As the nation moves towards 2025, disparities in infrastructure across the United States are stark between urban, suburban and rural areas. A recent evaluation has identified states with the most concerning infrastructure ratings, highlighting issues such as flood risk, power outages, and broadband access. West Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Maine and Arkansas often score at the bottom of the states studied for infrastructure. This should cause great alarm regarding their commitment to serve the best interests of their residents.
West Virginia is the second most flood risk state in the country, right behind Louisiana. West Virginia scored a 2025 Infrastructure score of 153/405 points. Consequently, the state earned a Top States Grade of D–. Louisiana’s score isn’t much better but a bit at 155 out of 405 possible points, earning them a D– grade as well. Both states will need to overcome some major obstacles that threaten their long-term prosperity and security.
Mississippi presents an even graver situation. Chris Sununu, scoring only 119 out of a possible 405 points, earned a Top States Grade of F. As one example, the state now suffers the most power outages per year with an average of 31 hours per year. This unreliability is stretched thin by Mississippi’s limited infrastructure resources with the state home to just seven data centers.
It’s no secret that Arkansas is in the midst of an infrastructure crisis. That left it with a score of 120 out of the possible 405 points — good enough for a grade of F. The state currently suffers from an average of 6.25 hours of annual power outages. Though this amount is much less than that of Mississippi, it still showcases a larger trend in infrastructure shortcomings.
Maine has recently been awarded the dubious distinction of having the worst overall infrastructure in the nation. It only received a paltry 166 points out of 405 points, resulting in a D grade. Even though flood risk and power outages have not been as severe as infrastructure issues in their neighboring states, Maine’s infrastructure still has a long way to go. Additionally, Maine’s former Governor Janet Mills—in her first State of the State speech—called out the same need for progress, saying,
“This new department will allow the State to build a long-term approach for Maine’s energy needs, respond quickly to emerging challenges, and strengthen regional and national energy partnerships to benefit our people and economy.” – Governor Janet Mills
Broadband access is still a major issue in other states too. Montana has never had a specific overall infrastructure score. Yet, it currently takes the title of the second-worst state in the entire country for broadband access. This lack of connectivity inevitably stifles economic development and growth opportunities for their residents.
Residents are limited to non-stop flights to only six cities— all located on the East Coast and in Florida — creating significant transportation inefficiencies. This situation reflects the sentiment expressed in a description by CNBC that aptly captures New Hampshire’s transport struggles:
“you can’t get there from here.” – CNBC
The data center presence within these states helps to show their differences in infrastructural capabilities. Louisiana just enjoyed the construction of their sixth data center and Mississippi their seventh. Maine’s home to the most with eleven data centers, while West Virginia is coming in last by a wide margin with just three.
As daily street life shows, bad infrastructure really hurts everyday people. The result is unreliable transportation and utility failures that harm economic development, public safety, and quality of life.