CNBC, The commerce branch of NBC, has hit southern states hard in their breakdown of the worst states to live in.  While most of us Tennessean’s feel there’s no better state to live, work and play in  -the criteria for CNBC’s top ten list of worst states is probably hard to argue with.  Although, as the old saying goes: “figures lie, and liar’s figure”.  Let’s hope all the data is not completely accurate – but if it is – we’re going to have to do some shaping up.

(CNBC) – There are many ideal places around the country to raise a family, get a job and have a great recreational lifestyle.

Then there are the states mired in problems that don’t get high marks for quality of life in America’s Top States for Business. 
We look at several factors—including crime rate, local attractions, health care and the environment—for the ranking. These 10 states rank last. 
If you call one of them home, you may disagree. But by the objective measures we consider in our Quality of Life category, these states have plenty of room for improvement.

1. Tennessee: The violent crime rate in the Volunteer State is the worst in the country, according to the most recent full year of FBI statistics from 2012, although the state says crime declined last year. Tennesseans might want to volunteer to exercise a little more—fewer than half frequently do so. Health is poor, with high rates of diabetes and obesity. Roughly a quarter of adults are smokers. Based on these numbers, when they sing the blues in Memphis, they mean it.

• 2014 Quality of Life score: 63 points (out of 300)
• Weaknesses: Crime, health, environment
• Strengths: Music and barbecue
• 2013 Quality of Life rank: 49
• 2014 Top States overall rank: 14

The list of America’s 10 worst states to live in:

1. Tennessee
2. Oklahoma
3. Missouri
4. Louisiana
5. Alabama
6. Michigan
7. Indiana
8. Ohio
9. Kentucky
10. Arkansas

HERE’S THE ARTICLE FROM CNBC