10 Best States to Raise a Family: Top Family-Friendly Places

Writer:

Ana-Maria Sanders

Editor:

Jim Hughes

Reviewer:

Sophia Rodriguez

Raising a family is a huge responsibility, and people instinctively want their kids to grow up safe and happy. Since U.S. states have different living conditions and quality of life, some families may consider moving to another state for better opportunities.

Recent trends indicate that families are moving out of high-cost areas into areas with warmer climates, like the South, and with reasonable housing options.

In this blog, we will unveil the ten best states to raise a family in America, shedding light on the distinctive attributes that make them ideal for creating a thriving family life.

Choosing the best state to raise your family is a big decision, and every family has its own needs and dreams. Some families look for great schools, while others might want lots of fun activities nearby or a comfortable place that fits the budget. Let's dive into what makes a state stand out as an excellent place for families.

We'll explore how safe and healthy it is to live there, the quality of schools and childcare, how much it costs to live comfortably, job opportunities and community vibes, and all the fun things you and your family can enjoy together.

Health & Safety: Keeping Your Family Safe

This category focuses on evaluating a state's effectiveness in ensuring the health and safety of its residents. It acknowledges the complex relationship between poverty and crime, understanding that while poverty can contribute to higher crime rates due to factors like limited access to resources and opportunities, it may not be a direct cause of criminal behavior. This approach emphasizes the importance of addressing the broader socio-economic factors to enhance community well-being and safety."

Education & Childcare: Smart Starts for Kids

Education and childcare rank states based on the quality and accessibility of educational resources and childcare support. This includes the performance of schools, graduation rates, and the availability of supportive services for parents, like affordable daycare options.

Affordability: Your Money Goes Further

Affordability measures the cost of living against the standard of living in a state. It considers housing expenses, daily living costs, and the potential for families to save and plan for the future.

Socioeconomics: Jobs and Community Life

The socio-economics section assesses the job market, community dynamics, and overall social support within a state. We examine employment rates, average cost of living, community engagement, and factors contributing to family stability.

Family Fun: Lots of Things to Do

Family fun reflects the availability and diversity of recreational and cultural activities in a state. It considers the number of accessible parks, educational attractions, and various family-oriented events.

Average Annual Living Wage for a Family of Four

This factor estimates the median average amount a family of four makes in the state. Of course, higher annual wages point to a better quality of life. However, median annual wages must also be compared with overall affordability in the state for a more holistic view. The best state for families will be more affordable and have a higher average annual wage.

We've compiled a handy table* with details about top family-friendly states. It covers health, education, living costs, jobs, community, and fun activities, plus the yearly income a family of four needs. The total score was determined by adding the key quality factors. This quick guide helps you compare and choose the right state for your family's needs.

*Data compiled from World Population Review and CEOWORLD magazine.

Population: 5,706,398

Median household income: $71,306

Cost of living: Twentieth highest

Top Lifestyle Attributes: Minnesota ranks among the safest states in the U.S. to raise a family. The state also ranks high in socio-economic factors and has one of the country’s lowest divorce and family poverty rates.

Additionally, compared to the rest of the states on this list, it has a relatively low cost of living index. This makes the North Star state an attractive choice for those considering the best affordable states to raise a family in.

In terms of public crime rates, Minnesota ranks below the national average with 220.4 per 100,000 people. University of Minnesota and Carleton College are among the most reputable colleges in the country. Public education in Minnesota is ranked at number 12 among all states. Some of the activities that families with kids could experience include the Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in America, and the Minnesota Zoo. You can also travel to the northern part of the state to witness the northern lights.

Population: 6,912,239

Median household income: $81,215

Cost of living: Fifth highest

Top Lifestyle Attributes: Massachusetts currently ranks as one of the best states to live in for families for multiple reasons. With a bundle of top-notch schools and universities, such as MIT, the state has the second-highest educational attainment rate in the country. Private schools are among the most expensive ones in the country, but you can also find some of the best public schools here.

The state also has other features that may appeal to families. For example, violent crime (376.47 per 100,000) and unemployment rates (2.9%) are pretty low. Healthcare and daycare are also easily accessible. In terms of family fun, Boston is a vibrant city that has a rich cultural heritage and offers various educational activities such as museums or other family leisure attractions like whale watching.

Population: 770,026

Median household income: $64,894

Cost of living: Twenty-third highest

Top Lifestyle Attributes: North Dakota blends cost-effective living with natural wonders, offering affordable housing and a serene, spacious environment. It's perfect for families valuing economic comfort and a life close to nature's beauty.

North Dakota, often highlighted as one of the safest states to raise a family,  ranks at the top of the socio-economic indicators and second in health and safety. The state is home to some of the country’s cheapest housing, with the median home price at $193,900. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $779 per month. The state’s residents also have a relatively high salary compared to the cost of living, which helps make it one of the best states in the country to raise a family.

The population of North Dakota is among the lowest in the country. The state isn’t rich in urban areas, but kids can grow close to nature and fresh air. For example, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of canyons or go for a hike at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Population: 1,372,203

Median household income: $76,768

Cost of living: Fourteenth highest

Top Lifestyle Attributes: New Hampshire blends scenic beauty with strong education and low crime, offering diverse outdoor activities and robust socio-economic stability. It is ideal for families seeking natural landscapes and educational excellence.

New Hampshire is a picturesque area with low crime rates and a strong education system. The violent crime rate is 195.7 incidents per 100,000 people. Socio-economic indicators are also high as the state has one of the highest median household incomes in the country and a relatively reasonable cost of living.

Overall, New Hampshire can be a very family-friendly state if you can keep up with relatively high housing prices. The median home price here is $261,700.

The list of family activities includes the MWV Children’s Museum and the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. From clean beaches to skiable mountains, New Hampshire offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Population: 7,796,941

Median household income: $73,775

Cost of living: Thirteenth highest

Top Lifestyle Attributes: Washington is celebrated for its family-friendly neighborhoods, commitment to sustainability, and abundant outdoor activities. The state is perfect for families passionate about green living and outdoor adventures.

This northwest state ranks high, especially in health, safety, and family fun categories. Lots of clean, green, and safe neighborhoods provide one of the most family-friendly environments in the country. Additionally, Washington is the top producer of organic fruits and vegetables. As a result of the state’s sustainability-oriented public policy, it is one of the healthiest places to raise kids in the U.S.

You can find fun family attractions anywhere you decide to settle. For example, Seattle offers various family trip destinations, such as the Seattle Aquarium and The Future of Flight Aviation Center. The Evergreen State is also very mountainous, providing many opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and ziplining.

Population: 8,874,520

Median household income: $82,545

Cost of living: Ninth highest

Top Lifestyle Attributes: New Jersey pairs high income with excellent schools, healthcare, and a rich array of child-friendly activities. It is a prime choice for families desiring community closeness and a high-quality lifestyle.

New Jersey is one of the best states for families if you earn a relatively high income. The state ranks at the top of the affordability, education, and healthcare indexes. Additionally, daycare and childcare opportunities are abundant, and the state is home to some of the best public and private schools and universities in the country. The quality of life is also very high in the Garden State as its residents have the second-highest median household income in the country.

Crime rates are generally low, and there are many towns with great communities where people generally all know each other. There are also many indoor and outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. You can go whale and dolphin watching at the Jersey shore, parasailing in Atlantic City, or the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.

Population: 623,251

Median household income: $61,973

Cost of living: Twelfth highest

Top Lifestyle Attributes: Renowned for its health and safety, Vermont offers a peaceful, nature-filled setting with top-tier public health and education systems. It is a perfect match for families seeking health-centric living and outdoor adventures.

Vermont is the second-lowest populated U.S. state and is the best in terms of health and safety. The state has a very low overall crime rate, with 170 incidents of violent crime per 100,000 people. It is also considered the healthiest state in America, with public health funding of $157 per person and a rate of 367 primary care physicians per 100,000 people.

Living in Vermont can be affordable compared to its neighboring states, but the cost of living is still higher than the national average. However, Vermont’s primary public schools are considered one of the best in the country. Besides, it is yet another place where children can grow up close to nature.

Dubbed the Green Mountain State, Vermont is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. Also, the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory is worth paying a visit if you’re in the area.

Population: 19,299,981

Median household income: $68,486

Cost of living: Third highest

Top Lifestyle Attributes: New York thrives with cultural diversity and is ideal for families eager for urban excitement and a wealth of educational and entertainment options.

If you want to be close to a huge metropolitan area and raise your kids in a vibrant environment, you can consider moving to New York. The Big Apple is among the most expensive states to live in, but excellent health care and education opportunities can make up for this.

Considering the high population density, New York doesn’t rank as high as other states when it comes to safety. For instance, the violent crime rate is 350.8 per 100,000 people.

The state also ranks pretty low in socio-economic indicators as it also has a relatively high poverty rate. However, New York doesn’t disappoint when it comes to family fun and entertainment. Home to America’s largest city, you can find almost anything here, from museums and theaters to beaches and skiing.

Population: 3,552,821

Median household income: $78,444

Cost of living: Eighth highest

Top Lifestyle Attributes: Connecticut offers a mix of safety, top-notch education, and proximity to major urban centers, with multiple attractions to explore. It is ideal for families seeking educational excellence and cultural richness.

Similar to Massachusetts, the neighboring state of Connecticut is also one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. However, it has many attributes that justify the high cost of living. For instance, the state has the third-lowest violent crime rate in the country, with 227 cases per 100,000 people. Additionally, the education system in the state is top-notch, and it’s home to many prestigious schools, such as Yale University.

One of the perks of living in Connecticut is that even if you live in a remote area, the state is pretty close to other major cities like Boston and New York. The attractions in Connecticut are also not limited. You can choose to spend a day in an amusement park, visit an aquarium filled with friendly creatures, or go riverboating.

Population: 3,310,774

Median household income: $71,621

Cost of living: Twenty-fourth highest

Top Lifestyle Attributes: Utah combines affordable living with stunning natural landscapes and a robust socio-economic environment. Great for families looking for value for money and an active outdoor lifestyle.

Finally, the list of the top states to raise a family concludes with Utah, home to astounding national parks and great food. This makes it one of the best states to raise a family. Additionally, Utah ranks second in the socio-economic factors. Therefore, if you have an average salary, your dollar may be worth more than most other states.

Utah offers plenty of locations for all family types. Salt Lake City is a good choice for families who enjoy city life. However, nature won’t be too far away from wherever you choose to live in the state. In a couple of hours, you can reach any of the state’s five national parks and spend a day mountain biking in Moab or snowboarding in Park City.

If you're looking to manage expenses while enjoying such a lifestyle, consider exploring cash advance info for flexible financial options.

If you’re considering moving to another state to establish a family, hopefully, the information in this blog can serve as a guide. Of course, there are multiple factors to consider when choosing a new home for your family, such as education opportunities, neighborhood safety, and healthcare.

But cost of living and affordability also play important roles in this decision. That’s why it’s best to engage in financial topics to discuss with your family when planning a move.

These ten states have a high average score for all the above-mentioned categories. Minnesota currently tops the ranking as the best state to start a family, but other states are not far behind. Remember, in your quest to find the best places to raise children, you can turn any place into home because home is where family is.