Just when you thought South Dakota's good thing in its standing among America's best states couldn't get any better, it has. For the fourth consecutive year, Utah has earned top recognition as the number one state in the country and right behind is South Dakota. READ MORE: South Dakota Ranks Among The Most Tech Frustrated States In The U.S. The 2026 Best States rankings draw upon 71 metrics and thousands of data points tomeasure how well U.S. states are performing for their citizens. Thanks to the South Dakota Secretary of State's Office for the info: