Raising a family has never been cheap, and with the cost of living continuing to rise, where you live can make a big difference. While every family has different priorities, a new WalletHub report highlights which states offer the best overall environment for parents and kids.
- Their list of the Best and Worst States to Raise a Family in 2025 is now out.
- They evaluated all 50 states across 50 key indicators like family fun, health and safety, education and child care, affordability, and socioeconomic factors.
- The rankings also take into account things like median family income, housing costs, healthcare quality, crime rates, and school performance.
- Massachusetts ranks as the best state to raise a family.
- The Bay State scores especially high in education and child care, along with strong marks for health and safety.
- While it’s not the cheapest place to live, higher incomes and job stability help offset those costs.
- Minnesota follows closely behind at number two, thanks to high median family income, low poverty rates, and strong healthcare.
- At the other end of the list, New Mexico ranks as the worst state for raising a family in 2026.
- The state struggles in education and child care, along with weaker scores in health, safety, and overall affordability.
- West Virginia and Mississippi also land near the bottom, facing similar challenges.
The 10 Best States to Raise A Family In 2026
(Check out the complete list here)
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Nebraska
- New York
- Connecticut
- New Hampshire
- Illinois
- Maine
The 10 Worst States to Raise A Family In 2026
- New Mexico
- West Virginia
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Georgia