The Greenest States in 2025 list was released by WalletHub on Wednesday, April 9. The personal finance website compared all 50 states across key metrics like air and water quality, renewable energy use, green transportation, and carbon emissions.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said infrastructure plays a big role in whether residents can make eco-friendly choices.
“If a state doesn’t have a great infrastructure for alternative-fuel vehicles, it becomes much harder for residents to adopt that technology,” said Lupo. “Living in a green state is also very beneficial for the health of you and your family, as you benefit from better air, soil and water quality.”
New York ranked third overall, behind only Vermont and Hawaii. The Empire State has the lowest gasoline consumption per capita in the country, thanks in part to nearly 49% of residents using public transit, carpooling, biking, or walking — the nation’s highest rate.
The state also ranked second in soil quality. New York is even among the states with the lowest carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions per capita.
Maryland ranked fourth in the country – the highest in the mid-Atlantic. The Old Line State leads the US in green buildings certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, a measure of energy-efficient construction.
Massachusetts placed eighth, cracking into the top five in the environmental quality rank, which includes metrics like air quality and energy efficiency. The Bay State ranked third for LEED-certified green buildings per capita and fifth for water quality.
Connecticut rounded out the top 10, boosted by its second-place finish in the climate change contributions rank. The Constitution State was recognized for its efforts to increase renewable energy use and reduce emissions.
New Jersey landed at 13th, supported by its fifth-place ranking for climate change contributions. Virginia came in 19th, helped by finishing 15th in environmental quality.
Pennsylvania just missed out on the top half of the list in 26th place. The Keystone State was 19th in environmental quality but was weighed down by fewer efforts toward fighting climate change.
WalletHub said greener living isn’t just about helping the planet – it can save money, too.
In 2024, the US experienced 27 weather and climate disasters that each caused at least $1 billion in damages.
“The costs of environmental degradation and climate change are huge – and they are rising quickly – so there is no tradeoff between the environment and the economy,” said Jennie Stephens, a sustainability science and policy professor at Northeastern University. “Investing in environmental protection is absolutely essential for economic stability and human health. Climate disasters are now costing the United States over $150 billion per year, and the economic harm is rising.”
West Virginia ranked last in the report, with Louisiana, Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi rounding out the bottom five.
You can click here to see WalletHub’s full Greenest States in 2025 list.
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