Raising a child in the US has never been more expensive. Today, the cost of raising a child until age 18 has climbed to US$310,605 for a middle-income family of four. Families in urban areas face even higher pressures; costs run 27% above those in rural regions, with housing and food driving much of the gap. As living expenses continue to rise nationwide, housing affordability, job market strength, and school quality are central to family well-being. This ranking, based on WalletHub data, ranks states across 50 indicators, including income, education, healthcare, and paid family leave.
Click on to explore which 30 states offer the most supportive environment for raising children in 2025.