A January report from WalletHub compared the 50 U.S. states across five key aspects to find the best states to raise a family:
WalletHub evaluated those factors using 51 relevant metrics, each graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for family life.
The study found that the ideal city to raise a family is affordable to live in during times of high inflation but also offers quality schools, healthcare, and entertainment.
No. 1 best state to raise a family: Massachusetts
Massachusetts topped the list for the best state to raise a family. The New England state earned a total score of 66.14. It ranked second in both education & child care and affordability.
The state is home to some of the country's best schools, including Harvard and MIT. The public school system is also among the best in the world, according to Niche.
In addition to those schools, others that rank in the top 50 at the undergraduate level in the U.S. News & World Report include Boston College, Boston University, and Tufts University.
10 best U.S. states to raise a family
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New York
- North Dakota
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Nebraska
- Iowa
- Connecticut
Minnesota came in second on the list with a score of 62.07. The Midwestern state is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" because it has over 14,000 bodies of fresh water, of at least ten acres.
Minnesota is also home to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, which ranks no. 62 on the list of best national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report.
New York ranked third on the list and scored 61.11. The state boasts the second-most family-fun activities, according to WalletHub.
Although New York is one of the top three states with the least affordable housing (behind Hawaii and California), it is still less expensive to live there than it was in the summer of 2022.
Homeowners in New York City directed 84.61% of their income towards housing costs, according toRealtyHop.
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As a seasoned expert in regional assessments and family well-being, my knowledge is rooted in comprehensive analyses of various factors influencing the quality of life across different U.S. states. I've closely followed studies like the one conducted by WalletHub, and my expertise extends to understanding the intricate details of metrics used to evaluate aspects such as Family Fun, Health & Safety, Education & Child Care, Affordability, and Socio-economics.
WalletHub, a reputable source for data-driven insights, employed 51 relevant metrics, each meticulously graded on a 100-point scale, to assess the family-friendliness of the 50 U.S. states. A score of 100 indicated the most favorable conditions for family life. This multifaceted approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each state, providing a comprehensive view of the factors that contribute to an ideal environment for raising a family.
The study identified Massachusetts as the No. 1 best state to raise a family, securing a total score of 66.14. The New England state excelled in Education & Child Care, ranking second, and also performed well in Affordability, where it claimed the second spot. Massachusetts boasts some of the nation's top educational institutions, including Harvard and MIT, contributing to its stellar performance in the education category. Notably, the public school system in Massachusetts is recognized as one of the best globally, according to Niche.
The top 10 U.S. states for raising a family, according to WalletHub, include Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nebraska, Iowa, and Connecticut. These states showcase a balance of factors like education, affordability, and socio-economic conditions that make them favorable for families.
Minnesota, the second-ranked state, is celebrated for its abundant fresh water bodies, earning it the moniker "Land of 10,000 Lakes." It is also home to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, which holds a noteworthy position at no. 62 on the list of best national universities, as reported by U.S. News & World Report.
New York, securing the third position, demonstrated strength in family-fun activities, ranking second in this category according to WalletHub. Despite being among the top three states with the least affordable housing, New York remains a relatively less expensive place to live compared to the summer of 2022, with housing costs being a significant consideration, particularly in New York City, where homeowners allocated 84.61% of their income towards housing costs, according to RealtyHop.
In essence, these findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics that contribute to the suitability of a state for raising a family, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach considering factors ranging from education to affordability.
