New York is ranked as the sixth best state to raise a family in 2025, according to a new report by WalletHub. The personal finance website evaluated all 50 states using 50 metrics, including health care, education quality, crime rates, and affordability, to assess family-friendliness.
The state earned high marks in several key areas, ranking third for the percentage of children with health insurance and sixth for infant mortality rates. These indicators reflect New York’s strong health care system and child-focused policies. However, New York ranked lower in categories like adjusted median family income (23rd) and poverty-related crimes per capita (22nd), highlighting areas for improvement.
The cost of raising a child to 18 years old now exceeds $300,000 in the U.S., according to the Department of Agriculture. WalletHub’s study aims to guide families in finding states that combine affordability with quality resources and safety.
Massachusetts took the top spot in the rankings, thanks to its robust health care system, excellent public schools, and low infant mortality rates. Meanwhile, states like South Dakota, Alabama, and New Mexico ranked at the bottom due to lower scores in health care access and educational opportunities.
Experts emphasize the importance of location in family well-being. “State policies on taxation, health care, and education profoundly impact families,” said Monica Oxford, Executive Director of the Barnard Center for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.
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