Moody's Investors Service: In 2022, Moody's released a report assessing the credit risk of U.S. states based on their fiscal health. Here are the top-ranked states in terms of low credit risk (low likelihood of default):
- Virginia (Aaa)
- North Dakota (Aaa)
- Washington (Aaa)
- Minnesota (Aaa)
- Nebraska (Aaa)
- Utah (Aaa)
- Idaho (Aa1)
- Iowa (Aa1)
- Kansas (Aa1)
- Texas (Aa1)
Standard & Poor's (S&P) Global Ratings: S&P also conducts credit ratings for U.S. states. As of January 2023, the states with the highest long-term credit ratings are:
- Virginia (AAA)
- North Dakota (AAA)
- Utah (AAA)
- Washington (AAA)
- Nebraska (AAA)
- Minnesota (AAA)
- Idaho (AA+)
- Iowa (AA+)
- Kansas (AA+)
- Texas (AA+)
These lists represent the opinions and assessments of these credit rating agencies based on their evaluation of various financial indicators and factors, including debt burden, revenue trends, economic strength, and budgetary practices. The ratings and rankings can change over time based on evolving economic and fiscal conditions.