Report: Utah named best U.S. state for fourth year in a row

• While Utah is known for its scenic landscapes, its ozone pollution along the Wasatch Front is among the worst in the country, per the American Lung Association.

What they're saying: "Utah still ranks number one because it just manages to achieve balance across the categories of state performance in a uniquely successful way," Evan Comen, U.S. News' senior data editor, tells Axios.

State of play: Utah finished among the nation's top 10 states for its economy, infrastructure, education, crime and corrections and fiscal stability.

Yes, but: Compared with last year, Utah slipped slightly in five categories: education, health care, infrastructure, opportunity and fiscal stability.

• Its sharpest year-over-year drop was opportunity (19th to 24th), which measures affordability, economic opportunity and equality.

How it works: U.S. News evaluated each state using 71 metrics across eight categories.

Zoom out: South Dakota, Minnesota, North Dakota and Nebraska rounded out the top five states, while Louisiana, Alaska, Mississippi, New Mexico and Michigan landed in the bottom five.