business
Tennessee ranked worst state to live in, CNBC study finds
By Kassidy Brown at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Tennessee ranked last among all 50 states for “quality of life” in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business study for 2026.The business news channel said this year’s study had an increased emphasis on “quality of life,” saying this year’s methodology has this cate...
Key takeaway (WSMV) - Tennessee ranked last among all 50 states for “quality of life” in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business study for 2026.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Tennessee's ranking as the worst state to live in, according to CNBC's study, has significant implications for Nashville 's ability to attract and retain businesses and talent. While the state's overall business ranking is relatively high, the poor quality of life score could offset this advantage, particularly in a city like Nashville that prides itself on its vibrant cultural scene and high standard of living. The study's emphasis on factors such as crime rates, air quality, and inclusiveness suggests that Nashville's city government and business leaders will need to prioritize these issues in order to remain competitive. Furthermore, the state's laws and policies, including those targeting the LGBTQ+ community, may become a major concern for companies considering relocation or expansion in Nashville, potentially affecting the city's economic growth and reputation.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Tennessee ranked last among all 50 states for “quality of life” in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business study for 2026.The business news channel said this year’s study had an increased emphasis on “quality of life,” saying this year’s methodology has this cate...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kassidy Brown at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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