These 9 states are where taxpayers get the most for their tax dollars

Most people don't enjoy paying taxes, but they are vital to financing important programs and projects from which US citizens benefit.

In a way, taxes are sort of like an investment. Taxpayers (investors) pay federal and state governments money with the expectation they'll get services such as paved roads and operating national parks (a return).

But a new report by WalletHub, the personal finance site, indicates that certain states receive a much higher return on their tax investment.

Using more than 23 metrics to look at five different categories, the report identified the states with the best taxpayer ROI for 2017.

According to the report, "Red States," or Republican states, get a much bigger bang for their buck when it comes to their tax dollars with an average ranking of 21.07, compared with "Blue States," or Democratic states, which have an average ranking of 32.15.

Here are some other key findings:

Following are the top nine states with the highest return on investment for their tax dollars.

9. Texas

Total taxes paid per capita rank: 12

Overall government services rank: 28

Source: WalletHub

8. Missouri

Total taxes paid per capita rank: 5

Overall government services rank: 37

Source: WalletHub

7. Utah

Total taxes paid per capita rank: 18

Overall government services rank: 10

Source: WalletHub

6. Colorado

Total taxes paid per capita rank: 14

Overall government services rank: 11

Source: WalletHub

5. Alaska

Total taxes paid per capita rank: 1

Overall government services rank: 50

Source: WalletHub

4. Virginia

Total taxes paid per capita rank: 15

Overall government services rank: 8

Source: WalletHub

3. Florida

Total taxes paid per capita rank: 3

Overall government services rank: 34

Source: WalletHub

2. South Dakota

Total taxes paid per capita rank: 9

Overall government services rank: 16

Source: WalletHub

1. New Hampshire

Total Taxes Paid per Capita rank: 2

Overall Government Services rank: 5

Source: WalletHub

These 9 states are where taxpayers get the most for their tax dollars

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