U.S. News World & Report released its Best States rankings for 2025, and New Jersey placed at the top of the education (No. 1!) and healthcare lists.
New Jersey has 9.5 million residents. The GDP is $846.6 billion, and the median income is $52,340, according to the report.
New Jersey placed high for test scores, enrollment rates (especially preschool) and SAT/ACT pass rates for its Pre-K through Grade 12 schools.
The report cites the large number of information, technology, pharmaceutical and biotech industries headquartered in the state.
Recently, New Jersey’s Department of Education released its school ranking reports based on the 2023-24 school year, so parents can compare their children’s education to schools across the state.
The School Performance Reports evaluate almost 2,500 public schools. You can search for any school or district, and then view state reports – plus, there are separate guides for parents of elementary school kids, and middle/high school students.
The data comes from school districts through NJ SMART data collections, as well as statewide assessments and SAT exams. Categories are grouped into Pre-K to Grade 2, Pre-K to Grade 8, Grads 9-12, and those not tested.
The data takes into account factors like student demographics, growth by performance level, academic achievement, in English language arts and math, science assessments, standardized test scores, Advanced Placement coursework, biliteracy, work-based learning programs, career and technical education offerings, visual and performing arts, graduation vs. dropout trends, post-secondary enrollment, absenteeism, rates of disciplinary action or harassment or bullying, qualifications of staff members.
The Best States rankings by U.S. News draw on thousands of data points to measure how well states are performing, according to the report. More weight was accorded to some categories than others, based on a survey of what matters most to people, including health care and education. There were 71 metrics measured across eight categories.
The rankings for the Garden State include:
No. 1 – Education
No. 5 – Health Care
No. 10 – Crime & Corrections
No. 12 – Infrastructure (roads, bridges, internet access)
No. 19 – Best State Overall
No. 28 – Natural Environment (air and water quality, pollution)
No. 31 – Economy (business employment and growth)
No. 45 – Opportunity (affordability, equality)
No. 49 – Fiscal Stability (of the state government)
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
The Best High Schools for Athletes in New Jersey, According to a 2025 Ranking
These NJ High Schools Send the Most Grads to Harvard, Princeton & MIT
Popular Now:
This NJ Gem Was Just Named One of the Best New Hotels on the Planet
The Country’s Best Boardwalk is in New Jersey, According to USA Today Readers
Best Mother’s Day Brunch Spots in NJ
