New Mexico Ranks Lowest in US for Family Life in 2026 Analysis
A major new study has identified the best and worst American states for raising children, with New Mexico receiving the lowest overall score and Massachusetts being crowned the most favourable location for families.
Comprehensive Study Reveals Stark Divergence
Personal finance website WalletHub released its 2026 assessment of the Best and Worst States to Raise a Family earlier this month. The analysis was based on an extensive review of 50 key indicators across five critical dimensions: affordability, health and safety, education and child care, socioeconomics, and family fun.
Data was sourced from authoritative bodies including the US Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to compile the definitive ranking.
New Mexico's Troubling Position
New Mexico found itself at the very bottom of the list of all 50 states, achieving a total score of just 32.69 out of a possible 100 points. The state's performance was particularly poor in several key areas:
- Ranked 50th for Education and Child Care
- Ranked 47th for Health and Safety
- Ranked 46th for Socioeconomics
- Ranked 40th for Affordability
- Ranked 39th for Family Fun
University of New Mexico economist Reilly White commented on the findings, stating to local media that "Being 50th really is a call to action, not resignation." He noted that despite the state's pioneering move to offer no-cost childcare assistance to all families regardless of income in 2025, this policy change may have been implemented too recently to influence the current year's rankings.
The Bottom Five States for Families
Joining New Mexico at the lower end of WalletHub's 2026 assessment were several other states that consistently struggle in family-oriented metrics:
- New Mexico (50th)
- West Virginia (49th)
- Mississippi (48th)
- Nevada (47th)
- Alabama (46th)
Massachusetts Leads as Top Family Destination
In stark contrast, Massachusetts secured the top position as the best state for families in 2026. The Bay State excelled across multiple categories, demonstrating why it is considered a premier location for child-rearing:
- Ranked 1st for Education and Child Care
- Ranked 3rd for Health and Safety
- Ranked 3rd for Affordability
- Ranked 10th for Family Fun
- Ranked 21st for Socioeconomics
WalletHub analysts highlighted that Massachusetts' leading position was largely attributable to its strong economic opportunities and exceptionally safe conditions for children.
The Top Five Performing States
The study identified a clear cluster of northern and midwestern states as providing the most favourable environments for family life:
- Massachusetts (1st)
- Minnesota (2nd)
- North Dakota (3rd)
- Wisconsin (4th)
- Nebraska (5th)
The Rising Cost of Parenthood
WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo emphasised the financial pressures facing modern families, noting that "Raising a family has become significantly more expensive in recent years as the cost of living has risen quickly." He cited US Department of Agriculture statistics indicating it can cost a family as much as $320,000 to raise a child to age 18.
"In light of the expensive nature of being a parent and the responsibility it entails, it's important to live in a city that is affordable while still providing quality health care, education, safety and opportunities for enrichment," Lupo concluded, underscoring why such comprehensive state rankings are valuable for family planning decisions.
