Indiana has emerged as the state with the best-maintained roads in the country.
This is the conclusion of a new analysis by tire experts Local Tire Guys, which used federal data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ Federal Highway Administration to assess the quality of roads across all 50 states.
The team ranked each state based on the percentage of roads classified as being in acceptable condition—with Rhode Island coming in last.
There are up to 4.2 million miles of roads in the U.S.; midwestern states dominated the top of the rankings in this study, while several Northeastern states fell to the bottom.
Indiana
Indiana ranked first nationwide, with 97.4 percent of its 9,063 miles of roads meeting federal standards. Only 237 miles in the state were considered unacceptable.
The state’s high score aligns with its role as a major hub for national logistics, with five major interstates—including the I-65, I-70 and I-69—intersecting the state and connecting it to nearby metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Cincinnati and St. Louis.
Known as the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana’s extensive and well-maintained road network supports key sectors of its economy, particularly manufacturing and agriculture.
Kansas
Kansas followed closely in second place, with 96.2 percent of its 13,619 miles in acceptable condition. The state maintains 13,101 miles of quality roadway, with only 519 miles failing to meet federal criteria.
Kansas relies heavily on road infrastructure for transporting major commodities like wheat, beef, corn, and oil, making road quality a critical factor in supporting its economy.
South Dakota
South Dakota ranked third with 95.1 percent of its 10,149 miles classified as acceptable.
Despite facing extreme winter weather, the state keeps 9,652 miles of roads in acceptable condition.
Its road network is essential for connecting remote communities and supporting the state’s tourism industry, particularly around Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands National Park.
Vermont and Wyoming
Vermont and Wyoming tied for fourth place, each with 94.9 percent of roads in acceptable condition. Wyoming maintains 5,948 of its 6,266 miles in good shape, while Vermont keeps 748 of 788 miles up to standard. Despite differences in size and geography, both states prioritize investment in infrastructure.
Tennessee placed fifth overall with 94.1 percent of its 4,988 miles rated as acceptable. That leaves just under 300 miles below standard.
Worst Kept Roads
The study also highlighted the five states with the worst-performing road systems.
Rhode Island ranked last, with just 55.3 percent of roads deemed acceptable.
Other states with the lowest road quality include Hawaii, New Mexico, Connecticut, and Mississippi.
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