Once Again, Minnesota Named One of the Best States for Families

Every time a new national ranking drops, there’s always a little suspense. Did Minnesota make the list? Did we crack the top ten? This time, we didn't just make the list, we ranked near the very top!

WalletHub just released their 2026 list of the best states to raise a family, putting Minnesota ahead of almost every other state in the country, proving (again) that this is a pretty great place to put down roots.

Looking at all 50 states, WalletHub used a wide range of factors, including family income, housing costs, healthcare quality, education, safety, and overall well-being. Minnesota consistently scored high across the board, especially when it comes to economic stability and quality of life.

Also See: Minnesota's Oldest Hotel is Looking For a New Owner

Strong job opportunities, solid wages, and relatively affordable living help families get ahead here. The state also ranks well for access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. Add in low poverty rates and a smaller wealth gap compared to many other states, and it all totally make sense why Minnesota continues to stand out.

But it’s not just about money. Kids thrive here too, with top-ranked public hospitals, high life expectancy, and plenty of parks and playgrounds to keep them active. Additionally, families tend to stick together in Minnesota, as the state as one of the lowest separation and divorce rates in the country.

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Once Again, Minnesota Named One of the Best States for Families:

So where does Minnesota land overall? Second best state to raise a family, topped only by Massachusetts. How cool is that?!

Meanwhile, our neighbors in Iowa are sitting at 19th best, while Wisconsin came in 4th. Want to see how the rest of the country stacks up? Click here to read more.