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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