Raising a family isn’t cheap, and where you live can make a big difference. WalletHub just released its 2026 rankings of the best and worst states for families, looking at 50 factors like:
- Education and child care
- Health and safety
- Affordability
- Family fun
- Socioeconomic factors (income, housing costs, job stability)
Who’s on Top?
Massachusetts takes the crown again as the best state to raise a family. Strong schools, quality child care, and high health and safety scores put it at #1. Minnesota follows at #2 thanks to high incomes and low poverty rates.
Nebraska and Iowa’s Spot
- Nebraska lands in the Top 10, ranking #5 overall. Affordable living and solid education scores make it a strong choice for families.
- Iowa didn’t crack the Top 10, but it’s still in the upper half of the list, thanks to good schools and lower crime rates.
The Bottom of the List
New Mexico ranks as the worst state for raising a family in 2026, struggling with education, child care, and affordability. West Virginia and Mississippi also fall near the bottom.
Top 10 Best States
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Nebraska
- New York
- Connecticut
- New Hampshire
- Illinois
- Maine
Bottom 10 Worst States
- New Mexico
- West Virginia
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Georgia
📌 Want the full rankings? --->Source: WalletHub