According to an expert, the best states to raise a family offer a balance of affordability, safety, and quality education. Here are the top 10.

In a January report, WalletHub ranked the 50 U.S. states to determine the best state for raising a family.

The states were evaluated across five key dimensions:

1. Family Fun
2. Healthy and Safety
3. Education and Child Care
4. Affordability
5. Socio-economics

Using 50 relevant metrics, such as the number of families with young children, pediatricians per capita, the quality of public schools, and housing affordability, all graded on a 100-point scale, WalletHub determined which states offer the best conditions for family life.

The cost of living has increased, resulting in a rise in the expense of raising a family in recent years, according to a report.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it can cost over $300,000 to raise a child to age 18.

According to Chip Lupo, a writer and analyst at WalletHub, the top states offer a good balance of factors such as affordability, safety, job prospects, quality education, healthcare, and entertainment.

For the third year in a row, Massachusetts is ranked as the top state for raising a family.

According to WalletHub's report, Massachusetts has been ranked as the best state to raise a family for three consecutive years, with a total score of 68.88. The state excelled in both education and child care.

According to the report, Massachusetts was ranked first due to its combination of economic prospects and secure environment for kids.

The country has the best job security and the 10th lowest poverty rate, according to WalletHub.

"Lupo argues that Massachusetts' high cost of living is balanced out by its high average incomes. He considers the state the best because of its economic opportunities and child safety."

The state boasts the best water quality, highest rate of children with health insurance, and lowest infant mortality rate in the country.

Some of the country's top schools, including Harvard and MIT, are located in Massachusetts. Additionally, the state's public school system is considered among the best globally, according to Niche.

Raising a family in the best state comes with a cost.

Lupo advises that if you're considering relocating to Massachusetts, it's crucial to secure a job that offers a sufficient income to cover the cost of living.

According to a 2024 SmartAsset study, Massachusetts is the most expensive state in terms of basic costs for a family of four, requiring an income of at least $150,578 to make ends meet.

The 10 best states to raise a family in 2025

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

Minnesota is the No. 2 U.S. state for raising a family due to its low poverty rate and wealth gap.

The U.S. has the fifth-lowest separation and divorce rate, and Minnesota boasts the sixth-best public hospitals.

The harsh winters are a downside to the state's good blend of safety, job prospects, and other positives, according to Lupo.

He remarks that Minnesota has good schools, hospitals, and an overall good environment, despite the several weeks of sub-zero temperatures and lots of snow during harsh winter.

According to a 2024 SmartAsset report, a family of four needs an annual income of $122,387 to make ends meet in Minnesota.

While the cost of living in Minnesota is 4% lower than the national average, housing is 15% lower.

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