Choosing where to raise a family in the United States is really a bet on five things at once: schools, safety, healthcare, affordability, and the everyday quality of life your kids grow up with. WalletHub’s 2026 study weighs exactly those factors, comparing all 50 US states across 52 indicators to find where families thrive.
The results reward strong public schools and healthy, stable communities, which is why the Northeast and Upper Midwest dominate the top ten. Below we rank the best states to raise a family for 2026, with each state’s family score and its standout strength, plus an honest look at the cost trade-offs involved.
Best States to Raise a Family at a Glance
| Rank | State | Family Score | Region | Standout Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 66.14 | Northeast | Top schools and health |
| 2 | Minnesota | 62.07 | Midwest | High income, low poverty |
| 3 | New York | 61.11 | Northeast | Education and healthcare |
| 4 | North Dakota | 59.60 | Plains | Affordability |
| 5 | Vermont | 59.27 | Northeast | Safety and environment |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 58.17 | Northeast | Low crime, no income tax |
| 7 | New Jersey | 58.14 | Northeast | Public school quality |
| 8 | Nebraska | 57.95 | Plains | Affordable and safe |
| 9 | Iowa | 57.05 | Midwest | Stability and value |
| 10 | Connecticut | 57.03 | Northeast | High family income |
The 10 Best States to Raise a Family, Ranked
1. Massachusetts: The Education and Health Leader
Family Score: 66.14 | Region: Northeast | Best For: Families who prioritize schools above all
Massachusetts holds the number one spot for the fourth year running, powered by top-tier public schools, strong job security, and high family incomes. Its health outcomes are among the best in the nation, including notably low infant mortality.
The catch is cost, with a cost of living index around 141, one of the highest in the country. Families here trade affordability for elite education and healthcare, a bargain for those who can manage the price and want the best schools available.
2. Minnesota: Prosperity and Strong Health Outcomes
Family Score: 62.07 | Region: Midwest | Best For: Long-term financial and health security
Minnesota ranks second on the strength of high family incomes, low poverty, and solid long-term financial stability. Children grow up with strong health outcomes and reliable access to good hospitals across the state.
The Twin Cities anchor a diverse economy with steady employment, while the state’s parks and lakes deliver year-round family recreation. Winters are harsh, but the overall package for raising kids is hard to beat in the Midwest.
3. New York: Education and Healthcare Depth
Family Score: 61.11 | Region: Northeast | Best For: Access to top institutions
New York places third thanks to deep education and healthcare systems, from strong public schools upstate to world-class hospitals. Families gain access to institutions and cultural resources that few states can match.
Cost is the obvious trade-off, especially near New York City, though upstate regions offer far more affordable family living. The state rewards families who value opportunity and services over a low cost of living.
4. North Dakota: The Affordable Standout
Family Score: 59.60 | Region: Plains | Best For: Affordability without sacrificing stability
North Dakota is the affordability champion of the top ten, boasting the lowest rent burden in the country alongside relatively cheap home prices. That value pairs with low unemployment, low poverty, and strong family stability.
It proves a family-friendly state does not have to be expensive. For households that want financial breathing room and a safe, steady environment, North Dakota offers a rare combination in the top tier.
5. Vermont: Safety and the Great Outdoors
Family Score: 59.27 | Region: Northeast | Best For: Safe, nature-rich upbringing
Vermont earns its rank on safety and environment, consistently posting some of the lowest crime rates in the nation. Families are drawn to its clean air, small communities, and easy access to mountains and lakes.
The state’s small population means a tight-knit, low-crime setting for raising children. Job options are more limited than in larger states, so it suits remote workers and those with established careers.
6. New Hampshire: Low Crime and No Income Tax
Family Score: 58.17 | Region: Northeast | Best For: Safety plus tax savings
New Hampshire combines very low crime with a major financial perk: the state levies no tax on earned income. That lets families keep more of their paycheck while enjoying strong schools and safe neighborhoods.
Its proximity to Boston gives access to big-city jobs without Massachusetts-level taxes. For families who want New England quality of life with lighter tax bills, New Hampshire is a compelling middle ground.
7. New Jersey: Nation-Leading Public Schools
Family Score: 58.14 | Region: Northeast | Best For: Top public education
New Jersey is renowned for some of the best-rated public schools in the country, a decisive factor for education-focused families. Its dense network of suburbs offers safe, well-resourced communities within reach of major job centers.
Property taxes rank among the highest nationally, which funds those schools but raises the cost of ownership. Families willing to pay for education access get outstanding value in return.
8. Nebraska: Affordable, Safe, and Steady
Family Score: 57.95 | Region: Plains | Best For: Value-minded families
Nebraska blends affordability with safety and low unemployment, making it one of the most practical states for raising a family on a budget. Omaha and Lincoln provide jobs and amenities without big-city costs.
The state’s low crime and strong sense of community appeal to parents who want stability. It delivers much of the Midwest’s family value with a steady, dependable economy behind it.
9. Iowa: Stability and Real Value
Family Score: 57.05 | Region: Midwest | Best For: Dependable, low-cost family life
Iowa pairs a family score of 57.05 with a median home price near $250,700, well below the national figure. Its diversified economy keeps unemployment low, and Des Moines routinely lands on national best-places-to-live lists.
Safety, affordability, and steady jobs make Iowa a quietly excellent choice for families. It rarely makes headlines, but it consistently delivers the fundamentals parents care about most.
10. Connecticut: High Incomes and Strong Schools
Family Score: 57.03 | Region: Northeast | Best For: Affluent, education-focused households
Connecticut rounds out the top ten with high family incomes and strong public schools, especially in its well-funded suburbs. The state offers a polished New England lifestyle within commuting distance of both New York and Boston.
As with much of the Northeast, the cost of living runs high, so the value is greatest for higher-earning families. For those households, Connecticut delivers safety, schools, and amenities in equal measure.
What the Best Family States Have in Common
The WalletHub study scores states across five dimensions: affordability, education and child care, family fun, health and safety, and socioeconomics. The top performers win on education, health, and stable family finances rather than on low costs.
That is why the Northeast and Upper Midwest lead, since they combine strong schools with good hospitals and higher incomes. The pattern is clear in the best states to raise a family ranking, where quality of services outweighs a cheap cost of living.
The Affordability Trade-Off Families Should Weigh
The uncomfortable truth is that most top family states are expensive, with Massachusetts carrying one of the highest costs of living in the nation. Elite schools and healthcare come at a price that not every family can absorb, especially on a single income.
That is where the Plains and Midwest states shine, since North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa deliver family-friendliness at far lower costs. Families prioritizing budget can also explore our guide to the cheapest states to live in to balance affordability against schools and safety.
How We Ranked the Best States to Raise a Family
This ranking follows WalletHub’s 2026 methodology, which orders states by a composite family score built from 52 indicators across five weighted categories. A higher score reflects a stronger overall environment for children and parents alike.
We present the official top ten and each state’s headline strength, then layer in cost context so the picture is realistic. No single number tells the whole story, so we flag where a high rank comes with a high price tag, drawing on the WalletHub family study.
How to Choose the Right State for Your Family
Start by naming your top priority, because no state wins on everything. If schools come first, the Northeast leads; if affordability matters most, the Plains states pull ahead; if you want a balance, the Upper Midwest often splits the difference.
Then test the full budget against your income, including property taxes and childcare, not just home prices. A top-ranked state can still strain your finances, so weigh the quality of life against what you will actually pay to live there, much as families do when comparing the best places to live in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best state to raise a family in 2026?
Massachusetts ranks first for the fourth consecutive year, driven by top-tier public schools, strong family incomes, and excellent health outcomes, though it carries one of the highest costs of living in the country.
What is the most affordable state to raise a family?
Among the top ten, North Dakota is the most affordable, with the lowest rent burden in the nation, while Nebraska and Iowa also combine family-friendliness with well-below-average living costs.
Which states are best for schools?
Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut are widely recognized for top public school systems, which is a major reason they rank so highly for families despite their higher costs.
Are Northeast states worth the higher cost for families?
For families who prioritize education and healthcare and can manage the expense, the strong schools and services often justify the cost, but budget-focused families may find better value in the Midwest and Plains.
Does no state income tax help families?
It can meaningfully increase take-home pay, which is part of why New Hampshire, with no tax on earned income, ranks in the top ten while still offering low crime and strong schools.