List of U.S. states and territories by Human Development Index score

List of U.S. States and Territories by Human Development Index Score

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank regions into four tiers of human development. This article provides a detailed list of the U.S. states and territories by their HDI scores.

Map of the U.S. states by Human Development Index (2018)

Overview

The HDI is a summary measure for assessing long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living. The HDI scores range from 0 to 1, with higher scores indicating higher levels of human development.

In the United States, HDI scores vary significantly across different states and territories, reflecting disparities in health, education, and income. States with higher HDI scores tend to have better healthcare systems, higher educational attainment, and higher income levels.

HDI Scores by State and Territory

The following is a list of U.S. states and territories ranked by their HDI scores. The data reflects the most recent available statistics.

States

1. Massachusetts - Known for its prestigious universities and healthcare facilities, Massachusetts consistently ranks high in HDI due to its high educational attainment and income levels. 2. Connecticut - With a strong economy and high standard of living, Connecticut's HDI is bolstered by its high income per capita and educational achievements. 3. New Jersey - This state benefits from a robust healthcare system and high educational standards, contributing to its high HDI score. 4. Maryland - Maryland's proximity to the nation's capital and its strong economy contribute to its high HDI ranking. 5. New Hampshire - Known for its quality of life and educational systems, New Hampshire ranks high in HDI.

Territories

1. Puerto Rico - As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico's HDI is lower than most states, reflecting economic challenges and disparities in healthcare and education. 2. Guam - Guam's HDI is influenced by its geographic location and economic conditions, which differ from the mainland states. 3. U.S. Virgin Islands - The HDI of the U.S. Virgin Islands reflects its unique economic and social conditions. 4. American Samoa - With limited resources and economic opportunities, American Samoa has a lower HDI compared to other U.S. territories. 5. Northern Mariana Islands - The HDI here is affected by its remote location and economic structure.

Factors Influencing HDI

Several factors influence the HDI scores of U.S. states and territories:

• Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare services significantly impacts life expectancy and overall health outcomes.
• Education: Educational attainment levels, including high school and college graduation rates, are crucial for HDI.
• Income: Per capita income levels reflect the economic prosperity of a region and its ability to provide a decent standard of living.

Related Pages

• Human Development Index
• Economy of the United States
• Education in the United States
• Healthcare in the United States