Capital cities are often centers of government and economic activity, and sometimes rank among the best places to live in the U.S. Though, a recent analysis by WalletHub reveals a more nuanced picture, ranking Baton Rouge, Louisiana as the fourth-worst state capital to live in.
Baton Rouge Ranks Low in Quality of Life
WalletHub’s study assessed state capitals based on factors including affordability, economic stability, quality of life, education, and health care. Baton Rouge, with a population between 224,000 and 227,470, received an overall ranking of 47th out of 50, making it the fourth-worst capital city in the nation.
The city’s rankings in specific categories were as follows: 38th for affordability, 47th for economic well-being, 39th for quality of education and health, and 37th for quality of life. WalletHub also found Baton Rouge tied with five other capitals for having the highest premature-death rate and ranked third for the highest crime rate.
In contrast, Austin, Texas was ranked as the best state capital to live in, citing its high median household income, favorable business environment, and strong education system.
WalletHub’s Ranking of State Capitals
- Austin, Texas
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Boise, Idaho
- St. Paul, Minnesota
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Bismarck, North Dakota
- Denver, Colorado
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Pierre, South Dakota
- Concord, Novel Hampshire
- Columbus, Ohio
- Montpelier, Vermont
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Richmond, Virginia
- Jefferson City, Missouri
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Charleston, West Virginia
- Albany, New York
- Helena, Montana
- Olympia, Washington
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Sacramento, California
- Springfield, Illinois
- Juneau, Alaska
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Salem, Oregon
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Topeka, Kansas
- Lansing, Michigan
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Carson City, Nevada
- Frankfort, Kentucky
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Montgomery, Alabama
- Dover, Delaware
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Trenton, New Jersey
- Augusta, Maine
- Jackson, Mississippi
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors did WalletHub consider in its ranking?
WalletHub analyzed state capitals based on affordability, economic stability, quality of life, education, and health care.
Is Baton Rouge the largest city in Louisiana?
No, Baton Rouge is not the largest city in Louisiana, but it does have a population between 224,000 and 227,470 residents.
Which state capital ranked highest in WalletHub’s study?
Austin, Texas ranked as the best state capital to live in, according to WalletHub.
As policymakers and community leaders consider strategies for improvement, these rankings could prompt further discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing Baton Rouge and other state capitals across the country.
