Best and worst states to raise a family revealed: where does yours rank?
Some states in America offer the safest and most supportive environments for starting a family, while others fall far short, a study suggests.
Massachusetts was named the best overall for raising children, thanks to its top-tier schools and quality public services.
A study ranked each of the 50 states using five key indicators that matter most to families.
Massachusetts excelled in areas such as education and health, ranking third in family fun, first in education and child care, and third in affordability, despite having a high cost of living.
The Bay State fulfilled key criteria, including having high-quality schools and low infant mortality rates.
'Raising a family has become significantly more expensive in recent years as the cost of living has risen quickly,' said Chip Lupo, analyst at financial website WalletHub, which conducted the study.
'It can cost a family as much as $320,000 to raise a child to age 18, according to statistics from the US Department of Agriculture.
'In light of the expensive nature of being a parent and the responsibility it entails, it's important to live in a city that is affordable while still providing quality health care, education, safety and opportunities for enrichment.'
Some states in America offer the safest and most supportive environments for raising a family - and some fall far short, a study has suggested
Massachusetts came out on top, thanks to its excellent schools and quality public services
North Jamestown, North Dakota, came third in the ranking by the financial website WalletHub
Following Massachusetts, the highest-ranked states were Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
They were followed by Nebraska, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Illinois and Maine in tenth.
All those states had positive metrics across areas such as family fun, health and safety, and socioeconomic conditions. For example, Minnesota's strong family income statistics and lower divorce rates helped secure its spot near the top.
For families considering relocation or evaluating quality of life, the rankings offer a detailed snapshot of how states compare for financial, educational and safety issues.
Massachusetts, Minnesota, and North Dakota may offer the best balance of opportunity and livability, while states at the bottom may present challenges in cost, access to quality services or community resources.
But not all states fared well. The bottom five scored lowest for family-friendly conditions, with New Mexico landing in the worst spot, despite the fact that it became the first state in the US to offer no-cost universal child care to all residents late last year.
'New Mexico ranks last overall for raising a family because many core conditions that support family life are weak,' said Lupo.
'While the state recently introduced universal free childcare, this policy was not yet in effect when the report was compiled, so its potential impact on family affordability and well-being was not captured in the rankings. New Mexico will likely rise in the rankings next year.'
Huntsville in Alabama, which scored low in five major categories, such as family fun and health
Mobile in Alabama, one of the states that was ranked as one of the worst to raise a family
New Mexico is at the bottom of the rankings, due to having fewer places for family fun, weak education outcomes, poor health indicators and economic headwinds
'In the family fun category, New Mexico ranks 47th for attractions as well as fitness and recreation centers per capita, and it is 50th for the share of children living near a park or playground.
'That means fewer everyday options for kids to play, be active, and spend quality time with family.
'Education is an even bigger challenge. New Mexico is 50th in education and child Care. Public schools rank 39th, the graduation rate is just 81.9 percent, the 43rd spot. It has the lowest participation in school extracurricular activities.
'These weaknesses limit children’s academic and social opportunities despite mid-range child-care costs.'
In New Mexico, the health stats are concerning, too.
'The state has the highest infant mortality rate and the lowest life expectancy at 71.92 years, alongside some of the fewest pediatricians with 2.03 per capita, 49th and children’s hospitals, ranked 49th,' Lupo said.
Economically, families are also under strain in the state.
'New Mexico has one of the lowest median family incomes at $79,974 it's 45th, the highest share of families in poverty at 14.3 percent at 50th, and a high separation and divorce rate at 23.99 percent, 47th.
Harpers Ferry in West Virginia, which lagged behind in factors such as affordable housing, health and safety, and economic opportunities
Illinois checked important criteria, such as top-tier schools, lower infant mortality rates and quality public services, all determined essential for a successful family life
New Hampshire had positive metrics in areas such as family fun, as well as health and safety
Santa Fe in New Mexico, which scored badly in affordable housing and economic opportunities
'While job security ranks fourth and foreclosure rates are low, these positives are outweighed by financial stress and limited opportunities for children.
'Altogether, these factors help explain why New Mexico is at the bottom of the rankings. Fewer places for family fun, weak education outcomes, poor health indicators, and economic headwinds make it especially challenging to raise a family there.'
Along with New Mexico at the bottom were West Virginia, Mississippi, Nevada, and Alabama at 46.
According to the data, these states lag behind in key areas, including affordable housing, health, safety, and economic opportunities, all of which are critical to family stability and quality of life.
WalletHub analysts compiled data across five major categories, including family fun, health and safety, education and child care, affordability and socioeconomics.
Each state was scored based on those metrics, with a higher score reflecting conditions more favorable for family life.
