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The 5 best states in America to raise a family — and the 5 worst

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Deciding where to put down roots is one of the most significant choices parents make for their children.

And although each household has its own priorities, data regarding safety, costs, and schools can help you figure out which state could give you the strongest foundation for your family.

A recent analysis by ConsumerAffairs, a customer news and review platform, looked at which states provide the best and worst conditions to raise a family.

ConsumerAffairs’ research team evaluated all 50 states, analyzing data across five distinct categories: affordability, which carried the heaviest weight; safety; public education quality; access to health care; and general quality of life factors, such as air quality and the availability of libraries and parks.

Continue reading to see which states ranked the highest and lowest.

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5th best: New York

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Despite high living costs, New York secures a top spot thanks to its generous state child tax credit and great public resources. The state ranks first in the nation for public education and offers strong healthcare access, boasting a high number of pediatricians per capita.

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4th best: Vermont

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Vermont shines in quality of life metrics, offering families the highest number of libraries per resident in the country. The state also excels in health care, with a very low percentage of uninsured children and strong access to preventive medical services.

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3rd best: Wisconsin

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Wisconsin stands out as a budget-friendly option with the lowest weekly food costs of any state. The state balances affordability with a safe environment and a solid public education system.

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2nd best: Maine

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Maine offers an exceptionally safe environment for children, boasting the lowest violent crime rate and the lowest childhood poverty rate in the U.S. It ranks first overall for quality of life, making it a secure and stable place for families.

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Best: New Hampshire

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Taking the crown for 2025, New Hampshire delivers a well-rounded mix of safety, affordability, and outdoor recreation. Families here benefit from low poverty rates, affordable food costs, and an abundance of state parks and libraries.

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5th worst: Arizona

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Arizona struggles significantly with schooling, coming in last place for education in this year’s rankings. While affordability is moderate, the state also received low marks for quality of life and safety.

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4th worst: Louisiana

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Louisiana ranks near the bottom largely due to safety concerns and a challenging quality of life environment. Louisiana ranks 48th for safety and 49th for quality of life, overshadowing its decent affordability ranking.

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3rd worst: New Mexico

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Despite being ranked as the 9th most affordable state, New Mexico falls behind due to safety issues. The state ranked dead last for safety and struggled with low education scores, pushing down its overall ranking.

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2nd worst: Alaska

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While Alaska offers an incredible quality of life with its natural beauty, it is hampered by high costs and educational challenges. The state ranks 49th in education and faces difficulties with healthcare access and overall affordability.

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Worst: Nevada

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Nevada lands at the bottom of the 2025 list, primarily driven by a last-place ranking in health care. Families here also face hurdles regarding public education quality and general safety, resulting in the lowest overall score.