While every U.S. state has its own capital, some rank higher than others for livability.

A study by personal finance website WalletHub ranked the 2025 best state capitals to live in by comparing each city using 48 metrics to determine their affordability, economic well-being, quality of education and health and quality of life.

Here's how Salem did and where it ranked on the list.

WalletHub's methodology for ranking best US state capitals to live in 2025

WalletHub used 48 metrics in four categories to determine the best U.S. state capitals to live in, according to its website. Categories include affordability, economic well-being, quality of education and health and quality of life.

Metrics used include cost of living, median household income, high school graduation rate, infant mortality rate, length of life, nightlife options per capita and the violent crime rate.

Each of the 48 metrics were given a number of "weighted points" that determined the overall number in their categories.

Rankings were determined on a 1-50 scale, with each capital city's overall score based on their weighted average across all metrics, according to WalletHub.

Where does Salem rank on WalletHub's list of best state capitals to live in 2025?

Salem ranked 30th overall on WalletHub's list of best state capitals to live in.

Of the four categories — affordability, economic well-being, quality of education and health and quality of life — Salem ranked highest in economic well-being, placing 14th among the other state capitals.

In that category, Salem was the No. 1 state capital with the least foreclosure rates, and ranked sixth for having the least underemployment rates for workers with bachelor's degrees.

Salem ranked 37th in the affordability category. The city ranked 40th for cost of living, 30th for median household income and 36th for housing costs among other state capitals.

For quality of education and health, Salem ranked 22nd overall. The city placed No. 2 for state capitals with the least number of infant deaths and 12th for length of life/average premature death. Salem ranked 39th for adults 25 years and older with a bachelor's degree and 39th for high school graduation rates.

Same ranked 28th in the quality-of-life category. The city placed No. 1 for the number of affordable 4.5+ star restaurants, but 40th for availability of nightlife options. Salem ranked No. 4 for median air quality and 15th for violent crime rate per 1,000 residents.

Full rankings for WalletHub's list of best state capitals to live in 2025

Here is the full list for WalletHub's rankings of the best state capitals to live in 2025.

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal . Sandoval can be reached at or on X at @ GinnieSandoval .