Best roads in America - Florida ranks 19th

Florida's findings

Full study

Kansas claims the second spot, with 96.2% of its roads in acceptable condition. Out of 13,619 total miles, the state maintains 13,101 miles of good roads, with just 519 miles failing to meet standards. 

Its central location in the U.S. and its heavy dependence on road-based transportation for commodities like wheat, beef, corn, and oil make infrastructure quality critical. 

South Dakota ranks third, with 95.1% of roads meeting acceptable standards. Despite challenging winter conditions, South Dakota keeps 9,652 miles of its 10,149-mile network in good condition. 

South Dakota’s roads are essential to connecting its remote communities and supporting its tourism industry, particularly in high-traffic areas around Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, and Badlands National Park. 

In joint fourth is Wyoming and Vermont, where 94.9% of roads are kept in good condition. Despite their different sizes, both states prioritize road quality, with Wyoming keeping 5,948 miles and Vermont maintaining 748 miles of acceptable roads. 

Tennessee takes fifth place, with 94.1% of its 4,988 miles of roads rated as acceptable. The Volunteer State outperforms many of its southern neighbors, such as Mississippi in 45th and Missouri in 34th. 

Idaho ranks sixth, with 93.8% of its roads in acceptable condition. This is a notable achievement for a largely rural and mountainous state, where maintaining long stretches of highway through rugged terrain can be a challenge. 

Seventh is Georgia, where 93.5% of roads are in good condition. With 30,148 miles of road, Georgia has the highest total miles in the top ten, and the fifth highest in America. 

In eighth is North Dakota, with 93.3% of its 14,292 miles of roads in acceptable condition and only 953 miles rated unacceptable.  

Nebraska places ninth, with 92.6% of its roads meeting acceptable standards. The Cornhusker State maintains 9,251 miles of acceptable roads out of 9,989 total miles, leaving 738 miles in unacceptable condition. 

Rounding out the top 10 is West Virginia, with 91.7%. Despite its mountainous terrain and frequent weather-related challenges, the state has kept only 266 miles in unacceptable condition. 

The top five states with the worst road conditions 

On the other end of the spectrum is Rhode Island, where just 55.3% of its 1,723 miles are considered acceptable. That leaves 771 miles, or nearly half of all roadways, rated unacceptable. Despite being the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island faces outsized infrastructure challenges. Its dense population, especially in and around Providence, combined with aging urban roadways and heavy year-round traffic, puts constant strain on its transportation system. 

Hawaii ranks second to last, with only 60.9% of its 1,548 road miles rated in acceptable condition and 605 miles considered unacceptable. Despite its relatively small and isolated network, the state faces unique challenges such as coastal erosion, saltwater corrosion, volcanic terrain, and high maintenance costs. 

New Mexico is third from the bottom, where 67.0% of roads are acceptable and a substantial 3,959 miles deemed unacceptable. The state’s vast, sparsely populated terrain and extreme climate, including intense heat, monsoon rains, and freeze-thaw cycles, pose serious challenges for road maintenance. 

Connecticut and Mississippi also struggle with road quality. Just 70.0% of Connecticut’s roads and 70.2% of Mississippi’s are in acceptable condition. 

Commenting on the findings, Karman Gill, Founder of Local Tire Guys, said, 

"Road quality directly affects vehicle performance, tire wear, and safety. Drivers in states with poor road conditions often face higher maintenance costs and more frequent tire replacements. Regular driving on poor roads can cut tire life by up to 25%, forcing early replacements and unexpected costs. 

"Good roads are about more than comfort. They're about safety and vehicle longevity. In states like Rhode Island where nearly half the roads are in unacceptable condition, we see increased suspension damage and alignment issues. This translates to higher repair costs over time for drivers. 

"When traveling in states with poor road conditions, reducing speed and increasing the following distance can help minimize damage to your vehicle and tires.” 

Methodology and sources 

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics - Federal Highway Administration 

Methodology: Using data from the BTS's Federal Highway Administration, the states with the worst roads were revealed. For each state, the total miles of road and the total miles of acceptable road were found. The percentage of roads in acceptable condition was then calculated, and the states were ranked from best to worst. 

Full 50 state ranking