This news won't make the governor nor state lawmakers happy: Colorado is not a top 10 state, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Why it matters: The state's Democratic leaders point to these surveys as evidence their policies are working, just as Republicans flag poor rankings as problems.
By the numbers: Colorado landed at No. 11, the 2025 report shows, an improvement from 16th a year ago.
Yes, but: Colorado's elevated crime and correction rates hurt the state, ranking near the bottom in the U.S. at No. 47.
Fiscal stability in the long- and short-term also put the state in the bottom 10 at 43rd.
The intrigue: Colorado ranked best in education (3rd) and economy (6th).