*LIST* The Best (& Worst) States To Raise A Family

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.
• Once again, 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)

1. Massachusetts
2. Minnesota
3. North Dakota
4. Wisconsin
5. Nebraska
6. New York
7. Connecticut
8. New Hampshire
9. Illinois
10. Maine

The 10 Worst States to Raise A Family In 2026

1. New Mexico
2. West Virginia
3. Mississippi
4. Nevada
5. Alabama
6. Louisiana
7. Arkansas
8. Oklahoma
9. South Carolina
10. Georgia

Source: WalletHub

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