Which States Have the Best and Worst Roads in America?

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, crumbling roads and inadequate infrastructure cost the U.S. economy nearly $400 billion annually in lost productivity and increased transportation costs. This staggering figure highlights the importance of safe, well-maintained roads for our daily lives and economic well-being. But how do the states stack up when providing smooth, efficient roadways for their citizens?

To answer this question, we conducted a comprehensive study to determine which states have the best — and worst — roads in America. We dove deep into the data, analyzing all 50 states across five crucial criteria: road fatalities, rural road conditions, urban road conditions, highway spending per mile, and highway spending per capita.

Our findings revealed a surprising disconnect between spending and performance. Wyoming, for example, boasts the nation’s highest highway spending per capita at $2,200, yet it only ranks sixth in overall road quality. Conversely, Indiana achieves a top-five ranking with a significantly lower per capita spending of $745, indicating that efficient resource allocation and strategic maintenance can yield impressive results.

Read on to discover where your state ranks and what factors contribute to its position on America’s Best and Worst Roads list.

Key Findings:

Minnesota takes the top spot for road quality with a score of 80, followed by Delaware (76.6) and Utah (76.2).
New Mexico has the worst roads in the nation, with a score of 50, followed by Louisiana (51.4) and Mississippi (53.8).
Midwest Smoothness: Midwestern states dominate the top rankings, with three states (Minnesota, Indiana, and North Dakota) landing in the top 10 for overall road quality.
Sun Belt Struggles: Five states in the bottom 10 for road quality—Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arizona—are located in a band stretching from the South Central to the Southwestern US, indicating potential regional challenges in these areas.
Models of Efficiency: Minnesota (1st) and Utah (3rd) demonstrate that efficient spending, despite modest highway budgets of $38.61 and $54.03 thousand per mile respectively, can lead to top-tier roads.
Spending doesn’t guarantee smooth roads: West Virginia ranks 8th in per capita spending ($1,332.16) yet only 35th in overall road quality, while California is 7th in disbursement per mile ($127,080) but a dismal 47th in road quality.

Map of America’s Best and Worst Roads

The Best (and Worst) States for Roads: A 50-State Ranking

Fatalities Per 100 Million Miles Driven (VMT)

Rhode Island: With a fatality rate of just 0.69 deaths per 100 million miles driven, this state demonstrates the positive impact of prioritizing road safety through effective infrastructure design, driver education, and law enforcement.
South Carolina: Sadly, this state faces the nation's highest fatality rate at 1.85 deaths per 100 million miles driven. This alarming statistic and the fact that 3.17% of its rural roads are classified as poor or very poor emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure investment.

Rural Rough (Poor and Very Poor) Road Percentage

Rhode Island: Despite having the lowest road fatality rate, Rhode Island faces a different challenge: a significant 22.56% of its rural roads are categorized as poor or very poor. This suggests that while the state excels in overall safety, maintaining and improving rural infrastructure is crucial to ensure a smooth and hazard-free driving experience.
Florida: Florida boasts the lowest percentage of poor or very poor rural roads at a mere 0.97%, indicating a strong commitment to maintaining high-quality infrastructure even in less densely populated areas. This commitment likely contributes to a smoother, safer driving experience for residents and visitors.

Urban Rough (Poor and Very Poor) Road Percentage

Minnesota: Beyond its impressive rural road network, Minnesota also boasts the smoothest urban driving experience, with a mere 3.42% of its urban roadways classified as poor or very poor. This commitment to comprehensive infrastructure maintenance undoubtedly contributes to a higher quality of life for residents and enhances the state's appeal to businesses and visitors.
California: Despite its reputation for infrastructure spending, 40.02% of California's urban roads are considered poor or very poor. This suggests that while funding is essential, other factors like population density, traffic congestion, or maintenance practices may hinder California's ability to provide a smooth, safe urban driving experience.

Disbursement Per Mile (Thousands USD)

Delaware: This small but mighty state takes road funding seriously, shelling out over $270,000 per mile to maintain its infrastructure. This commitment to investment likely explains why Delaware consistently ranks among the states with the smoothest, safest roads, even with its busy Northeast corridor traffic.
North Dakota: In stark contrast to Delaware's generous spending, North Dakota allocates a comparatively modest $12,160 per mile for its roads. Does this mean rough rides for residents? Not necessarily. The state's lower population density and traffic volume might actually mean less wear and tear, allowing North Dakota to maintain decent road quality with a smaller budget.

Highway Disbursement Per Capita (USD)

Wyoming: This sparsely populated state leads the nation in highway spending per resident, allocating a generous $2,200.48 per capita to maintain its vast road network. However, Wyoming's sixth-place ranking in overall road quality suggests that efficient spending and targeted maintenance are essential to maximize the impact of these investments.
Tennessee: In stark contrast to Wyoming's high per capita spending, Tennessee allocates a much lower $409.98 per resident for its roads. Despite this frugal approach, Tennessee still achieves a respectable overall road quality ranking, indicating that strategic planning and efficient maintenance practices can help stretch infrastructure dollars further.

10 States With the Best Roads in America

1. Minnesota

Minnesota ranks first in the nation for road quality, achieving an impressive score of 80 in our analysis. From its bustling Twin Cities to its scenic byways winding through forests and alongside lakes, Minnesota prioritizes providing its residents and visitors with smooth, safe, and efficient travel experiences.

A closer look at the data reveals the factors behind Minnesota's success:

Final Score: 80
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 0.77, significantly lower than the national average, indicating a strong safety record.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 2.82%, one of the lowest percentages in the country, reflecting well-maintained rural infrastructure.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 3.42%, among the lowest nationwide, demonstrating a commitment to quality urban roads.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $38.61, suggesting efficient resource allocation.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $966.74, highlighting efficiency in spending.

Minnesota's top ranking isn’t solely due to high spending; it's a testament to its commitment to effective maintenance practices, strategic investment decisions, and a comprehensive approach to ensuring quality across rural and urban roadways.

2. Delaware

Despite its small size, Delaware is second in our ranking of states with the best roads. Achieving a score of 76.6, Delaware demonstrates that effective infrastructure management can lead to high-quality roads, even in states with unique geographical and economic considerations.

A closer look at Delaware's data highlights its strengths:

Final Score: 76.6
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.64
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 1.38%, signifying a strong commitment to maintaining smooth rural roadways. Delaware's dedication to rural road upkeep is evident in this remarkably low percentage.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 11.38%. While Delaware excels in maintaining its rural roads, this figure suggests that there might be room for improvement in the condition of some urban roadways.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $270.12, significantly higher than what most other states allocate to maintain each mile of roadway. This suggests that Delaware prioritizes a high level of investment in its road infrastructure.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $1,741.17. Delaware's road investment is especially noteworthy when considering its per capita spending, demonstrating a strong commitment to maintaining and improving its transportation network.

Delaware's impressive ranking suggests the state strategically invests in its road infrastructure to facilitate safe and efficient travel for residents and businesses.

3. Utah

Utah secured the third spot on our list of states with the best roads, boasting an impressive overall score of 76.2. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Utah prioritizes maintaining a high-quality road network, contributing to its breathtaking scenery and thriving economy.

Let's delve into the specific metrics that propel Utah to a top-three ranking:

Final Score: 76.2
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 0.93. Utah's commitment to road safety is reflected in its significantly lower-than-average fatality rate, underscoring the state's dedication to protecting both residents and visitors on its roadways.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 2.82%. Utah's rural roads are among the smoothest in the nation, highlighting the state's focus on maintaining high-quality infrastructure, even in more sparsely populated areas.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 6.17%. While Utah excels in rural road maintenance, the percentage of rough urban roads slightly increases, suggesting that conditions might vary within its more densely populated areas.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $54.03. Utah demonstrates that a high national ranking in road quality doesn't necessarily require exorbitant spending. Its efficient road maintenance and construction approach allows it to achieve impressive results with a relatively modest investment per mile.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $783.42. Utah's commitment to maintaining a high-quality road network is evident in its per capita spending, which, while not the highest in the nation, reflects a strategic investment in infrastructure.

Utah's top-tier ranking underscores the effectiveness of a balanced approach—prioritizing both safety and efficient resource allocation—in achieving a well-maintained and driver-friendly road network.

4. Indiana

Coming in at fourth place with a score of 75.5, Indiana demonstrates its commitment to providing residents and visitors with a smooth and reliable driving experience. The Crossroads of America lives up to its name, maintaining high-quality roads that facilitate travel and commerce throughout the state.

Let's take a closer look at what contributes to Indiana's success:

Final Score: 75.5
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 0.99. Indiana's commitment to road safety is evident in its low fatality rate, highlighting its emphasis on creating a safe driving environment.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 2.40%. Indiana's rural roads are among the smoothest in the nation, reflecting a dedication to maintaining quality infrastructure throughout the state.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 5.30%. Indiana also prioritizes maintaining its urban roads, ensuring a consistent and comfortable driving experience for both residents and visitors.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $52.38. Indiana proves that achieving a high ranking in road quality doesn't always require the highest levels of spending.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $745.30. Indiana's commitment to its roads is further demonstrated by its per capita spending, reflecting a balanced approach to infrastructure investment.

Indiana's ranking highlights the state's effectiveness in balancing road quality, safety, and responsible spending, creating a driving experience that benefits residents and the economy.

5. New Jersey

With a score of 75, New Jersey is the fifth on our list, showcasing its dedication to maintaining a high-quality road network. Despite its reputation for traffic congestion, the Garden State demonstrates that it takes road conditions seriously, investing in infrastructure to support its bustling economy and the needs of its residents.

Let's examine the data behind New Jersey's impressive ranking:

Final Score: 75
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 0.91. New Jersey demonstrates a strong commitment to road safety, reflected in its notably low fatality rate.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 4.57%. While New Jersey might be best known for its urban centers, it also prioritizes maintaining smooth and efficient roadways in its more rural areas.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 21.98%. This figure is higher than other top-ranked states, suggesting that the demands of a densely populated state and heavy urban traffic pose ongoing challenges in maintaining certain roadways.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $188.63. This significant investment per mile underscores New Jersey's understanding of the critical role roads play in supporting its economy and residents' quality of life.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $790.02. New Jersey's above-average spending per resident further illustrates the state's commitment to its transportation infrastructure.

New Jersey's strong ranking reflects a strategic approach to road maintenance and improvement, acknowledging a well-functioning transportation network's critical role in supporting a vibrant economy and a high quality of life for its residents.

6. Wyoming

Known for its wide-open spaces and stunning natural beauty, Wyoming also earns high marks for the quality of its roads, securing the sixth position in our ranking with a score of 73.7.

Let's break down the factors that contribute to Wyoming's impressive performance:

Final Score: 73.7
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.44. While Wyoming's fatality rate is slightly higher than some other top-ranked states, its unique geographical features, including vast distances and often challenging driving conditions, should be considered.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 1.35%, one of the lowest percentages nationwide, signifying a dedication to maintaining high-quality roadways, even in the most remote corners of the state.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 12.46%. While Wyoming excels in maintaining its rural roadways, there is a slight uptick in the percentage of rough roads within its more urbanized areas.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $42.44. Wyoming's spending per mile is relatively low compared to other top-ranked states, indicating that efficiency and strategic maintenance practices contribute significantly to its success.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $2,200.48. Wyoming's commitment to its roads is undeniable, as evidenced by its top-ranking per capita spending, the highest in the nation.

Wyoming's high ranking underscores the importance of balancing spending with strategic maintenance and focusing on addressing its expansive terrain's unique challenges.

7. Maryland

With a score of 73.7, Maryland secured the seventh spot in our rankings. This demonstrates its commitment to providing a well-maintained and safe transportation network for its residents and visitors. From the bustling streets of Baltimore to the scenic Eastern Shore, Maryland's roads play a crucial role in connecting communities and supporting the state's economy.

Here's a closer look at the factors behind Maryland's high ranking:

Final Score: 73.7
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 0.99, indicating that road safety is a high priority in Maryland.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 1.85%. Maryland's commitment to maintaining smooth roadways extends beyond its urban centers, as evidenced by the low percentage of rough rural roads.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 20.98%. While Maryland performs well overall, this figure suggests that maintaining certain urban roads, particularly in high-traffic areas, might present ongoing challenges.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $140.31. Maryland's investment in its road infrastructure per mile is substantial, reflecting the state's understanding of roads' critical role in its economy and residents' lives.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $741.94. Maryland's per capita road spending indicates a strategic approach to infrastructure investment.

Maryland's ranking demonstrates that a balanced approach, combining responsible spending with effective maintenance practices, can lead to a high-quality road network.

8. North Dakota

With a score of 73.4, North Dakota claims the eighth spot on our list, demonstrating its commitment to well-maintained roads, despite challenging weather conditions and a geographically dispersed population.

Let’s explore the factors behind North Dakota’s success:

Final Score: 73.4
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.07.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 1.52%. This remarkably low percentage underscores North Dakota's dedication to maintaining quality roads, even in most rural areas.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 14.61%.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $12.16. North Dakota achieves an impressive ranking despite having the lowest disbursement per mile among the top 10 states. This suggests a highly efficient road maintenance and construction approach, likely influenced by the need to maximize resources across a large geographical area.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $1,378.88. This above-average spending per resident further highlights North Dakota's commitment to ensuring a well-maintained transportation network.

North Dakota's impressive ranking demonstrates that strategic resource allocation and a commitment to effective maintenance can result in high-quality roads, even in the face of geographical and environmental challenges.

9. Vermont

Known for its picturesque landscapes and charming towns, Vermont also earns high marks for its roads, securing the ninth position with a score of 72.6.

Here's a closer look at the factors behind Vermont's success:

Final Score: 72.6
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.07.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 7.67%. While still below the national average, this figure is somewhat higher than other top-ranked states, likely reflecting the challenges of maintaining roads in a state with mountainous terrain and a significant seasonal variation in weather conditions.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 11.76%.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $62.39.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $1,365.28. Vermont’s above-average per capita spending indicates a commitment to investing in its infrastructure, likely recognizing the importance of well-maintained roads for both residents and the state’s tourism industry.

Vermont's ranking demonstrates that it prioritizes a safe and efficient transportation network, even amidst its geography and climate challenges.

10. New Hampshire

New Hampshire rounds out our top 10 with a score of 72.5. From the seacoast to the White Mountains, New Hampshire's roadways offer scenic beauty and a reliable driving experience.

Here’s a deeper dive into the data:

Final Score: 72.5
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.1.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 6.28%. Like Vermont, this number suggests that maintaining rural roads in a state with diverse terrain and weather patterns can present unique challenges.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 5.53%. New Hampshire's commitment to maintaining quality roads is reflected in this low percentage, which focuses on providing smooth, efficient roadways for its urban areas.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $70.52.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $818.39.

New Hampshire's commitment to balancing responsible spending with effective road maintenance is apparent in its high ranking, providing residents and visitors with a positive driving experience.

10 States With the Worst Roads in America

1. New Mexico

New Mexico's final score of 50 places it 50th in our study, making it the worst state for roads in America. While the Land of Enchantment boasts stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, its road conditions present significant challenges for residents and visitors alike.

Let's take a closer look at the data that places New Mexico at the bottom of our ranking:

Final Score: 50
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: New Mexico has the 3rd highest rate of road fatalities in the nation, with 1.74 deaths per 100 million miles driven.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 15.11%. This alarming percentage reflects a critical need for investment and improved maintenance of New Mexico's rural road network.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 22.78%. The condition of New Mexico's urban roads is also a significant concern, with nearly a quarter requiring attention to ensure driver safety and efficiency.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $24.39. New Mexico's low spending per mile suggests that insufficient investment might contribute to the state's poor road conditions.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $834.23.

New Mexico's last-place ranking emphasizes the need for increased investment, strategic resource allocation, and improved maintenance practices to address the state's critical road infrastructure challenges.

2. Louisiana

Louisiana's final score of 51.4 places it 49th in our study, making it the second-worst state for roads in America. Known for its vibrant culture and unique bayou landscapes, Louisiana faces persistent challenges in maintaining its road infrastructure.

Let's take a closer look at the factors contributing to Louisiana's low ranking:

Final Score: 51.4
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.60
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 11.36%. This above-average percentage highlights Louisiana's difficulties in maintaining adequate road conditions in its rural areas, impacting safety and accessibility.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 28.17%. The condition of Louisiana's urban roads is even more concerning, with over a quarter requiring significant improvements to meet acceptable standards.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $36.27. Louisiana's low spending per mile suggests a lack of adequate investment might contribute to its road infrastructure challenges.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $521.22.

Louisiana's ranking underscores the need for increased funding, strategic resource allocation, and effective maintenance strategies to address the state's critical road infrastructure needs.

3. Mississippi

Mississippi's final score of 53.8 places it 48th in our study, making it the third-worst state for roads in America. While the Magnolia State is known for its rich history and musical heritage, its roads present ongoing challenges for residents and those passing through.

Here's a deeper dive into the data:

Final Score: 53.8
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.76. Mississippi's higher-than-average fatality rate raises concerns about road safety, emphasizing the need for improvements to protect drivers.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 9.17%, signifying that a significant portion of Mississippi's rural roadways require attention.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 16.32%.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $21.72. Mississippi's low spending per mile on its roads raises concerns about whether sufficient resources are being allocated to address its infrastructure needs.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $574.25.

Mississippi's ranking underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach that addresses safety concerns and the overall quality of its road infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to enhance residents' economic opportunity and quality of life.

4. California

California's final score of 55.9 places it 47th in our study, making it the fourth-worst state for roads in America. Given California's reputation for innovation and infrastructure investment, this ranking might surprise some. However, many factors contribute to the Golden State's road woes.

Here's a closer look at the data:

Final Score: 55.9
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.40
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 8.37%. While California's percentage of rough rural roads is not the highest in the nation, it still indicates areas for improvement, particularly as the state grapples with wildfire damage and the needs of rural communities.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 40.02%. This alarmingly high percentage highlights a significant challenge for California. The sheer volume of traffic, combined with deferred maintenance in some areas, likely contributes to the poor condition of many urban roadways.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $127.08. California invests heavily in its roads per mile, but the state's high cost of living and construction likely contribute to these expenditures.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $592.92.

California's ranking underscores the complexity of managing a vast and heavily used road network in a state with a high cost of living. Addressing its road infrastructure challenges will require innovative solutions, sustained investment, and a focus on maintenance to improve safety and efficiency for the millions who rely on its roadways.

5. Arizona

Arizona's final score of 57.2 places it 46th in our study, making it the fifth-worst state for roads in America. While the Grand Canyon State is renowned for its stunning desertscapes and warm climate, its roads present a mixed bag for drivers.

Here’s a deeper dive into the data:

Final Score: 57.2
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.71
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 7.07%.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 12.84%.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $45.20.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $457.53. Compared to other states, Arizona's relatively low per capita roadway spending could contribute to road infrastructure challenges.

Arizona's ranking suggests that while the state's warm climate might mitigate some road deterioration, there's room for improvement in addressing rough roads, particularly in urban areas. Increased investment and strategic maintenance could provide a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

6. South Carolina

South Carolina's final score of 59.8 places it 45th in our study, making it the sixth-worst state for roads in America. While the Palmetto State is known for its Southern charm and coastal beauty, its roadways tell a more complicated story.

Here's a closer look at the data:

Final Score: 59.8
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.85, higher than the national average, suggesting areas for improvement in road safety measures and driver education.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 3.17%.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 8.09%. South Carolina's relatively lower percentages of urban and rural rough roads suggest that road conditions might not be uniformly poor across the state. However, targeted investment in areas with the most urgent needs could significantly raise its overall ranking.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $45.02.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $658.29.

South Carolina's ranking indicates a need for a balanced approach, addressing road safety concerns while continuing to invest in maintaining and improving its roadways to support residents and its growing tourism industry.

7. Colorado

Colorado's final score of 59.8 places it 44th in our study, making it the seventh-worst state for roads in America. This ranking might surprise some, given Colorado's reputation for outdoor recreation and scenic drives.

Here's a closer look at the factors behind Colorado's ranking:

Final Score: 59.8
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.42.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 11.22%, a significant figure, particularly considering the importance of well-maintained rural roads to Colorado's tourism and energy industries.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 18.92%.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $55.75.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $854.87.

Colorado's ranking suggests that the state faces unique challenges in maintaining its roads, likely due to its mountainous terrain, fluctuating weather patterns, and increasing traffic from residents and tourists alike. Strategic investment and innovative solutions will be key to improving Colorado's road infrastructure.

8. Rhode Island

Rhode Island's final score of 60.5 places it 43rd in our study, making it the eighth-worst state for roads in America. Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island's roadways present their share of challenges.

Here’s a closer look at the factors affecting Rhode Island's ranking:

Final Score: 60.5
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 0.69. This significantly lower-than-average fatality rate indicates that while Rhode Island might face road quality challenges, safety measures seem relatively effective.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 22.56%. This alarmingly high percentage highlights a critical need for investment and improvement in Rhode Island's rural roads.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 36.80%. The condition of Rhode Island's urban roads is similarly concerning, suggesting that a high volume of traffic, combined with potential maintenance backlogs, might be taking a toll.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $119.57.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $716.40.

Rhode Island's ranking underscores the need for a focused effort to address the state of its roadways, particularly in rural areas. Strategic investment and effective maintenance practices will improve safety and efficiency on Rhode Island's roads.

9. Oklahoma

Oklahoma's final score of 60.9 places it 42nd in our study, making it the ninth-worst state for roads in America. The Sooner State, known for its wide-open plains and energy production, faces ongoing challenges in maintaining its road infrastructure.

Here's a breakdown of the data:

Final Score: 60.9
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.59
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 6.64%.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 15.44%.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $34.89.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $1,001.91.

Oklahoma's ranking suggests a need for more robust investment and a strategic approach to road maintenance, particularly in addressing the needs of its rural communities. Improved road infrastructure would not only enhance safety but also support economic growth and connectivity across the state.

10. Arkansas

Arkansas's final score of 61.1 places it 41st in our study, making it the tenth-worst state for roads in America. While the Natural State is renowned for its scenic beauty, its roadways challenge drivers navigating its diverse terrain.

A closer examination of the data reveals the factors contributing to Arkansas's ranking:

Final Score: 61.1
Fatalities per 100 Million Miles Driven: 1.67.
Rural Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 5.01%, indicating that many of Arkansas's rural roadways require attention and investment to enhance safety and driver experience.
Urban Rough Roads (Poor and Very Poor): 13.87%.
Disbursement per Mile (Thousands USD): $31.31.
Highway Disbursement per Capita: $1,030.86.

Arkansas's ranking suggests that while the state allocates significant resources per capita towards its roads, there might be opportunities to optimize spending and maintenance strategies to improve overall road quality, particularly in rural areas.

Methodology

This study evaluates the quality of road infrastructure across the United States, ranking all 50 states based on a comprehensive analysis of five key criteria:

Data Sources:

Fatalities per 100 million miles driven (VMT): Federal Highway Administration
Rural rough (poor and very poor) Road Percentage: Federal Highway Administration
Urban rough (poor and very poor) Road Percentage: Federal Highway Administration
Disbursement Per Mile (Thousands USD): Federal Highway Administration
Highway Disbursement per Capita: Federal Highway Administration, Statista

Data Normalization and Weighting:

All data points within each category were normalized to a common scale of 40 to 100 to ensure fair comparisons. Weights were assigned to each criterion based on their perceived importance in determining overall road quality:

Fatalities per 100 million miles driven (VMT): -0.3 (Negative weight as a lower value is desirable)
Rural rough (poor and very poor) Road Percentage: -0.2 (Negative weight)
Urban rough (poor and very poor) Road Percentage: -0.2 (Negative weight)
Disbursement Per Mile (Thousands USD): 0.15
Highway Disbursement per Capita: 0.15

Calculating the Final Score:

A weighted score was calculated for each criterion by multiplying the normalized value by its corresponding weight.
The weighted scores for all five criteria were summed to obtain a raw score for each state.
The raw scores were adjusted to a final score between 50 and 80 to create a more intuitive and relatable ranking system.

Limitations:

While this study provides a comprehensive overview of road quality across the US, it's important to note that the chosen criteria and weights reflect a specific perspective on this complex issue. Other factors, such as traffic congestion, road design, and weather conditions, also shape the driving experience but were not explicitly included in this analysis.