A newly released study by personal finance website WalletHub has revealed which states are the best and worst to have a baby—with Massachusetts, North Dakota, and Minnesota leading the nation.
How It Was Calculated
WalletHub ranked the best and worst states to have a baby by evaluating all 50 states and the District of Columbia across four categories—cost, health care, baby-friendliness, and family-friendliness—using 31 weighted metrics scored on a 100-point scale. Each state’s overall score reflected a weighted average of those factors.
The dataset used by WalletHub in its calculations ranged from hospital conventional-delivery charges to annual average infant-care costs to pediatricians per capita.
What To Know
Massachusetts claimed the top spot in WalletHub’s overall rankings, buoyed by its first-place health care score and top-tier performance in baby- and family-friendliness.
The Bay State boasts the third-lowest infant mortality rate, the eighth-lowest maternal mortality rate, and among the best neonatal hospitals in the nation for premature births or babies with health problems, the report said. It also leads the country in paid leave policy and access to Medicaid-covered parenting programs.
North Dakota ranked second, driven largely by its affordability. It offers the lowest cost for conventional deliveries without complications—just $7,500 compared to as much as $27,000 in more expensive states, according to WalletHub.
The Peace Garden State was also found to have the third-lowest hourly rate for babysitters, and ranked among the top ten in childcare access and mom support groups.
Minnesota came in third, offering the second-lowest health insurance premiums and ranking highly for medical staff availability. With one of the lowest maternal mortality rates and a high number of pediatric professionals per capita, WalletHub said it provides ample healthcare options for new parents. Additionally, the North Star State was found to have the fourth-highest share of nationally accredited childcare centers.
Rounding out the top 10 best states to have a baby include: New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Iowa, the District of Columbia.
At the other end of the spectrum, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Florida, Arkansas, New Mexico, Georgia, South Carolina, Nevada, Alabama, and Mississippi were ranked as the bottom 10.
What People Are Saying
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report: “The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their mothers. They also continue to be good environments for parents even long after the birth, with high-quality pediatric care, affordable and accessible child care, and a strong economic environment that makes providing for a child easier.”
What Happens Next?
WalletHub releases its “Best & Worst States to Have a Baby” report annually.
Newsweek previously mapped the states with the best—and worst—school systems based on a separate, recent report from WalletHub.