Top 10 States With the Best Infrastructure in 2024

Infrastructure consists of structures and facilities that are necessary for society to operate. It could include roads and bridges, energy, water systems, buildings, and more. Each state is responsible for using its infrastructure budget to create a reliable system.

Below, we’ve reviewed each of the top 10 states ranked by infrastructure and what factors went into its ranking. Road conditions may affect the condition of your vehicle, so make sure you have cheap car insurance to cover you in case of damage.

If you’re looking to protect a car in states with the best or worst infrastructure, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above.

What are the top 10 states with the best infrastructure?

Infrastructure includes basics like roads and bridges, but there’s also been an increase in demand for internet access since the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many to remote work. Government agencies must consider many factors, including climate change and sustainability.

Take a look at the top 10 states ranked by infrastructure below.

10. Maryland (tied with Arizona and Delaware)

Maryland had a 2021 infrastructure score of 227 out of 375 points, with a U.S. population within 500 miles of 113,727,950. Only 5% of Maryland’s bridges are in poor condition, while 21% of its roads are in unacceptable condition. On average, Maryland has 2.4 hours of power outages per year.

Maryland’s primary objective in 2021 was to increase internet access across the state. The Digital Connectivity Act of 2021 pledged broadband service to all residents within five years. Maryland currently has broadband access in 95.2% of the state.

9. Delaware (tied with Arizona and Maryland)

Delaware had a 2021 infrastructure score of 227 out of 375 points, with a U.S. population within 500 miles of 103,729,515. Only 2% of Delaware’s bridges are in poor condition, while only 11% of its roads are in unacceptable condition. Delaware has broadband access in 94.8% of the state.

On average, Delaware has 1.7 hours of power outages per year. This low rate can be attributed to Delaware’s dedication to modernizing its electrical grid. However, one thing that Delaware lacks is an international airport.

8. Arizona (tied with Delaware and Maryland)

Arizona had a 2021 infrastructure score of 227 out of 375 points, with a U.S. population within 500 miles of 42,340,716. Only 2% of Arizona’s bridges are in poor condition, while only 11% of its roads are in unacceptable condition. However, Arizona has broadband access in only 73.8% of the state. On average, Arizona has 1.4 hours of power outages per year.

The Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix brings in an annual economic impact of $38 billion, and the Phoenix City Council approved an expansion plan in 2019 to double the airport’s size. According to the FAA, Arizona is one of the most accessible states by air. However, growth in the state is putting demand on drinking and wastewater systems.

7. Utah

Utah had a 2021 infrastructure score of 232 out of 375 points, with a U.S. population within 500 miles of 31,099,952. Utah has broadband access in 88.4% of the state. On average, it has 2.4 hours of power outages per year.

Only 2% of Utah’s bridges are in poor condition, and only 7% of its roads are in unacceptable condition. However, the state agreed to spend $1.2 billion on infrastructure to ease traffic gridlock in popular areas and fund airports.

6. Georgia

Georgia had a 2021 infrastructure score of 233 out of 375 points, with a U.S. population within 500 miles of 77,526,157. Only 2.5% of Georgia’s bridges are in poor condition, and only 6% of its roads are in unacceptable condition. Georgia has broadband access in 84.9% of the state. On average, it has 2.5 hours of power outages per year.

Georgia had a 12.5% office vacancy rate in 2021, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Georgia is also responsible for the nation’s busiest airport and essential ports. However, Georgia is more likely to be forced into infrastructure issues caused by climate change.

5. Florida

Florida had a 2021 infrastructure score of 234 out of 375 points, with a U.S. population within 500 miles of 49,151,544. Only 3% of Florida’s bridges are in poor condition, and only 6% of its roads are in unacceptable condition. Florida has broadband access in 92.4% of the state. On average, it has only 1.5 hours of power outages per year.

Florida is vulnerable to climate change, especially in terms of extreme weather. However, it has one of the most reliable power grids in the United States. In addition, Florida has some of the busiest airports and seaports.

4. Tennessee

Tennessee had a 2021 infrastructure score of 245 out of 375 points, with a U.S. population within 500 miles of 106,012,008. Only 4% of Tennessee’s bridges are in poor condition, and 9% of its roads are in unacceptable condition. Tennessee has broadband access in 82.4% of the state. On average, it has 4.5 hours of power outages per year.

Tennessee benefits from a central location that shelters it from climate change. However, while its bridges and roads were in decent condition, Tennessee had to indefinitely close the Hernando de Soto Bridge in May 2021 due to a large crack.

3. Indiana

Indiana had a 2021 infrastructure score of 246 out of 375 points, with a U.S. population within 500 miles of 105,512,960. Only 6% of Indiana’s bridges are in poor condition, and 9% of its roads are in unacceptable condition. Indiana has broadband access in 79.8% of the state. On average, it has 4.3 hours of power outages per year.

Indiana is focused on cleaning up brownfields (land that is not currently in use and may be contaminated) and redeveloping those areas.

2. Nevada

Nevada had a 2021 infrastructure score of 248 out of 375 points, with a U.S. population within 500 miles of 51,755,881. Only 1% of Nevada’s bridges are in poor condition, and only 4% of its roads are in unacceptable condition. Nevada has broadband access in 85.3% of the state. On average, it has only 1.5 hours of power outages per year.

Nevada is a national leader in solar energy, and it plans to upgrade its transmission lines to transport renewable energy throughout the region. Nevada has some of the best roads in the country, but it could work on its broadband speeds and affordability.

1. Illinois

Illinois had a 2021 infrastructure score of 272 out of 375 points, with a U.S. population within 500 miles of 90,988,061. A total of 9% of Illinois’ bridges are in poor condition, and 21% of its roads are in unacceptable condition. Illinois has broadband access in 89.3% of the state. On average, it has only 1.9 hours of power outages per year.

Illinois is doing excellent regarding the value of goods shipped, broadband connectivity, a reliable power grid, and commercial space. However, its roads and bridges are in desperate need of repairs and upgrades.

What are the U.S. cities with the best infrastructure?

The 10 best cities for infrastructure include:

1. Minneapolis, MN
2. Seattle, WA
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Eugene, OR
5. Salt Lake City, UT
6. Omaha, NE
7. Austin, TX
8. Miami, FL
9. Chattanooga, TN
10. Atlanta, GA

These cities were ranked on roads in good or fair condition, bridge conditions, transit performance, airport satisfaction, bike-friendliness, infrastructure spending by state and city, and more.

What are the states with the worst infrastructure?

According to infrastructure report cards by state, these 10 states have the worst infrastructure in the United States:

1. West Virginia
2. Rhode Island
3. Mississippi
4. Louisiana
5. Connecticut
6. New Mexico
7. Pennsylvania
8. Arkansas
9. Massachusetts
10. New Jersey

Regardless of your state’s infrastructure and road conditions, there are always risk factors in owning a vehicle. Ensure that you have adequate car insurance to ensure your assets are protected.

Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to find affordable insurance rates in states with the best and worst infrastructure.