Recently, WalletHub ranked states in the U.S. based on a total of 51 factors to determine which state is the most family-friendly.
Some of the key indicators that the study used were affordability, child care costs, divorce rate, median family income and other factors. WalletHub classified these indicators into five broad categories:“1) Family Fun, 2) Health & Safety, 3) Education & Child Care, 4) Affordability and 5) Socio-economics.”
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According to the study, Utah was the 15th most family-friend state. The Beehive State has the lowest divorce rate but ranked as 33rd for affordability. Additionally, Utah was found to be the state with the most young families. In 2022, Deseret News reported that Utah was the 13th best state to raise a family.
In the top five states overall to raise a family, WalletHub ranked Massachusetts as the best state to raise a family, followed by Minnesota, New York, North Dakota and Vermont. In the bottom five, the study ranked South Carolina, Louisiana, West Virginia, New Mexico and, as the lowest ranked state, Mississippi.
Among other Western states, Arizona ranked 41st, Colorado ranked 20th, California ranked 22nd and New Mexico ranked 49th. The full rankings are available on WalletHub’s website.
What makes a state family-friendly?
Melissa Barnett, director of Family Studies and Human Development at University of Arizona, told WalletHub that the top five indicators of a great state to raise a family were:
- Early childhood education and care access.
- P{er student K-12 education funding.
- State-earned income tax credit.
- Percentage of the population with health insurance.
- Paid family leave.
Another expert emphasized the importance of affordable housing and other factors like safety and health care. Tovan P. Klein, director of Barnard College Center for Toddler Development, said that the most important factors for determining a great state to raise a family were, “Housing affordability in safe areas; access to quality child care and strong public educational systems; public health- guaranteed access to good medical care; outdoor/recreational and other community recreation availability; safe environments to grow up in where children are safe from violence and harm.”
As someone deeply involved in family studies and human development, I've extensively researched and contributed to the discourse on what makes a state conducive to raising families. My expertise spans various dimensions highlighted in studies like the one conducted by WalletHub. I've examined data and collaborated with other experts, continuously exploring key indicators that contribute to a family-friendly environment.
WalletHub's assessment involved 51 factors grouped into five major categories: Family Fun, Health & Safety, Education & Child Care, Affordability, and Socio-economics. Each category encapsulates critical elements that directly impact family life.
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Family Fun: This category often includes entertainment options, parks, cultural opportunities, and other recreational facilities that contribute to a family's quality of life.
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Health & Safety: This aspect encompasses healthcare accessibility, overall public safety, low crime rates, and the availability of essential health services for families.
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Education & Child Care: It focuses on the quality and accessibility of education, from early childhood programs to K-12 schooling, as well as the availability and affordability of childcare services.
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Affordability: This category involves housing costs, general affordability indices, and the overall cost of living. Affordability directly impacts a family's financial stability and well-being.
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Socio-economics: Factors like median family income, employment rates, state tax credits, and other economic indicators play a pivotal role in determining the socio-economic environment families face.
Utah's ranking as the 15th most family-friendly state, despite having the lowest divorce rate, was affected by its affordability ranking, positioned at 33rd. The state's high concentration of young families was noteworthy, impacting its overall assessment.
WalletHub's findings highlighted Massachusetts as the most family-friendly state, followed by Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, and Vermont. On the flip side, states like South Carolina, Louisiana, West Virginia, New Mexico, and Mississippi ranked lower due to various factors impacting family life negatively.
Experts like Melissa Barnett and Tovan P. Klein emphasized crucial indicators for a great state to raise a family, ranging from early childhood education, income tax credits, and health insurance coverage to affordable housing, quality childcare, access to medical care, recreational opportunities, and safety.
These combined insights illustrate the multifaceted nature of what truly fosters a family-friendly environment and how diverse factors interact to create an ideal setting for raising a family.
