Here's How VA Ranked Among Best States For Moms

VIRGINIA — Mothers face a blend of joys and challenges when raising children and caring for their families, and where they live can help them better navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, according to a new ranking.

To celebrate moms ahead of Mother's Day, Kremp Florist looked at which states offer the best support for them.

The best and worst states for mothers were determined by analyzing all 50 states across 11 key metrics, including paid family leave, child care costs and job protections. What researchers surmised was that whether a state is considered “mom-friendly” largely depends on public policy.

"While each family has its own needs and faces unique struggles, the resources available in a particular state significantly impact a mother’s choices and overall quality of life," the ranking states.

According to the ranking, Virginia is the 11th-best state in the U.S. for mothers.

The median salary of a woman in Maryland was higher than in most states at $41,000 annually. While the state does not mandate paid parental leave, the state's education system ranks among the best in the U.S. and nearly 92 percent of children are in "excellent" or "very good" health, according to the ranking.

While states with higher wages may rank higher overall, many of them also struggle with high child care costs, the ranking states. For example, Virginia has a higher median income for women, but child care costs top $10,400 per year.

Massachusetts earned the title of the best state for moms, according to the ranking.

Here's a look at the top 10 best states for moms:

1. Massachusetts
2. Maryland
3. New Jersey
4. Connecticut
5. Kentucky
6. Delaware
7. South Dakota
8. New York
9. Rhode Island
10. Florida

Meanwhile, the worst state for moms is New Mexico, preceded by West Virginia and Nevada.

See the full ranking online.