Massachusetts No. 1 On 'America’s Best States to Live In'

Massachusetts was named the best state to live in America and its "groundbreaking" health care system is a major reason, according to a new survey. The Bay State was ranked No. 1 in "America’s Best States to Live In" by 24/7 Wall St., a financial news outlet. The survey, based on income, crime, education, health care and transportation — among other factors — was released last week. New Hampshire was ranked No. 2.

"Having health insurance coverage has been shown to have a wide range of positive effects, including reducing stress, and in Massachusetts, thanks to the state’s groundbreaking health care system, a nation-leading 97.5% of state residents have health insurance compared to 91.5% of Americans," 24/7 Wall St. wrote. "In addition to being more likely to be able to afford health care, state residents are more likely to be able to find the right kind of care near them. The state has the most primary care physicians, dentists, and mental health providers per capita in the country."

24/7 Wall St. reported the following statistics for Massachusetts:

• 10-year population change: +5.8% (18th smallest increase)
• Annual unemployment: 3.7% (tied — 9th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 10.4% (tied — 9th lowest)
• Life expectancy at birth: 80.7 years (5th longest)

"Massachusetts also leads the nation in another important measure of quality of life — college attainment," the survey continued. "About 43% of state adults have a bachelor’s degree, more than 10 percentage points above the national attainment rate. A college degree has been shown to have many benefits, both on the likelihood of finding a good job and high wages, as well as in giving people a sense of control and purpose in their lives."

In February, U.S. News and World Report also ranked Massachusetts to best state to live in America.

America’s Best States to Live In: 24/7 Wall St.

1. Massachusetts
2. New Hampshire
3. Connecticut
4. Colorado
5. New Jersey
6. Maryland
7. Minnesota
8. Hawaii
9. Virginia
10. Washington

Related:

Massachusetts The Best State in America: U.S. News and World Report - February 28, 2017

Photo: In this Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017 photo a portion of the Boston Skyline is seen through a window from the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, in Boston. (Credit: Associated Press Photo/Steven Senne)