CNBC faced a wave of online mockery after releasing its annual quality-of-life rankings, which exclusively placed conservative red states in all 10 spots of the ‘worst places to live’. Critics quickly took to social media to call out the outlet for what they alleged as blatant liberal bias embedded in its ranking criteria.

Ranking Criteria

According to CNBC’s report, the ranking criteria include factors such as crime rates, air quality, healthcare, and the cost and availability of childcare. The outlet also considers the inclusiveness of state laws and reproductive rights. However, conservatives argue that the criteria are biased towards liberal ideologies.

Some of the states that were ranked as the worst places to live include Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Missouri, Utah, Georgia, Louisiana, Indiana, Texas, and Tennessee. All of these states are Republican-led and voted for President Donald Trump in 2024.

Response from Conservatives

Conservatives quickly responded to the rankings, arguing that they are based on flawed criteria. Reverend Jordan Wells, a conservative commentator, wrote on X that the rankings are ‘pure comedy’ and that states like California and New York, which have high taxes and high costs of living, did not make the list.

Other conservatives pointed out that the states that were ranked as the worst places to live are actually experiencing population growth, while states like California and New York are losing residents. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas added over 67,000 residents and Tennessee added over 42,000 residents, while Los Angeles County lost over 56,000 residents.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.