U.S. News & World Report has recognized Maryland as one of the best states in the nation. In its inaugural "Best States" ranking, U.S. News & World Report analyzed data in seven key areas – education, health care, infrastructure, economy, government, opportunity, and crime and corrections – to determine the state's composite score. In addition to ranking eighth overall, Maryland ranked among the top five states for education and opportunity.

In a summary of Maryland, U.S. News and World Report mentioned key factors contributing to Maryland's top-ten position on the list—including the highest median household income in the nation and an esteemed educational system. The summary also called Maryland an "aerospace and defense hot spot" and referenced the state's top ranking in the percentage of professional and technical workers.

"Maryland has made tremendous strides in turning our economy around, improving education, and working to ensure that every single Marylander has the opportunity to succeed," said Governor Larry Hogan. "We have made incredible progress over the past two years, but there is still more work to do to continue making Maryland the very best place to live, work, raise a family, and retire."

Tens of thousands of data points provided by McKinsey & Company's Leading States Index powered the U.S. News & World Report's "Best States" rankings.

Read more from Governor Larry Hogan.