10 Best States to Raise a Family in 2027

Direct Answer

The best overall state to raise a family is Massachusetts, where top-ranked schools, the nation's best healthcare access, and high family incomes lead the country despite a median home price near $600,000. For value, Utah wins as Best Value, with strong schools, low crime, a fast-growing economy, and a median home price around $520,000 in a family-oriented culture.

This list is for parents weighing education, healthcare, safety, affordability, and childcare. Costs below range from below the national average in the Midwest to high in the Northeast. Every state is ranked on real, current data covering schools, child healthcare, crime, and cost of living.

1. Massachusetts 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Massachusetts ranks #1 nationally for K-12 education and for healthcare access, the two factors that matter most for families.

The median home price is roughly $600,000, among the highest in the country, offset by high median household income exceeding $96,000. The state has near-universal health coverage and top children's hospitals including Boston Children's. Crime rates are low. The income tax is a flat 5%.

It ranks #1 for the best combination of schools and child healthcare. It fits families who prioritize education and can manage the high cost of housing.

2. Utah 💎 BEST VALUE

Utah has one of the youngest populations, a family-centered culture, low crime, and a fast-growing economy along the Wasatch Front.

The median home price is about $520,000, and the income tax is a flat 4.55%. Schools are solid and well-funded, and the state consistently posts very low unemployment. Five national parks and skiing make it ideal for active families.

It earns Best Value for strong family fundamentals at a lower cost than the Northeast. It fits active, growing families who want safety and outdoor access.

3. New Hampshire

New Hampshire has no income tax on wages and no sales tax, low crime, and strong schools, making it one of the most family-friendly states.

The median home price is around $480,000. The state ranks among the safest in the country and has high median incomes thanks to proximity to Boston jobs. Outdoor recreation in the White Mountains adds appeal.

It ranks for safety, low taxes, and good schools. It suits families wanting low taxes and a safe, rural-leaning environment.

4. Minnesota

Minnesota pairs top schools with excellent healthcare anchored by the Mayo Clinic, plus a strong corporate job base in the Twin Cities.

The median home price is about $340,000, affordable for the quality offered. The income tax is progressive up to 9.85%. The state has strong childhood health outcomes and abundant lakes and parks. Winters are cold but well-managed.

It ranks for healthcare, schools, and affordability. It suits families who value education and can handle winter.

5. Vermont

Vermont offers low crime, strong schools, excellent child health outcomes, and a small-town, nature-rich environment.

The median home price is around $400,000. The income tax tops around 8.75%. The state has high health-insurance coverage among children and a strong sense of community. The Green Mountains provide year-round recreation.

It ranks for safety and child wellbeing. It suits families wanting a rural, close-knit, outdoorsy upbringing.

6. North Dakota

North Dakota combines low unemployment, low crime, affordable housing, and solid schools in a quiet, family-oriented setting.

The median home price is about $290,000, among the lowest here. The income tax is low, topping around 2.5%. The energy economy supports strong wages. The pace is slower and the cost of living low.

It ranks for affordability and economic stability. It suits families wanting low costs and a safe, quiet environment.

7. Washington

Washington offers no state income tax, a strong tech economy, and good schools, with both mountains and coast for family recreation.

The median home price is about $600,000, concentrated near Seattle. The economy provides high wages through tech and aerospace. Outside the metro, costs drop. The state has solid child healthcare access.

It ranks for high incomes and outdoor access. It suits tech families comfortable with higher housing costs.

8. Nebraska

Nebraska pairs low crime, affordable housing, strong schools, and a stable agricultural-and-insurance economy.

The median home price is around $280,000, very affordable. The income tax tops around 5.2% and is declining. Omaha and Lincoln offer urban amenities while keeping a family-friendly pace. Unemployment is consistently low.

It ranks for affordability and stability. It suits families wanting low costs and Midwestern community.

9. Connecticut

Connecticut has excellent schools, strong healthcare, and high median incomes, particularly in its suburban communities.

The median home price is about $420,000. The income tax tops around 6.99%. The state ranks high for education and child health, with proximity to both New York and Boston job markets. Suburbs are known for top public schools.

It ranks for schools and incomes. It suits families prioritizing strong suburban public education.

10. Iowa

Iowa offers affordable housing, strong schools, low crime, and a stable economy built on agriculture, finance, and insurance.

The median home price is around $240,000, the lowest here. The income tax is a flat 3.8%. Des Moines anchors a strong finance sector. The state regularly ranks high for overall quality of life and education.

It ranks for affordability plus solid schools. It suits budget-minded families wanting good education and low costs.

How to Choose

• Prioritize school quality at the district level, since state averages hide big differences between districts; research specific schools.
• Weigh child healthcare access, with Massachusetts (Boston Children's) and Minnesota (Mayo) leading the country.
• Balance cost of living against income, since high-quality states like Massachusetts cost more but pay more.
• Check crime and safety data for the specific community, not just the state, as local conditions vary widely.
• Factor childcare cost and availability, a major family expense that differs sharply by state and metro.

FAQ

Which state has the best schools for families?

Massachusetts ranks #1 for K-12 education nationally, followed closely by New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Minnesota. Always verify the specific district, since quality varies within every state.

What is the most affordable state to raise a family?

Iowa is the best value at roughly $240,000 median home price, with strong schools and low crime. Nebraska, North Dakota, and Minnesota also pair affordability with solid family fundamentals.

Which states have the best child healthcare?

Massachusetts and Minnesota lead, with near-universal coverage and top children's hospitals (Boston Children's and Mayo Clinic). Vermont also posts excellent childhood health-coverage and outcome statistics.

Do low-tax states make sense for families?

They can. New Hampshire (no wage income tax, no sales tax) and Washington (no income tax) keep more money in family budgets, though families should still weigh school quality and overall cost of living, not taxes alone.

Bottom Line

For the best overall state to raise a family, Massachusetts leads the nation in schools and child healthcare despite a $600,000 median home price. For the best value, Utah delivers strong schools, low crime, and a thriving economy at a roughly $520,000 median home price.

Sources

• U.S. News & World Report, Best States and education rankings
• WalletHub, Best States to Raise a Family analysis
• Zillow Home Value Index by state
• Tax Foundation, state individual income tax data
• Kaiser Family Foundation, child healthcare coverage data
• U.S. Census Bureau, household income data
• Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data