10 Best States To Raise A Family In The United States [2026]

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In today’s America, people don’t stay in one place for too long.

With the economy doing so well lately, it seems Americans are moving more now than ever. Sometimes, it’s for retirement or to transfer jobs.

Where’s the best state in the United States to raise a family?

For the most part, we all want the same thing when we look for a place to move with the kids. These are the states that have good jobs for parents, and they’re safe, too. We also took into account several kid-friendly factors like school quality.

The states we’re going to talk about are the places where kids will have the best potential to thrive and where families will be most comfortable.

Does it matter where you raise your kids? You bet.

Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table

The 10 Best States To Raise A Family In The United States For 2026

Now that we have a top ten, what’s the best state to raise a family overall? Maine ranks as the best state to raise a family based on data around affordability, things to do, and safety. The general assumption is that a great place for families would be safe, offer plenty of great schools, and have a lot of room for growth. We took that all into account and made some other assumptions as well.

So pack the toys, the Xboxes, and your old high school yearbooks up as we take you through America’s best states to raise kids. For exactly how we calculated these rankings, read on. Or, if the state where you live is just peachy keen, and you’re not moving an inch, check out:

The 10 Best States For Families In America For 2026

1. Maine

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 1,387,817
Home Price: $407,565
Average Income: $74,733
Crime Rate: 0.01258
Family Friendly Amenities Score: 865
Households with kids: 23.7%
More On Maine: Biggest Cities | Average Rent

We unpack our things in Maine, where it smells of pine needles. Why Maine, you say? After all, isn’t in the 4th most boring state in America? Yes, it is. Isn’t it fairly expensive you say? Not really, it’s about average.

What really makes Maine a great place to raise a family are the non-exciting things that a responsible parent pays attention to. There are hardly any violent crimes way up here, which makes sense – much of the chaos is way down the coast. Families have great health coverage in Maine, and life expectancy is really high. Air pollution is really low, and and water quality’s great. And schools are some of the most consistently solid in all the land.

2. New Hampshire

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 1,394,868
Home Price: $507,347
Average Income: $99,031
Crime Rate: 0.01039
Family Friendly Amenities Score: 657
Households with kids: 26.0%
More On New Hampshire: Biggest Cities | Average Rent

Where’s the second best place in America in which to raise your family? Right next door in New Hampshire, that’s where.

Now, most of your family members couldn’t even point to New Hampshire on a map, much less explain to their friends what to expect when they move here, but you know what? Tough cookies. You’re the parent. They’ll make new friends.

New Hampshire and Vermont are just about tied in every category. There’s technically a few more things to do in New Hampshire for fun, and New Hampshire is a wee bit safer. Plus, you can say you’re from New Hampshire.

3. Nebraska

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY-SA 4.0

Population: 1,978,707
Home Price: $276,499
Average Income: $76,475
Crime Rate: 0.01872
Family Friendly Amenities Score: 700
Households with kids: 30.1%
More On Nebraska: Biggest Cities | Average Rent

If you already live in Nebraska, you know – this is a great place for families. It’s practically all butterflies and rainbows around these parts when it comes to pace of life. And Nebraska is second only to Iowa when it comes to cost of living. There would be lots of other kids to play with, too – Nebraska has the most number of families with children of any other state on this list. As long as you’re not moving to Nebraska to start a farm, your kids would have plenty of playmates.

Omaha and Lincoln each have plenty of family friendly stuff going on, so you won’t completely die of boredom. But, mom and dad, you’re likely going to lose that beach body at some point – Nebraskans aren’t necessarily the healthiest people in the land. Perhaps, it’s the long winter months indoors, or all the bread pudding, cornhuskers’ casserole and fried tenderloins.

You’ll be happy, pudgy proud parents sitting on your porches, watching the fireflies.

4. Iowa

Source: Wikipedia User | GFDL

Population: 3,210,507
Home Price: $231,584
Average Income: $75,059
Crime Rate: 0.01555
Family Friendly Amenities Score: 1304
Households with kids: 28.5%
More On Iowa: Biggest Cities | Average Rent

Do you like wide open spaces? How about small town life? Enjoy meat and potatoes? Then Iowa is a place you and your family would LOVE.

Here, families earn the 5th highest incomes, per capita, relative to cost of living. Which means, Iowans aren’t necessarily ballers, but they bring home more than enough bacon to cover their mortgages and car payments. Iowa has the most affordable housing costs in all the land, too. Iowa is also really safe – so you wouldn’t have to worry about the ghetto crap you see in large urban areas.

For fun – meeeh. It’s not South Dakota boring, but you’d have to lower your standards if you’re used to all the big city hootin and hollerin. It’s a different kind of fun – you learn to take pride in your small town lifestyle here.

5. Wyoming

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 582,397
Home Price: $363,227
Average Income: $76,176
Crime Rate: 0.01448
Family Friendly Amenities Score: 254
Households with kids: 28.0%
More On Wyoming: Biggest Cities | Average Rent

While the long, dusty expanses of Wyoming might make your kids want to stab their eyeballs out of boredom. The kids won’t be happy about it, but they’ll adjust.

Now, there’s not as much ‘fun’ stuff for kids to do here as in other places, but overall, Wyoming rocks when it comes to the stuff parents care about. There are great hospitals here, especially children’s hospital – so when you get sick, you don’t have to worry about long lines and other BS as much as you do in states like California. In terms of affordability, Wyoming will let your savings account head in the right direction – up. As you may know, homes cost a lot less here than they do in places like Florida.

For fun, the kids will just have to learn to love sledding, ice skating and getting in snowball fights. What’s wrong with that? There isn’t a state within 200 miles where you’d find a better combination of safety, great schools and happy, healthy homes.

6. Vermont

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 647,106
Home Price: $394,037
Average Income: $81,203
Crime Rate: 0.01851
Family Friendly Amenities Score: 549
Households with kids: 23.5%
More On Vermont: Biggest Cities

Vermont has the best health and safety index ranking in America. Most families have health care coverage, and the doctor to resident ratio is really low. There aren’t any real natural disasters here – despite long periods of snowfall – things are relatively quiet.

Plus, Vermont is one of the safest states in America. Part of the reason people move from their home state is because of crime. You won’t find that here.

What’s odd about Vermont, though, is, despite the fact that on paper, it’s an amazing place to raise a family, it has the least number of households with kids at home. Why is that? Look, you can pick pumpkins and ride in tractors and golf! And there’s a great lake in which to boat! The kids won’t get into mischief living here, that’s for sure.

7. Connecticut

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY 2.0

Population: 3,624,508
Home Price: $436,407
Average Income: $95,781
Crime Rate: 0.01523
Family Friendly Amenities Score: 821
Households with kids: 28.6%
More On Connecticut: Biggest Cities | Average Rent

Connecticut has a lot going for it. Outside of Hartford, Waterbury, and Bridgeport, many people think it’s a wonderful place. And the data backs it up. Connecticut ranks in the top 20 for every single category measured. It’s not the most boring place in the nation by any stretch, the hospitals and schools are pretty great — and Connecticut socio economics rank is actually one of the highest in America, taking into account family value type measurements like divorce rates, quality of jobs, and family incomes.

Connecticut is the 5th safest state to live. And there’s a lot of money and success here, too. Meaning your kids would have a lot of opportunities – especially if they want to be bankers.

8. South Dakota

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 907,428
Home Price: $317,148
Average Income: $75,081
Crime Rate: 0.01985
Family Friendly Amenities Score: 427
Households with kids: 29.0%
More On South Dakota: Biggest Cities | Average Rent

The bad news first: Obviously, the ‘fun’ factor is through the floor. South Dakota ranks 6th to last in a recent ‘fun’ index ranking. Sure, you have enough to keep the kids entertained during the week, but for family vacations, you gotta get creative.

But, did you know South Dakota has the second lowest child care costs? I did not know that Mappy, but that’s a good point. Mom and dad will be fired up about that. Mom can pump em out and not have to worry about putting such a big strain on the family budget. And life expectancy in South Dakota is 8th highest in the US. So mom and dad can get all old and gray and crabby.

Does dad fish? They have great fishing. Ask the people who live in South Dakota. It’s a great place to raise a family. Just don’t bring your BS with you, and you’ll fit right in.

9. West Virginia

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY 2.0

Population: 1,778,373
Home Price: $174,411
Average Income: $59,608
Crime Rate: 0.01404
Family Friendly Amenities Score: 464
Households with kids: 26.4%
More On West Virginia: Biggest Cities | Average Rent

10. North Dakota

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY 3.0

Population: 784,841
Home Price: $284,075
Average Income: $76,657
Crime Rate: 0.01965
Family Friendly Amenities Score: 417
Households with kids: 27.4%
More On North Dakota: Biggest Cities | Average Rent

Good news everyone! We’re here at our new home in North Dakota. Time to get out of this godforsaken moving truck once and for all.

If you thought South Dakota is a state full of vim and vigor, wait until you experience the stimulating state of North Dakota! Okay, seriously, the wife and kids will probably never talk to you again if you move them here, but at least YOU get to experience all the cost savings and peace of mind of living in the Roughrider State.

Cost of living wise, North Dakota is the best on this list, which is the main reason hardly anyone here lives in poverty. That’s also one big reason North Dakota has the nation’s lowest divorce rate, outside of Utah. There are many other factors that make North Dakota a great place to raise your family. The quality of the schools is great – and the schools are a big part of families’ lives in North Dakota – more so than most other places you could call home.

People in North Dakota live there because they like the peace and quiet. So no late night parties in these parts, mister.

How We Determined The Best States to Raise A Family in The US For 2026

When we analyze the best states for families, we use Saturday Night Science to compare demographics, crime, and school data across every state.

For this analysis we took into account theU.S. Census’s 2020-2024 ACS data on jobs and healthcare, FBI crime data for safety, NCES data on school quality. The Census compiles the best geographical data set for populations in each state.

We combined the data to reach the following set of items:

Number of colleges nearby
Population density
Quality of education
Crime
Healthcare
Jobs (or lack of them)

These are the qualities you’d argue with friends over what makes a state great for families. We then ranked each state for each one of the categories from 1 to 50. We averaged the rankings out to create a “Family Index.” What state came out the best for families? Maine.

We updated this article for 2026. This report is our eleventh time ranking the best states for families in America.

Dangerous Places By State

There You Have It — The Best States in America to Raise a Family For 2026

After measuring almost every category we could think of to decide which states are best, it’s clear – the Northeast and Midwest are awesome places to raise kids and settle down. If you already live in one of these states, consider yourself lucky. These are your best starting points if you’re considering moving for a job or getting a fresh start.

The best states for families in the United States are Maine, New Hampshire, Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming, Vermont, Connecticut, South Dakota, West Virginia, and North Dakota.

What else do these states have in common? They are the least diverse states, too. So, if you want your kids to grow up in a community with varying viewpoints, then you should take them to places like California or Texas.

While it’s good news for the states we mentioned, we have to throw some love at the worst states to raise a family in America. If you live in Florida, Arizona, or South Carolina, you have some great areas. But overall, there’s a lot to be desired.

But it could be worse. You could live in Alaska.

Here’s a quick look at the bottom of the list:

Nevada
South Carolina
Arizona

For more reading, check out:

Detailed List Of The Best States To Raise A Family In America For 2026

Rank	State	Population	Median Income	Home Price	Crime Rate	Amenity Score
1	Maine	1,387,817	$74,733	$407,565	0.01258	859
2	New Hampshire	1,394,868	$99,031	$507,347	0.01039	670
3	Nebraska	1,978,707	$76,475	$276,499	0.01872	687
4	Iowa	3,210,507	$75,059	$231,584	0.01555	1305
5	Wyoming	582,397	$76,176	$363,227	0.01448	260
6	Vermont	647,106	$81,203	$394,037	0.01851	535
7	Connecticut	3,624,508	$95,781	$436,407	0.01523	841
8	South Dakota	907,428	$75,081	$317,148	0.01985	413
9	West Virginia	1,778,373	$59,608	$174,411	0.01404	447
10	North Dakota	784,841	$76,657	$284,075	0.01965	421
11	Idaho	1,934,262	$77,800	$473,335	0.01001	389
12	Rhode Island	1,101,801	$87,796	$499,271	0.01197	278
13	Massachusetts	7,044,056	$103,960	$656,690	0.01445	1538
14	Kansas	2,947,197	$74,275	$244,761	0.02414	977
15	Wisconsin	5,914,872	$77,485	$330,171	0.01444	1398
16	Kentucky	4,534,824	$63,726	$231,894	0.01581	688
17	Alaska	735,706	$92,788	$387,635	0.0245	316
18	Oklahoma	4,028,634	$65,039	$220,467	0.0244	795
19	Mississippi	2,946,779	$56,447	$192,906	0.01572	366
20	Montana	1,116,875	$72,509	$466,916	0.02078	411
21	New Jersey	9,343,809	$103,556	$569,411	0.01673	1182
22	Minnesota	5,739,445	$89,062	$346,667	0.0188	940
23	Virginia	8,705,170	$93,170	$412,467	0.01809	1179
24	Pennsylvania	13,018,639	$77,971	$282,735	0.01688	1725
25	Alabama	5,086,768	$63,999	$236,452	0.01952	798
26	Indiana	6,851,073	$71,957	$254,121	0.0171	1029
27	Hawaii	1,445,235	$100,389	$832,966	0.02166	235
28	Utah	3,392,331	$95,166	$537,809	0.01692	313
29	Illinois	12,694,798	$83,390	$285,735	0.02007	1820
30	Ohio	11,810,293	$71,389	$242,141	0.01856	1498
31	Arkansas	3,049,391	$60,773	$222,050	0.02541	465
32	Missouri	6,191,814	$70,702	$263,040	0.02424	1043
33	Michigan	10,077,761	$72,875	$259,857	0.01824	1539
34	Oregon	4,254,293	$83,011	$499,003	0.02731	783
35	New Mexico	2,120,246	$64,059	$316,750	0.03485	500
36	New York	19,852,366	$85,974	$507,794	0.02101	2122
37	Georgia	10,940,407	$77,353	$332,063	0.02045	870
38	Delaware	1,021,191	$84,954	$402,891	0.0217	212
39	Tennessee	7,066,383	$69,595	$333,650	0.02684	885
40	Washington	7,816,116	$98,141	$601,016	0.02843	913
41	Maryland	6,206,011	$103,678	$429,704	0.02493	736
42	North Carolina	10,730,404	$72,388	$336,407	0.02413	1034
43	Louisiana	4,611,961	$60,756	$211,634	0.02808	562
44	Texas	30,188,424	$78,476	$300,957	0.02519	1789
45	Colorado	5,862,189	$95,470	$541,842	0.03119	857
46	California	39,287,377	$99,122	$774,581	0.02574	1585
47	Florida	22,416,077	$74,568	$375,661	0.01759	1294
48	Arizona	7,378,838	$79,964	$423,329	0.02275	640
49	South Carolina	5,296,225	$69,324	$304,083	0.02485	548
50	Nevada	3,184,612	$78,260	$446,864	0.02667	268