Critics are ripping CNBC's annual quality-of-life rankings, which this year placed 10 conservative red states as the "worst places to live." The analysis, critics pointed out, ignores U.S. Census data, which shows the states are leading the U.S. in population growth. 

"To score the states for quality of life, we use hard data on factors like crime rates, air quality and healthcare. We also consider the cost and availability of childcare, inclusiveness of state laws, and reproductive rights. Some states offer exemplary quality of life. But these ten states do not make the grade," CNBC explained in its report. 

The report ranked Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Missouri, Utah, Georgia, Louisiana, Indiana, Texas, and Tennessee at the bottom of its rankings. A majority of voters in all 10 states supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, and they are Republican-led. 

While Democrats like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said the rankings show that people suffer from "California Derangement Syndrome," critics pointed out that CNBC rated a state's quality of life heavily on its embrace of progressive policies, including access to abortion and support for LGBTQ+ rights, Fox News reported. 

"If you hate not paying income taxes, law and order, parental rights, smaller government, school choice, the Second Amendment, and criminal illegal aliens being arrested ... Here's another garbage list from the mainstream media!" Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, said in a post on X about the ranking. 

Responding to Newsom's post, conservative activist and Tennessee resident Robby Starbuck called the list "bulls--t" and said it had nothing to do with quality of life. 

"It’s all predicated on far left BS like red states not letting kids get sex changes. Our states all gained population while YOUR state lost a record amount. Congrats though, you somehow drove a state with natural beauty, historic success and deep advantages into the ground. That’s an accomplishment few have ever been able to do," Starbuck told Newsom.