Special Report

The Best Thing About Every State

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Virginia
Best thing: Lowest recidivism rate

At a 23.1% recidivism rate, people who are released from jail or prison in Virginia are less likely to be re-incarcerated than ex-convicts in every other state.

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Washington
Best thing: Highest one-year GDP growth

Washington’s GDP grew by 6% in 2018, more than any other state.

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West Virginia
Best thing: Highest homeownership rate

West Virginia has the highest share of residents who own their homes, at 72.5%, higher than the national average of 63.9%, according to the CHR.

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Wisconsin
Best thing: State-run pension system

While the average funding level for U.S. public pension plans was 72.1% in 2017, Wisconsin Retirement System reported a market fair value-based funded ratio of 102.9%.

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Wyoming
Best thing: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone, located primarily in Wyoming, draws in millions of visitors every year and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The national park has been getting more than 4 million visitors a year five years in a row.

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