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The 5 best states in America to raise a family in 2026 — and the 5 worst

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The 5 best states in America to raise a family in 2026 — and the 5 worst

Geography can influence your family's quality of life across the U.S. Here are some of the best states for families, and some of the worst

ByBen Kesslen

Published 16 hours ago

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What could be more important than deciding where to raise your family? The state you live in can shape your kids’ lives in real ways, and that’s why WalletHub analyzed all 50 states across dozens of metrics to pick the best places to raise your kids in 2026.

To assemble its list, WalletHub said it considered a range of factors, including safety, education, and family friendliness. 

“It can cost a family as much as $320,000 to raise a child to age 18,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “It’s important to live in a [state] that is affordable while still providing quality health care, education, safety, and opportunities for enrichment.”

Continue reading to see which states were ranked as the best and worst places to raise your family.

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5th Best: Nebraska

Inti St Clair / Getty Images

Nebraska has the highest share of families with young children at 45.03% and strong........

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