nothing to clarify the enigma of Tonya Harding.


Tennessee โ 14
Tennessee has a knack for getting things right, with no particular order. Some of these include hot chicken, the Stax Museum, fervent hockey fanbases, delicious ribs, the vibrant atmosphere of Beale Street, impressive state songs, donning surprisingly elegant attire for college football games, and hosting theme parks dedicated to busty country musicians.


New York โ 13
All in all, this is a rather respectable ranking. Nevertheless, itโs almost certain that 15 New Yorkers have already chimed in to declare this ranking an outrageous affront to decency, placing it in the same category as Montreal โbagelsโ and the elusive concept of actual home ownership. That pretty much sums up New Yorkers for you.


Pennsylvania โ 12
Despite its historical significance, unique sandwiches with French fries, and football fans who occasionally exhibit odd behavior like stealing prosthetic legs, Pennsylvania tends to operate somewhat under the radar. This might be due to its placement between the bustling regions of DC and New York, or perhaps the ongoing confusion surrounding the Pennsylvania Dutch actually being of German descent.
Nevertheless, Pennsylvania offers its own distinct appeal that becomes increasingly evident when you dig beneath the surface. While cheesesteaks are iconic, the roast pork sandwiches are arguably even more delectable. Pittsburgh is underrated both as a cultural hub and for maintaining consistent color schemes for its sports teams. Scranton may have the memory of Joe Biden discussing his upbringing in a vice presidential debate, but Pennsylvania doesnโt strive for perfection. It simply aims to indulge in pretzels excessively while turning a blind eye to the questionable actions of Ben Roethlisberger and the occasional plot holes in the Rocky movie franchise.


Texas โ 11
Texas exudes an undeniable magic, whether itโs because it embraces the โeverything is bigger in Texasโ philosophy to the extreme with extravagant hair, ample breasts, finger-licking barbecue, frozen margaritas, and space exploration, or thanks to its four cities that consistently steal the spotlight for their delectable food and drinks. It could also be attributed to moments like the one in Friday Night Lights where Riggins raises a toast to โTexas foreverโ while Lyla Garrity dances close to Street. Thereโs something you canโt truly grasp unless youโre sporting a colossal belt buckle shaped like a Colt revolver, sipping a Dr Pepper in Waco, or playing drug wars on your trusty Texas Instruments calculator. Certainly, Texas has its fair share of less appealing towns and former Plano farmland transformed into sprawling suburbs that seem to stretch to infinity, but itโs all part of the grand Texan design. And besides, who could forget Tyra Collette?


Colorado -10
Colorado seems to have life all figured out, which can be a tad vexing for those from outside. The state offers stunning summer hikes and winter skiing that conveniently counterbalances the indulgent eating that comes with being one of the top craft beer-loving, munchie-enjoying states around. Slightly dampening its rank are the insincere friendly folks with unnervingly toned calves, whoโve spent the past decade working as part-time ski instructors and depleting their trust funds after dropping out of Boulder.


California -9
California, you might have expected to rank higher, didnโt you? With your array of fantastic cities for eating and drinking, your scenic highways perched on cliffs, and your hockey team named after a Disney movie about a hockey team, itโs easy to assume youโd be the clear favorite. You probably thought that because you boast world-famous celebrities like Ethan Embry, Tyler Posey, and Jake Busey, weโd just yield to the overwhelming tide of collective talent and place you at the top. You likely believed that because we want to savor your delectable craft beers, dip our fries in the special spread from In-N-Out, and enjoy Mission burritos while grooving to the claymation California Raisins crooning Motown hits, weโd just concede, much like Julia Roberts in that film about your history where she drives a Lotus to a hotel room and doesnโt kiss Richard Gere, all to make a point about love.
But no. Your extensive land area, along with the infuriating 2:30 pm traffic snarls, peculiar subcultures of people obsessed with appearance both on the exterior (Hollywood) and within (Silicon Valley), and concerns about a potentially dire future have certainly influenced the ranking. Now, letโs hope thereโs no avocado shortage!


Washington โ 8
Did you know that the state often mistaken for a distant district has temperate rainforests? Itโs also the leading producer of both hops and spearmint oil! And you might be surprised to learn that if it didnโt rain for ten consecutive months, Seattle could easily be the finest city in the US. Perhaps Seahawk fans would occasionally mellow out and stop yelling, and you could take those ferries Meredith Grey uses in that show about her body parts without any hassle. Oh, and according to the book โBoys in the Boat,โ its crew team managed to outperform Hitlerโs team or something along those lines.


Minnesota โ 7
Lakes are undoubtedly in the top three when it comes to the โTypes of Bodies of Water, Ranked,โ and since Minnesota boasts 10,000 of them (or at least says it does), itโs a great place to begin. Even though Los Angeles borrowed their NBA team with a fitting theme, Minnesotaโs residents are usually too preoccupied with staying warm to be impolite to anyone. Their burgers are often generously stuffed with gooey, molten cheese, and their summers are as iconic as Gordon Bombay would have been if that mean coach hadnโt given him such a hard time during pee-wee hockey.


Hawaii โ 6
Once you dig into the complex racial dynamics sparked by the United Statesโ controversial annexation of the island, as showcased in that unforgettable beach scene from the quintessential Hawaii film of our time (Blue Crush), you begin to understand why most people secretly wish they had grown up here. Hawaii boasts unparalleled natural beauty, a nearly scandalous blend of volcanoes and beaches, and even beaches crafted from ancient volcanoes. Then thereโs the cuisine, spanning saimin and malasadas (thanks to Portugal!), poke and plate lunches. Thanks to Israel Kaanaoi Kamakawiwoโole, everyone has now heard a far more relaxed rendition of โSomewhere Over the Rainbowโ at a wedding. All in all, Hawaii remains Americaโs cooler cousin who excels at surfing and teaches you those tricky swear words


Louisiana โ 5
Weโre all well aware of the deep appreciation for the culinary and beverage culture of New Orleans and the broader Louisiana region, with gratitude for Tabasco, po-boys, and cocktails. However, beyond the culinary delights, did you know that craps was supposedly invented on the wharves of New Orleans in the early 19th century? And the term โUncle Samโ is believed to have originated when Louisiana was a U.S. territory. Dockworkers marked goods from the United States with a โU.S.โ and would refer to them as coming from โUncle Sam.โ And letโs not forget the 900-ton bronze statue of Shaq dunking on his opponents at LSU. Weโd love to hear what the alligators have to say about that!


Wisconsin โ 4
Any state that adores beer so much it names its baseball team after it and has a fondness for sausage to the extent of organizing races featuring anthropomorphic versions of it during baseball games has its priorities firmly in place. Wisconsinites might have a chuckle at the idea that a bar focusing on excellent ales, house-made charcuterie, and artisanal cheeses could try to claim the mantle of โtrendyโ โ beer, cheese, and meat, nothing too revolutionary there, folks! Milwaukee is a somewhat overlooked major city, and Madison rightly ranks among the finest college towns in the country. Donโt forget, โStep by Stepโ was an underrated TGIF sitcom. On Wisconsin! On Wisconsin, indeed.


Kentucky โ 3
Kentucky holds a few things near and dear to its heart, such as producing top-notch bourbon, sipping on that bourbon, enjoying that bourbon while betting on horse races, indulging in open-faced sandwiches drenched in an almost excessive amount of liquid cheese, and reconciling with somewhat shady basketball coaches they might otherwise dislike because Ashley Judd needs something to cheer for, darn it. All things considered, Kentucky seems to have a pretty good handle on things.


Maine โ 2
Maine is sizzling right now, both literally because itโs summer, and figuratively because Portland has transformed into the new epicenter of cool, while food journalism enters its hipster-nostalgia phase. In this phase, itโs suddenly trendy to rediscover old places that have been doing the same thing for ages, and thatโs precisely whatโs happening in Maine. Mainers couldnโt care less about your trend forecasts; theyโll just keep naming their kids โWade,โ selling L.L.Bean backpacks to middle schoolers, using the term โdown Eastโ to refer to the South, and humorously dubbing ham subs with American cheese โItalians.โ
Weโve barely scratched the surface of Maineโs near-monopoly on the high-end lobster market, its scrumptious blueberries, or the fact that itโs home to literally thousands of islands you probably havenโt heard of, where guys named Wade are likely feasting on lobsters and sipping Moxie as we speak.


Michigan โ 1
Michiganโs narrative often fixates on Detroit and its myriad issues, and while the Motor Cityโs resilient rise is a compelling underdog story, the stateโs true strengths lie in its entirety. Did you realize that Michigan boasts more coastline than any state except Alaska? Were you aware that itโs blessed with an abundance of exceptional breweries, where you can conveniently visit both Bellโs and Founders in a single afternoon? Have you ventured to the UP, a remote and uniquely beautiful region that feels like a secret 51st state, where they curiously adore British meat pies? And did you know that most residents are more than willing to apologize for Kid Rock? If you answered yes to at least three of these questions, youโve already grasped Michiganโs allure. If not, perhaps you should heed the soothing voice of Michigan tourism advocate Tim Allen and plan a visit immediately.


Please SHARE this with your friends and family.