What is the best state to raise a family?

Massachusetts is frequently ranked as the best state to raise a family, followed closely by states like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Vermont, due to strong metrics in education, health, safety, and affordability, though top states vary slightly by report and focus. Key factors include excellent schools, low crime, good healthcare, economic stability, and affordable housing, with Massachusetts excelling in education and safety, while North Dakota shines in affordability and job markets.

What is the best state to raise a family in the US?

Massachusetts, Minnesota, and North Dakota are frequently cited as top states for raising families in 2025, excelling in areas like education, safety, affordability, and quality of life, though the "best" state depends on priorities, with some prioritizing education (MA) and others affordability (ND) or work-life balance (MN). Other strong contenders include New Hampshire, Nebraska, and Vermont, known for safety, strong communities, and good schools.
 

What state is best to live in financially?

The best state for finances depends on priorities, but North Dakota, Wyoming, and Iowa often rank high for savings due to low living costs, good incomes, and lower taxes, while states like Tennessee, Florida, and Texas offer no state income tax, attracting those focused on tax savings. For fiscal stability, states like Utah and Delaware excel, but affordability and opportunities vary, so consider your job, housing, and lifestyle needs. 

What is the best state to start over with a family?

Top 15 best states to raise a family in 2026

• New Hampshire. Nicknamed “The Granite State”, New Hampshire is expected to remain in 2026 one of the most balanced and safest states for families. ...
• Maine. ...
• Wisconsin. ...
• Vermont. ...
• New York. ...
• Connecticut. ...
• Wyoming. ...
• Virginia.

What is the safest state in the US for a family?

For the safest states to raise a family in late 2025/early 2026, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and Minnesota consistently appear at the top, praised for low crime, good quality of life, strong education, and health metrics, with New Hampshire often leading for low violent crime and childhood poverty. Other top contenders include North Dakota, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Connecticut, though affordability varies. 

10 best states for raising a family: You won't believe what we found

Which state has the happiest kids?

Massachusetts (FHI: 75): Massachusetts has the highest index for children's health and well-being at 77.8. Massachusetts residents have to spend a larger part of their income on childcare, but the statistics show strong families, with a lower divorce rate of 2.75.

What is the cheapest but safest state to live in?

For the best combination of cheap and safe, consider states like Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas, which consistently rank high in affordability (low housing, groceries, overall cost of living) while also offering manageable safety, with Vermont and New Hampshire often topping pure safety lists, though they are pricier. The ideal balance depends on whether you prioritize the lowest cost (Mississippi) or strong safety (Vermont), with Midwestern/Southern states generally offering lower expenses and Northern/New England states often leading in safety metrics. 

What state is #1 in quality of life?

There isn't one single answer, as different reports rank states differently, but Vermont is frequently cited as #1 for Quality of Life (CNBC), while Massachusetts often leads overall livability/best state rankings (WalletHub), and Utah ranks high overall for Best States (U.S. News). These rankings vary by the specific metrics used, such as health, safety, environment, education, or economic opportunity. 

Which state is the most kid friendly?

1. Massachusetts. Massachusetts tops the rankings as the best state to raise a family, with an impressive score of 77.14. The state excels in several key areas, making it ideal for families.

What city will pay you $15000 to move and work there?

Topeka, Kansas

The Choose Topeka program sells itself well, thanks in part to its $15,000 cash incentive and its promise of living costs that are 10% lower than the national average, along with the cost of a typical single-family home hovering around the $125,000 mark.

What is the happiest state to live in?

According to WalletHub's 2025 study, Hawaii is the happiest state in the U.S., ranking first for its strong emotional/physical well-being, work environment, and community/environment factors, with residents showing high life satisfaction, low depression, and long life expectancy, followed by Maryland and Nebraska in the top three. 

Which states are struggling financially?

10 States Where Americans Are Struggling the Most to Cover the Basics

• Mississippi – Score: 90.2 (out of 100)
• Louisiana – Score: 80.3.
• West Virginia – Score: 77.8.
• New Mexico – Score: 74.7.
• Nevada – Score: 72.7.
• Oklahoma – Score: 71.3.
• California – Score: 70.4.
• Georgia – Score: 70.2.

Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live in the US?

The cheapest, best places to live in the U.S. often involve the Midwest and South, with cities like Wichita (KS), Fort Wayne (IN), Dayton (OH), and Knoxville (TN) offering low housing costs and good value, while states like West Virginia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma consistently rank as most affordable overall. Key factors are low housing prices and a cost of living significantly below the national average, with some top contenders being Decatur (IL), Enid (OK), and Brownsville (TX), but "best" depends on balancing budget with lifestyle needs like jobs, culture, and amenities. 

Which state is worth moving to?

The study found the best states to move to are Utah, New Hampshire, Idaho and Virginia. According to the list, worst states to move to are California, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oregon.

What is the kindest state in America?

There's no single "friendliest" state, as it depends on the study, but Minnesota often tops lists for its "Minnesota Nice" politeness, while Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, and Wyoming consistently rank high, often due to Southern hospitality or sparse populations. Other states like Hawaii, New Jersey, and California are also noted as welcoming, particularly for visitors, but some data suggests Midwestern/Southern states excel in general warmth. 

Which state has the best child well-being?

Top states overall: New Hampshire ranks first for child well-being in 2025, followed by Vermont, Massachusetts, Utah, and Minnesota, reflecting strong performance in economic stability, education, health, and family indicators.

What state has the happiest kids?

The analysis found that Connecticut (1), Massachusetts (2), and New York (3) are the states with the happiest and healthiest child populations, while Mississippi (50) and South Carolina (49) have the least.

What is the least kid friendly state?

Top 10 Least Safe States for Children in 2023

1. West Virginia – Child Unsafety Score: 99. Maltreatment reports: 5,949 per 100K. ...
2. Mississippi – Score: 98. ...
3. Arkansas – Score: 96. ...
4. New Mexico – Score: 86. ...
5. Missouri – Score: 84. ...
6. Indiana – Score: 82. ...
7. Louisiana – Score: 80. ...
8. South Carolina – Score: 78.

What state should I move my family to?

Massachusetts often tops lists of family-friendly states thanks to its exceptional education system and safe communities. With some of the best public schools in the nation, your children will have access to strong academics, extracurricular activities, and innovative programs.

What U.S. state is safest and cheapest to live in?

For the best combination of cheap and safe, consider states like Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas, which consistently rank high in affordability (low housing, groceries, overall cost of living) while also offering manageable safety, with Vermont and New Hampshire often topping pure safety lists, though they are pricier. The ideal balance depends on whether you prioritize the lowest cost (Mississippi) or strong safety (Vermont), with Midwestern/Southern states generally offering lower expenses and Northern/New England states often leading in safety metrics. 

Which states have the lowest taxes?

States with some of the lowest combined state and local sales tax rates (4.5% - 6.25%) include:

• Hawaii.
• Maine.
• Wisconsin.
• Kentucky.
• Maryland.
• Michigan.
• Washington, D.C.
• Wyoming.

What is the #1 crime state in America?

Alaska consistently ranks as the state with the highest violent crime rate, followed closely by New Mexico, with Tennessee and Arkansas also having very high rates, according to 2024 data from sources like USAFacts and WorldAtlas. These figures reflect crimes per 100,000 residents, showing Alaska at over 724 incidents, significantly above the national average. 

What is the easiest state to live in financially?

The easiest states financially often feature low housing costs, minimal taxes, and stable job markets, with Tennessee, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Florida frequently topping lists due to low living expenses and taxes, while West Virginia is noted for extremely low costs, and Arkansas for high affordability overall. Key factors include low state income tax (or none), affordable housing/rent, and good employment growth to balance savings with earning potential. 

Where can I live that is warm and cheap?

Best affordable warm states with soaring home prices

• Texas. Texas is ideal for millennials and Gen Z buyers who want affordable housing, strong job opportunities, and a good quality of life without the sky-high prices of coastal cities. ...
• Florida. ...
• Arizona. ...
• Georgia. ...
• South Carolina.