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SmileHub released its 2025 list of best states for the arts on Monday, April 1. The report compared all 50 states using 16 key measures — including access to arts nonprofits, artist pay, education programs, and public funding.
Arts-based industries employ nearly 5.2 million people nationwide, according to SmileHub.
"Engagement with the arts is shown to benefit mental health, improve the likelihood of young people being recognized for academic achievement, and communicate messages between groups with cultural and political differences," wrote SmileHub's Luke Powers. "Creating an environment where the arts thrive requires access to artistic opportunities, charitable giving to support artists, policies and businesses to sustain the art economy, and an emphasis on the arts in education."
The Vincent van Gogh painting 'The Starry Night' on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
New York earned the top ranking, leading the nation in every major category: access to the arts, artist economy and personal finances, and arts education. The Empire State also tied with California for the most arts charities per capita and ranked second nationwide in arts-related economic contributions.
Massachusetts finished in seventh place overall. The Bay State stood out for its investment in arts education, ranking fourth in the country.
Connecticut came in 16th place nationally. The Constitution State performed well in artist salaries and education, although it struggled with public access to the arts.
The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, CT.
Maryland also broke into the top 20 at 18th overall, coming in the same place in the access to art rank. The Old Line State finished in the middle for the artists' economy and personal finances rank, along with education.
Pennsylvania made it into the nation's top half at 24th overall. The Keystone State ranked third nationwide in arts charities per capita but dropped in the overall standings due to lower support for individual artists and education programs.
An aerial view of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Virginia lagged in 32nd place. The state ranked in the bottom 10 for artist economy metrics and also failed to break the top 25 in education or access.
New Jersey also trailed in 35th place, despite its proximity to New York City's cultural scene. The Garden State was dragged down by low rankings in both access and arts education.
SmileHub also said that states with stronger public funding and educational investment consistently ranked higher. Top-performing states also had more artist residencies, higher salaries, and a larger share of adults creating art.
You can click here to see SmileHub's full list of Best States for the Arts.
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