Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been ranked as the fourth-worst state capital to live in, according to a new analysis by WalletHub. The city received an overall ranking of 47 out of 50 in the study, which evaluated state capitals based on affordability, economic stability, quality of life, education, and health care.
While not the largest city in Louisiana – with a population between 224,000 and 227,470 – Baton Rouge remains a significant economic hub for the state. However, the WalletHub study reveals areas of concern. The city ranked 38th for affordability, 47th for economic well-being, 39th for quality of education and health, and 37th for overall quality of life.
The report also highlighted particularly troubling statistics for Baton Rouge. The city ranked fourth highest in the percentage of its population living in poverty, third highest for its crime rate, and tied for the highest premature-death rate among the surveyed capitals.
The WalletHub study contrasts Baton Rouge’s challenges with the successes of other state capitals. Austin, Texas, topped the list as the best state capital to live in, citing its high median household income, strong business environment, and quality education system. Other top-ranked capitals included Raleigh, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Madison, Wisconsin; and Boise, Idaho.
The WalletHub analysis considered 48 different measures to determine the rankings. These indicators ranged from the cost of living and crime rates to the quality of K-12 school systems. The study aimed to identify which state capitals offer the best living conditions for their residents.
Across the nation, Jackson, Mississippi, was identified as the worst state capital to live in, followed by Augusta, Maine; Trenton, New Jersey; and Little Rock, Arkansas. WalletHub’s assessment of Jackson revealed significant struggles in economic well-being, quality of life, and education and health, with the city ranking last in economic well-being and near the bottom in quality of life and health conditions.
The study underscores the varying conditions across state capitals, demonstrating that while many serve as centers of government and economic activity, some face significant challenges in providing a high quality of life for their residents. The full WalletHub report, including detailed rankings and methodology, can be found on their website.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today.
