"The New Hampshire Advantage is alive and well thanks to our continued commonsense leadership and fiscal responsibility," said Governor Kelly Ayotte. "We will ensure our state remains the best for taxpayer return on investment by looking for better ways to serve our citizens with fewer taxpayer dollars."

Governor Ayotte continued, "Live Free or Die isn't just a slogan on a license plate – it's a set of values we live by. We will continue to build on this momentum and keep our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family."

The report credits New Hampshire's lack of a state income tax and low tax burden as major contributors to the ranking. New Hampshire outperforms nearly every other state in key areas, including the lowest crime rate, the second-lowest air pollution levels in the country, and one of the nation's strongest public education systems.

New Hampshire also has one of the lowest unemployment and poverty rates in the country.