Montana Ranked Lower Than Potatoes? We’re Not Worried.

Well, folks, it’s official, Montana didn’t make the cut in WalletHub’s Best States to Live in 2024 ranking. I can already hear the sigh of relief from everyone worried the California invasion will continue.

The question is, who beat us out? Wyoming and Idaho? Yep, that’s right. Wyoming, the state with more cows than people, and Idaho, known mostly for potatoes.

Now, WalletHub’s study ranked states on things like affordability, economy, education, and health. Fair enough. But can any of that really compare to waking up to a jaw-dropping Montana sunrise or casting a line in a crystal-clear stream? Probably not.

Wyoming: Where wind isn't weather...It's a lifestyle

Let’s talk about Wyoming. Sure, they ranked high for affordability, but when your state’s population is smaller than 4 sold-out Griz games, it’s not exactly a bustling metropolis. Plus the wind NEVER STOPS! EVER! So enjoy the never-ending onslaught of cold air whistling through your windows.

Idaho: The Potato Loving Problem Child

Next up: Idaho. They also scored points for affordability and economic opportunity. But here’s the thing—does anyone really want to be compared to a state whose biggest claim to fame is a football field that’s... blue? We’ll take our elk steaks, huckleberries, and endless outdoor adventures over potatoes any day.

Why Montana is Still #1 (Even If WalletHub Doesn’t Know It)

Okay, maybe we’ve got our challenges, long winters, and rising housing costs (thanks, out-of-staters!), but rankings can’t capture what makes Montana special. Can WalletHub measure the thrill of the opening day of hunting season? Or the satisfaction of pulling a 20-inch trout from the Bitterroot River? Nope.

The Bottom Line

So, let Wyoming and Idaho have their shiny rankings. We’ll stick with what we know: there’s no place on earth like Montana. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s our home, and nothing can beat that.