MA Earns High Marks As Family-Friendly State In New Study

Massachusetts is once again drawing national attention as a strong place to raise children, according to a new study from personal finance website WalletHub.

The report evaluated all 50 states across 50 indicators tied to family life, including education and child care, health and safety, affordability, socioeconomics and family-friendly activities. Researchers compared everything from school quality and crime rates to income growth and housing costs to determine which states offer the most supportive environments for families.

Massachusetts performed particularly well in education and child care, where it was No. 1, an area long considered one of the state’s strengths. The Commonwealth also scored highly for health and safety, reflecting factors such as access to health care and overall well-being outcomes.

See also: Here's Where MA Lands On List Of 'Best States To Live In'

While Massachusetts is often cited as a high-cost state, WalletHub noted that stronger earning potential and economic stability helped balance affordability concerns in its analysis. Higher household incomes and job opportunities contributed to the state’s overall standing in the study.

The report also highlighted broader quality-of-life measures, including low infant mortality rates and longer life expectancy, which helped boost Massachusetts’ profile compared to much of the country.

WalletHub analysts said states that rank well tend to offer a mix of strong schools, safe communities and economic opportunity — a combination that continues to work in Massachusetts’ favor despite ongoing concerns about housing and child care expenses.

See also: MA Ranks High On New List Of Safest States

Several other New England states also scored well in the WalletHub study. New Hampshire ranked among the strongest nearby performers, boosted by safety and overall quality-of-life measures.

Vermont and Maine earned solid marks for well-being and community factors, while Connecticut and Rhode Island landed closer to the middle of the pack, weighed down by affordability concerns.

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

Check out the full study by clicking here.