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Texas among America's 10 worst states in new 2026 ranking

A new national ranking has Texas near the top for all the wrong reasons.

By Molly Wilhelm, Trending ReporterJuly 13, 2026

GLENRIO, TX - APRIL 19: A "Welcome to Texas" sign along Interstate 40 (I-40) on April 19, 2026 in Glenrio, Texas. Texas recently ranked among CNBC's list of the worst U.S. states to live in for 2026.

Al Drago/Getty Images

A new ranking of the worst U.S. states to live in for 2026 didn't paint a flattering picture for Texas. CNBC, a global business news network, released on Saturday its list of America's 10 worst states to live in for 2026, ranking the Lone Star State the second worst, behind only Tennessee. 

The report cites Texas' healthcare, crime, inclusiveness, worker protections and reproductive rights as key weaknesses, while identifying child care and air quality as the state's only strengths. CNBC gave Texas an F grade, awarding it 78 out of 290 possible points. 

"While Texas continues to lead the nation in attracting workers, those workers are finding a broad array of challenges when they get there," CNBC wrote. 

The ranking cited data from the United Health Foundation showing that 16.7 percent of Texans lack health insurance—more than double the national average. The study also found that 17 percent of adults in Texas said they had to skip a needed doctor's visit within the past year because they couldn't afford it. 

"Even those who do have health insurance can have trouble finding a doctor. The state finishes dead last in primary care physicians per capita," CNBC wrote.   

RELATED: Harris County has the worst pregnancy-related death rate for Black women in the US

Road sign a the border welcoming people to the state of Tennessee. The state recently ranked top on CNBC's list of the worst states to live in for 2026.

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty

What other states made the top 10?

Tennessee ranked as the worst state to live in for 2026, with CNBC citing crime, inclusiveness and worker protections among its biggest weaknesses. The state received 64 out of 290 points, with air quality listed as its only strength. 

The report also pointed to state laws targeting LGBTQ+ communities, as well as high rates of violent crime and drug overdose deaths. 

Behind Tennessee and Texas, Indiana ranked third worst with a score of 82 out of 290 points. CNBC called out the state's lack of childcare availability, air quality and healthcare. 

The top 10 also included Louisiana, Georgia, Utah, Missouri, Alabama, Oklahoma and Arkansas. 

A Texas State flag and the US flag are seen at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York on May 27, 2022. Texas recently ranked No.4 among the best U.S. states for business. ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Texas ranks high for business 

While Texas ranked near the top of CNBC's list of America's worst states, it also landed in the top five on the network's annual rankings of America's top states for business.

In that report, judged based on infrastructure, economy, work force, and several other key metrics, Texas ranked No.4 overall.