The 2018 KidsCount report was just released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, revealing the Best and Worst States to Raise a Family. The non-profit organization rates the 50 states based on things like economic well-being, education, and health, as well as family and community, and also poverty, death rate, alcohol and drug use.
Overall, New Hampshire tops the list as the best state to raise a family in the U.S., with five of the Top Ten states in the Northeast. New Hampshire gets high marks for its low child poverty rate (8%).
Top Ten Best States To Raise A Family
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- Utah
- Connecticut
- Vermont
- Nebraska
- Virginia
On the flipside, New Mexico was named the worst state to raise a family, thanks to the highest child poverty rate in the country (30%). The state, along with West Virginia, also has the highest rate of parents without secure employment, and 75% of New Mexico fourth graders are not reading proficient.
The Ten Worst States To Raise A Family
- New Mexico
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Alabama
- Arkansas
Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation
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