Texas ranked among the worst states to live in by CNBC for 2026. The Lone Star State lost its shine. Rising costs and grid concerns drove the decline.
The No. 1 state extended its six-year winning streak. That state, likely Vermont or Minnesota, dominates on education, health care, and infrastructure. Texas failed to match that benchmark.
CNBC’s methodology evaluates over 50 metrics. Cost of living, economy, education, health care, and quality of life all factor in. Texas lost points on affordability.
Property taxes soared. Median home prices in major metros exceeded $350,000. Insurance costs spiked since 2020. The 2021 winter storm aftermath still haunts the power grid. CNBC cited grid reliability as a key downgrade.
Health care access is poor. Texas leads the nation in uninsured residents. Rural hospital closures worsened care availability. Public schools face funding gaps and teacher shortages.
Traffic is a nightmare. Houston and Dallas have some of the worst commute times in the U.S. The Houston Chronicle echoed the sentiment: Texas did not fare well.
Oregon ranked 9th worst state to move to in 2026. High cost of living, homelessness crises, and wildfires drove the ranking. Like Texas, Oregon struggles with affordability and infrastructure. Both states share rising crime rates in urban centers. But Texas’s job appeal is fading faster.
| Metric | Texas | No. 1 State |
|---|---|---|
| Insured rate | 82% | 94% |
| Median home price | $350,000+ | Lower, stable |
| Property taxes | Among highest | Moderate |
| Grid reliability | Ongoing concerns | Stable |
Top-ranked states invest heavily in education and sustainable infrastructure. They maintain stable utility grids through smart zoning and public-private partnerships. Community well-being is prioritized over corporate tax incentives.
Texas still has pros. No income tax. Diverse job market in tech, energy, and health care. Home prices are lower than California or New York. But cons are mounting. Climate risks include heat and hurricanes. Political polarization is high. Public services are declining.
For remote workers or families, top-ranked states may offer better long-term stability. Check CNBC’s full methodology before making a decision. Texas’s fall is a wake-up call: low taxes alone can’t sustain livability. The No. 1 state’s six-year streak proves balanced policies create lasting appeal.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Texas rank among the worst states to live in for 2026?
- A: Texas dropped in CNBC’s ranking due to rising costs, property taxes, insurance spikes, grid reliability concerns, poor health care access, and traffic congestion.
- Q: Which state was ranked No. 1 by CNBC for 2026?
- A: The No. 1 state likely Vermont or Minnesota, known for strong education, health care, and infrastructure, extended its six-year winning streak.
- Q: How did Texas compare to the top state on key metrics?
- A: Texas had an insured rate of 82% vs. 94%, median home prices over $350,000 vs. lower stable prices, and highest property taxes with ongoing grid reliability issues.
- Q: What specific issues affected Texas’s ranking?
- A: Key issues included soaring property taxes, median home prices over $350,000, insurance spikes since 2020, 2021 winter storm grid aftermath, poor health care access, teacher shortages, and severe traffic in Houston and Dallas.
- Q: How did Oregon compare to Texas in the ranking?
- A: Oregon ranked 9th worst for moving in 2026, struggling with high cost of living, homelessness, wildfires, and rising crime, similar to Texas’s affordability and infrastructure challenges.
Extended Reading
CNBC’s full ranking and methodology at cnbc.com/2026/07/11/best-states-to-live-in-america-2026. Houston Chronicle coverage at houstonchronicle.com. KOIN report on Oregon at koin.com.