Best state? California has 3rd biggest improvement to No. 19 ranking, by this math

It’s been a good year for California if the oft-quoted “best-state” rankings by U.S. News & World Report mean anything.
The state’s robust economy, alluring environment and high-quality healthcare helped it score a No. 19 overall ranking among the states. The annual report weighs various measurements of economic and demographic performance in eight categories that are deemed key to higher livability.
No. 1 for overall quality of life on this scorecard was Washington f