What are the Best States to Raise a Family? Here’s Our List!

There are quality family-friendly cities to settle down in just about every state, but have you ever wondered which are truly the best states to raise a family? Those that provide your children with an endless number of opportunities, including access to top-notch education and plenty of entertainment to keep them busy. And what about safety, affordability, and plenty of job opportunities? Luckily, we’ve compiled a list to help narrow down your search and provide you with the best family-friendly states based on a number of criteria. Check out which ones make our list! 

How We Selected the Best States To Raise a Family

To paint a clearer picture of the best family-friendly states, we’ve ranked the top 12 based on five different sets of criteria: cost of living, unemployment rate, safety, schools, and number of state/national parks. The lower the number the better for each category, and the total of all the rank numbers for each state was divided by five (based on the five sets of criteria). The state with the lowest average was placed at the top of our list and so on.

12 Best States To Raise a Family

Take a look at the top 12 most ideal states to raise a family in 2024, based on affordability, employment, safety, education, and green spaces.

Wyoming’s wild natural spaces contribute to a high quality of life for families.

1. Wyoming

• Cost of living: Ranked 24th out of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 2.9% (Rank 12)
• Safety: 11th safest
• Schools: 7th best
• Parks: 8% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 8)

The state of Wyoming — which boasts an abundance of untamed wilderness and expansive open plains — is best known for offering a sense of community and connection to nature. It’s also one of the best states to raise a family in the U.S. What’s more, Wyoming has no state income tax, which provides an exceptional financial advantage.

Wyoming is very captivating when it comes to its natural beauty, and you can explore a variety of natural wonders such as the Grand Teton Range's towering peaks and the geothermal wonders of the Yellowstone National Park. The sweeping plains surrounding the Wind River and Absaroka mountain ranges also provide a habitat for numerous wildlife.

Love to stay active outdoors? Wyoming’s various natural features also provide the perfect opportunity for families to engage in fun activities such as fishing and rock climbing.

Q: What is the best US state to raise a family? A: According to our set of criteria, Wyoming tops the list of the best states out there to raise a family!

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in Wyoming

• Cheyenne
• Casper
• Laramie

2. Wisconsin

• Cost of living: Ranked 26th out of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 3% (Rank 14)
• Safety: 12th safest
• Schools: 6th best
• Parks: 1.95% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 13)

The home of some of America's best breweries can be found in the state of Wisconsin, which is also known for its dairyland. And the state boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, with vast forests and rivers that draw in visitors year-round. With approximately 1.95% of the state dedicated to parkland, areas like Copper Falls State Park and Harrington Beach State Park offer some pretty exquisite views!

Want plenty of entertainment options? Areas like Madison and Milwaukee are go-to destinations. The Milwaukee Art Museum features works by some of the country's most prominent artists, for example, and local festivals such as Summerfest bring together different musicians from all around the state — and even internationally.

The University of Wisconsin is also one of the top 10 largest research institutions in the country. Some of the campuses can be found in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Eau Claire — and they offer residents excellent job prospects and affordable homes. Wisconsin is currently ranked #8 in education for Pre-K-12 and #9 in higher education out of the 50 states.

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in Wisconsin

• Howard
• Brookfield
• Germantown

3. New Hampshire

• Cost of living: Ranked 41st of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 2.5% (Rank 4)
• Safety: No. 1 safest
• Schools: 9th best
• Parks: 1.35% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 20)

New Hampshire is a place of rich history and culture, and it’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Northeast. Its wooded mountains and coastal scenery make it perfect for people looking for a combination of rural and urban sophistication. The state's location also makes it an ideal place to live and work in New England, as it allows residents to easily access some of the region's most prominent cities, such as Boston. Currently ranked as #1 in public safety according to U.S. News, New Hampshire has a very low violent crime rate along with low incarceration rates for adults and kids. 

The North Country's dense forests provide people with endless opportunities to explore. And outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities in the state, such as hiking in the White Mountains region and exploring its many lakes and rivers. People can also find snowboarding and skiing in some of its popular locations, such as Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods.

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in New Hampshire

• Durham
• Hanover
• Newmarket

If you’re looking to raise a family down south, Florida has some of the best higher-education opportunities in the country.

4. Florida

• Cost of living: Ranked 36th out of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 3.3% (Rank 20)
• Safety: 15th safest
• Schools: No. 1 best
• Parks: 6.63% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 6)

Florida is considered one of the best southern states to raise a family for a number of reasons. From the springs in Central Florida to the coral reefs in the Keys, the state offers a variety of activities that are ideal for families, for instance. Florida is also one of the strongest states in the country when it comes to higher education, as it has a massive university system that enrolls over a million students. According to U.S. News, Florida is ranked as #1 for education overall. Florida is particularly strong in higher education, with top notch universities across the state including the University of Florida. 

There are several top-notch water parks and amusement parks in Florida, which make it one of the most visited states in the country. Florida also has more parkland than most other states, with popular spots including Grayton Beach State Park and Caladesi Island State Park.  Although the state is known for popular attractions such as Walt Disney World and Busch Gardens, there are plenty of other attractions to choose from, including Legoland and Fun Spot America.

The whole family can also enjoy the sports teams in Florida such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in Florida

• Tampa
• Gainesville
• St. Petersburg

5. Iowa

• Cost of living: Ranked 8th out of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 2.8% (Rank 8)
• Safety: 10th safest
• Schools: 11th best
• Parks: 0.21% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 42)

Iowa is one of the best affordable states to raise a family in the nation, as it’s ranked as 8th out of the states with the lowest cost of living according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Unemployment is not very common within the state at just a 2.8% rate, and Iowa is an ideal place where you can easily reach your career goals! There are a variety of top notch industries that are contributing to the state's economic success, such as finance, advanced manufacturing, and bioscience.

And Iowa's diverse communities are full of culture. One of the most ethnically diverse areas in the state is Marshalltown, where more than 50 languages are spoken by its residents. In Des Moines, you can also find various cultural events held throughout the year, such as the World Food & Music Festival and the Latino Heritage Festival.

Iowa also has more than 60 state parks, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Hike at Pikes Peak State Park or explore Backbone State Park's stunning cliffs, for example. And with the Iowa State Park Passport, you can track your activities across the various parks in the state! 

Q: What's the best state to live in financially? A: Ranked as 8th among the 50 states for best cost of living, Iowa is one of the best states to live in financially.

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in Iowa

• Pella
• Waukee
• Clive

6. Connecticut

• Cost of living: Ranked 39th out of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 3.6% (Rank 28)
• Safety: 5th safest
• Schools: 8th best
• Parks: 7.41% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 4)

The state of Connecticut is best known for its natural beauty and historic charm. It’s also very rich in cultural heritage and within close proximity to other major cities such as Boston, New York, and Providence. For instance, a weekend drive (or train ride) from New York City to Hartford can be done in about three hours. Ranked as the 5th safest state in the U.S., you can feel safe living in a community that is so easily accessible to other big cities! Along with safety, you can count on plenty of top notch local public schools to provide your kids with quality education. 

Connecticut’s beautiful landscape includes rolling hills in Litchfield County and Long Island Sound's serene coastlines, and the state is ranked near the top for having the most amount of park land! You should definitely check out its many state parks, which include the Sleeping Giant State Park and Devil's Hopyard State Park.

There are a variety of small towns in Connecticut that have quite a unique story and are ideal for families to settle down in, as well. Some of these include the beach towns of Mystic and Windsor, which are known for their maritime history.

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in Iowa

• Greenwich
• West Hartford
• Windsor Locks

Utah’s educational system is strong, ranked second in the nation, making it a great place for Western families.

7. Utah

• Cost of living: Ranked 35th out of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 3.2% (Rank 17)
• Safety: 20th safest
• Schools: 2nd best
• Parks: 1.8% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 14)

The state of Utah is a major center for information technology and cattle ranching, and it's one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. If you’re looking to provide your kids with a high quality education, you can rely on top notch public schools and universities like the University of Utah. Utah is ranked #5 in higher education, and #6 in Pre-K-12. One reason it’s so popular? Residents of Utah can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation, and a large portion of the state includes some of the most beautiful parks you will ever come by! During the winter season, for example, you can enjoy a variety of activities at resorts such as Snowbird and Park City Mountain Resort. And during the summer, you can take a trip to one of the state's national parks or raft down the Green River.

Especially popular areas include the mountains, Zion National Park and the Salt Flats. And although it's both a rural and suburban state, residents of Utah have plenty of public transportation options. The UTA, which operates light rails and buses in various parts of the state, makes it easy to travel.

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in Utah

• Salt Lake City
• Park City
• River Heights

8. Virginia

• Cost of living: Ranked 31st out of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 2.7% (Rank 6)
• Safety: 16th safest
• Schools: 10th best
• Parks: 0.98% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 26)

Families can enjoy the best of both worlds in Virginia, as the state boasts the perfect mix of rural and urban environments. Whether you prefer a countryside or city-like atmosphere, Virginia will deliver! And according to a report released by WalletHub in 2024, Virginia ranks as the sixth most educated state in the country, with some of the most prominent universities in the nation, such as William & Mary and Virginia Tech. Virginia also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, at just 2.7%. With its diverse and friendly population, Virginia is also considered one of the best states to raise a Black family.

Virginia is known for its beautiful landscapes and numerous outdoor activities, with over 40 state parks and over 700 miles of hiking trails. Residents also get to explore the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. And in addition to museums and cultural attractions, Virginia also hosts a number of historical and art institutions that are great educational spots for families to visit. Some of these include the Science Museum of Virginia, the Black History Museum, and the Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts.

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in Virginia

• South Riding
• Richmond
• Arlington

9. Massachusetts 

• Cost of living: Ranked 49th out of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 3.5% (Rank 25)
• Safety: 8th safest
• Schools: 3rd best
• Parks: 4.23% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 7)

Massachusetts is an original colony, which means it has many notable sites for families to explore. Some of these include the first public gardens and Mayflower Historic Sites, and history buffs can also visit historic cities such as Nantucket and Plymouth. While the state has a lot to offer, it’s important to note that Massachusetts has one of the highest costs of living in the country with an index of 139.9.

Numerous universities and top-rated K-12 programs can be found in the state, which families will certainly appreciate. In fact, a study revealed that Massachusetts is home to some of the country's best public schools. Some of the prominent institutions include Harvard University and MIT.

Although Massachusetts is known for its history, it also has some of the best seafood in the country at places like Cape Cod for example.

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in South Dakota

• Sioux Falls
• Brandon
• Brooking

11. Nebraska

• Cost of living: Ranked 18th out of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 2.6% (Rank 5)
• Safety: 22nd safest
• Schools: 14th best
• Parks: 0.31% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 38)

The Cornhusker State of Nebraska has a diverse and robust economy, with an unemployment rate that is among the lowest in the nation. This makes it an ideal location for people to start a business or find a job. It is also home to some of the most beautiful natural areas, such as the Platte River and the Sandhills. These places offer a wide range of activities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking.

The state also has a rich cultural heritage, with some of the most popular events across the state including the Omaha SeptemberFest, Arbor Day Celebration, and the NEBRASKAland Days, which celebrate the state's heritage with lots of fun activities. Several prominent universities and colleges can be found in Nebraska, as well, including the popular University of Nebraska-Omaha. 

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in Nebraska

• Lincoln
• Omaha
• Bellevue

12. Maine

• Cost of living: Ranked 38th out of the 50 states
• Unemployment rate: 2.8% (Rank 8)
• Safety: 2nd best
• Schools: 43rd best
• Parks: 3.59% of the state is dedicated to park land (Rank 10)

People who are looking for a laid-back place to live are drawn to Maine, with its beautiful coastlines — more than 3,500 miles! — and exceptional seafood. And although it has several distinct seasons, Maine's fall season is unlike any other in the country, as it features vibrant colors and festive farmers markets. Also, most of the state is covered in maple and oak trees, which makes it even easier for residents to enjoy the region's natural beauty. As the second most safe state in the whole country, Maine also has the lowest violent crime rate of any other state!

The beautiful outdoor scenery of Maine means there are plenty of parks to explore, including the vast Acadia National Park and other state parks like Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. Overall, Maine is ranked 10th when it comes to the amount of parkland covering the state. 

Top 3 Family-Friendly Cities in Maine

• Yarmouth
• Kennebunk
• Portland

Q: Where is the best place to move with a family? A: Where is the best place to raise a child in the U.S.? According to many sources, such as WalletHub, Portland, ME, tops the list.

PODS has 25 years of experience helping families around the country move to their next home.

Make Your Move to One of the Best States To Raise a Family With PODS

When you’ve found the perfect family-friendly state to settle down in, let PODS help get you there. They can provide a portable moving and storage container that can be delivered right to your driveway, where you can pack and load your belongings at your own convenience. PODS will then pick up the container and deliver it to your new residence whenever you’re ready, and one month’s worth of storage is included in the deal so you can easily load and unload everything without feeling rushed. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.