We're Number 12! We're Number 12! Says Connecticut Gov. Malloy

Connecticut is the nation's 12th best state, according to U.S. News & World Report, and Gov. Dannel Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman want to make sure you know it.

Granted, the nation's best state is Connecticut's neighbor to the north, Massachusetts, but 12th out of 50 isn't so bad, especially considering the massive deficits Connecticut faces, not to mention Malloy's historically low approval ratings. After Massachusetts, rounding out the top five best states are New Hampshire, Minnesota, North Dakota and Washington, according to the rankings.

“Connecticut is a great place to put down roots, raise a family, and grow a business – but our government must always be working to make it even better,” said Malloy in a statement. “Our state residents should be particularly proud that their home state is a leader when it comes to gender equality and education, and home to some of the most educated and skilled workforces in the country. We have much more work ahead, but there is no denying the real progress taking place already.”

The inaugural rankings were compiled by evaluating all 50 states across a range of criteria from education and health care to infrastructure and the economy. The rankings were developed using McKinsey and Company’s “Leading States Index,” which combines thousands of data points across 68 specific metrics.

The “Best States” report gave Connecticut high marks for gender equality (No. 2 overall), for educational attainment (No. 3), for college readiness (No. 3), and for state integrity (No.3). It also ranked Connecticut as the seventh safest state in the country.

“I’m pleased that Connecticut has been recognized as a top state by the very residents who live and work here,” added Wyman. “Being ranked second in gender equality is especially relevant since it is directly related to the overall health and well-being of our families, our economy, and the strength of our communities. We have more work to do, but this is a strong indicator that we are on the right track.”

To view the report's methodology click here, or to read the whole report, click here.

Image via Shutterstock

— Brian McCready (Patch National Staff) contributed to this report.