Utah ranks number one in well-being index

Utah has been ranked number one in future livability across 13 metrics, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index released Tuesday.

Utah was ranked in the top 10 in 11 of 13 metrics, including job creation, economic confidence and an improving standard of living, according to the report. Utah was also ranked in the top two in five other criteria. Minnesota, Colorado, Nebraska and North Dakota rounded out the top five. Utah's number one ranking in livability was considerably ahead of the rest of the nation.

"Results like these continue to prove that Utah really is the best state in the nation now, and Utah is well positioned for long-term success," said Gov. Gary Herbert, in response to the report. "The state's strong showing in economic factors mirrors Utah's successful approach to building a positive environment where businesses thrive and grow. I am confident that Utah will maintain this ranking for years to come."

The report looked at 18 months of data taken from interviews with 530,000 adults in the U.S. from 2011 to 2012. The index ranked states based on multiple metrics indicating a positive lifestyle environment, now and in the future.

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