CONCORD - The yearly U.S. News and World Report state assessment positions New Hampshire at sixth overall. The state earns the leading spot for safety and economic opportunity yet ranks sixth for wider chances open to residents and businesses.

"New Hampshire stands as the safest state thanks to the committed first responders who safeguard our communities daily," stated Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte. "I appreciate their dedication and take pride in our collaborative achievements - we have reformed the bail system, enhanced protections for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, reinstated retirement benefits for first responders, and implemented additional measures."

Utah earns the top state ranking followed by South Dakota, Minnesota, North Dakota and Nebraska.

The lowest five include Michigan, New Mexico, Mississippi, Alaska and Louisiana.

Other New England states rank as follows: Vermont at 10, Massachusetts at 11, Connecticut at 18, Maine at 27 and Rhode Island at 33.

U.S. News and World Report evaluates states using 71 metrics across eight categories. The data aims to reveal how effectively states support residents in multiple areas according to the publication.

Each category receives weights drawn from three years of national survey data where thousands of respondents prioritize key state issues.

The New Hampshire results reveal both strengths and areas needing attention.

The state leads the nation in economic opportunities for citizens yet faces notable concerns over affordability and energy costs.

New Hampshire ranks first for internet access but falls short in public transportation options for many residents.

The public education system performs strongly overall yet limited support for public universities combined with high student debt lowers the ranking.

Although the state attracts business leaders due to no income tax its outdated tax structure creates fiscal instability and limits resources during major economic challenges.

Education carries the greatest weight in the rankings covering elementary secondary and higher education along with health care based on access quality and public health.

The economy ranks third in importance covering business environment employment and growth followed by infrastructure including energy internet access and transportation.

Opportunity ranks fifth covering affordability economic opportunity and equality followed by fiscal stability in both long term and short term aspects.

The natural environment ranks seventh including air and water quality plus pollution while crime ranks last covering corrections outcomes and public safety.

New Hampshire places 12th in education with elementary and secondary education at fourth and higher education at 40th nationally.

Health care ranks ninth with access at fourth public health at 10th and quality at 34th.

The economy ranks 32nd with employment at 13th business environment at 19th and growth at 49th. The publication highlights low job growth and limited venture capital investment though population migration remains near the national average.

Infrastructure ranks 18th with internet access first nationally yet energy at 39th and transportation at 41st.

Opportunity ranks sixth with economic opportunity first equality at fourth and affordability at 41st. The publication notes living costs well above the national average while median household income exceeds the average and poverty stays below it.

The weakest area appears in fiscal stability where the state ranks 36th with long term stability at 33rd and short term at 38th.

The publication notes a stable bond rating near average budget balancing yet liquidity well below the national average.

The natural environment ranking reaches third nationally with air and water quality at 15th and pollution at second.

Unhealthy air days remain well below the national average though drinking water violations exceed it. Industrial toxins stay well below the national average.

The state leads the nation in the crime and corrections category ranking third in corrections outcomes and first in crime.

Adult and juvenile incarceration rates along with violent crime rates all fall well below the national average.

New Hampshire and other smaller rural states generally outperform larger industrialized states in the annual magazine ranking.

Garry Rayno may be reached at garry.rayno@yahoo.com.