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Are These Really the Best Places to Live in America?

USDA Economic Research Service. Published Aug. 14, 2015
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CHRISTOPHER INGRAHAM/THE WASHINGTON POST

The Washington Post’s Wonkblog recently grappled with a federal report that determined the best and worst places to live in America. The study made its determinations from the standpoint of scenery and climate. The report looked for several factors including mild winters, temperate summers, topographic variation, and access to a body of water.

The Wonkblog took issue with the government findings. Many High Plains residents probably would, too.  Most of Kansas, for example, is ranked as below average, despite the state’s unquestionable beauty. The Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles are listed as slightly above average.

The top ten counties are all in California, while the absolute worst place to live is Red Lake County, Minnesota. To view the Post's interactive map of the study, click here.