By KAREN SPILLER, Telegraph Staff
Mar. 8, 2006

If you’re a Granite State resident, you’re living in the most livable state in the country.

For the third year in a row, New Hampshire has been named the “Most Livable State” by Lawrence, Kan., city and state statistics and rankings publisher Morgan Quinto Press. The award was announced in “State Rankings 2006,” a reference book of state statistics published by Morgan Quinto.

New Hampshire edged out Minnesota, and Iowa, Vermont and New Jersey (in descending order) rounded out the top five.

Issued for the past 16 years, the “Most Livable State Award” is based on 44 factors ranging from median household income to crime rate, job growth and per capita personal income.

“This report affirms what citizens of our state already know, New Hampshire is a great place to live and work,” Gov. John Lynch said in a statement.

“We must work to make sure New Hampshire continues to lead the nation by focusing on what’s important to our families and businesses – improving the quality of education, building our economy, making quality health care more affordable and accessible, and protecting our natural resources.”

Massachusetts ranked seventh, Connecticut 10th, Maine 17th and Rhode Island 26th.

Unique among the various rankings of states, the “Most Livable State Award” does not focus on any one category of data. Instead, it takes into account a broad range of economic, educational, health-oriented, public safety and environmental statistics, according to Scott Morgan, president of Morgan Quinto Press.

“Capturing this award three years in a row provides New Hampshire with a unique marketing tool as it attracts new businesses and welcomes new vacation visitors,” said Sean O’Kane, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, in a statement. “This is a beautiful state in which to live, work and play and this award goes a long way in helping us to tell the New Hampshire story.

“There’s no doubt that our state has a lot to be proud of and that all citizens share in the joy of this honor.”