Is Idaho a Good State to Be in For Sports Fanatics?

Many in Idaho grow up playing sports. Some prefer baseball or softball, some play basketball, others play football or soccer. There is a variety to choose from, and for those who don't play, maybe they are fans instead. While there are no professional teams to cheer on in Idaho, that doesn't stop the state from being stocked with sports fans. Many cheer on teams from other states, while others cheer on the local high school teams, colleges, or amateur teams. When it comes to being a sports lover in Idaho, how does the Gem State compare to other states, and which are the best and worst states for enjoying sports?

The Best and Worst States for Loving Sports

Certain states are known to be better places to live for watching and playing sports. SmileHub recently released a list ranking states by the best and worst for sports lovers. They used a few criteria to do so, such as sports interest and success, sports careers and income, and access to sports. Using this criteria, it was determined that the best state for sports lovers is Ohio, with New York being second, and Illinois being third. The worst state for sports lovers is Hawaii, with Alaska being the second worst, and New Mexico rounding out the bottom three. The worst states make sense as they are less populated states, and two of them are isolated from the rest of the country. The best ones make sense, as well as Ohio has multiple cities with sports teams, has major college sports teams, and as far as New York goes, it is the biggest market in the country.

Is Idaho a Good State For Sports Lovers?

According to the study, Idaho is among the worst states in the country to be a sports lover. They rank as the fifth-worst state in the country, only behind the bottom three listed above and Oklahoma. Idaho is 39 in sports interest and success, 44th in sports careers and income, and 22 in access to sports. It isn't surprising to see Idaho rank low in careers and income, with Idaho having a lower population, there are less possible athletes to make a career in sports, although it has been done on multiple occasions. 

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Despite what the study shows, Idaho has a loyal fan base, especially to Boise State football, and is home to some of the best sports fans in the country. While the state is divided when it comes to professional sports, since the team doesn't have one, it doesn't mean that you can't love sports in the Gem State. To see the full study, make sure to click the link in the second paragraph above.