Ten States for Young People

MoneyRate.com used nine economic and lifestyle factors to rank the 10 best states for young people to find good opportunities to begin their independent lives.

North Dakota North Dakota’s growing economy and job opportunities attracted young people looking for work and boosted the state to the top spot on the list.

South Dakota South Dakota is also enjoying a steady flourishing economy and also received high marks in the lifestyle categories.

Iowa According to Insure.com, drivers ages 20-24 get the cheapest average auto insurance in Iowa.  And the state does well in the lifestyle categories with a high amount of fitness clubs and top-rated bars for its population size. (REUTERS/Eric Thayer)

Montana Similar to Iowa, Montana has a high number of health clubs and top-rated bars for its population. The state also offers inexpensive rents and insurance rates.

Nebraska Nebraska did not score off the charts in the lifestyle categories, but it was ranked the second-easiest state to find a job for young people and has the added benefits of low rental and educational costs.

Delaware Delaware has the benefits of low college costs and a large amount of top-rated bars and youth-oriented stores. With that said, the East coast state has the nation’s highest auto insurance premiums for those aged 20-24.

Vermont Vermont has one of the youngest and fittest populations in the country—and for good reason: The state has the highest number of fitness clubs per capita.  However, it would be more beneficial for young adults to move after finishing school since the state’s average four-year tuition costs are among the highest in the country.

Alaska If you do not mind the cold weather Alaska scored very well in the lifestyle categories.  On the down side, the state has the lowest rental vacancy rate in the country so it may be a challenge finding a place to live.

Utah Utah did not fare well on many of the lifestyle categories, but it has a low unemployment rate among young adults as well as low costs to get a four year degree.

New Hampshire New Hampshire scored well on a number of the lifestyle categories and has a relatively-low unemployment rate for young people. Unfortunately it has a relatively low population of young adults, so it might be hard to make friends.