#36: Arkansas

Unemployment rate: 13

Economy: 39

Education: 43

Crime: 46

Arkansas, the “Natural State,” offers scenic beauty and economic opportunity. The state’s economy relies on agriculture, retail, and manufacturing, with Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville as a significant economic driver.

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Ozark Mountains, Hot Springs National Park, and the Buffalo National River for hiking, fishing, and camping. Education is a focus, with institutions like the University of Arkansas fostering innovation. Arkansas’s cost of living is among the lowest in the nation, attracting families and retirees.