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The Best City in Each State for Working Families in 2026
In today’s challenging economic landscape, working families strive to achieve a balance between financial stability and quality family time. The pressures of inflation and rising living costs have made it increasingly difficult for families to save for retirement and invest in their futures.
Fortunately, there are cities across the United States that offer favorable conditions for working families, providing opportunities to save and spend quality time together. In this article, we’ve identified the top cities where home ownership is attainable, daycare costs are manageable, and work-life balance is prioritized.
Best Cities for Working Families
- Athens, Ohio
- Russellville, Arkansas
- Cumberland, Maryland
- Statesboro, Georgia
- Auburn, Alabama
- Mount Pleasant, Michigan
- Lubbock, Texas
- Greenwood, South Carolina
- Columbia, Missouri
- Richmond, Kentucky
For working families, the ability to spend time together and plan for the future should be attainable. Explore our comprehensive list of cities that provide a supportive environment for working families.
How We Determined This
We ranked over 500 cities based on the following criteria:
- Percentage of median income allocated to daycare costs
- Average home price
- Quality of public schools
- Average hours worked per week
- Median commute times
Our analysis focuses on two key areas: time management and affordability. Balancing work and family responsibilities can be challenging; thus, we aimed to identify cities that allow families to retain more financial flexibility while enjoying valuable time together.
We sourced data from the latest Census Bureau reports to assess median commute lengths and weekly work hours. Less time commuting and working contributes to a better work-life balance.
We also analyzed daycare expenses, recognizing that childcare costs can be a significant burden on working families. By comparing median income to average daycare costs, we identified regions where families can afford quality childcare without compromising their financial health.
Finally, we evaluated housing costs, understanding that home ownership remains a central aspect of family life. We used public school quality as an additional metric, measuring the percentage of young adults with at least a high school diploma.
1. Athens, Ohio
Average Home Cost: $118,400
Average Workweek: 32 hours
Percent of Monthly Costs for Daycare: 19%
Athens, Ohio ranks as the top city for working families. With an average home cost of $118,400 and a remarkably short average workweek of just 32 hours, families can enjoy significant time together.
2. Russellville, Arkansas
Average Home Cost: $109,300
Average Workweek: 38 hours
Percent of Monthly Costs for Daycare: 15%
Russellville, Arkansas is our runner-up. With low daycare costs making up only 15% of monthly expenses, families can save significantly while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle, with homes averaging $109,300.
3. Cumberland, Maryland
Average Home Cost: $119,600
Average Workweek: 37 hours
Percent of Monthly Costs for Daycare: 18%
Cumberland, Maryland takes the third spot with a short average workweek of 37 hours. Its affordable housing, averaging $119,600, and daycare costs comprising 18% of monthly expenses make it a strong contender for working families.
4. Statesboro, Georgia
Average Home Cost: $146,700
Average Workweek: 37 hours
Percent of Monthly Costs for Daycare: 16%
Statesboro, Georgia is known for its balance of affordable housing and family-friendly work culture, featuring an average home cost of $146,700 and a reasonable workweek of 37 hours.
5. Auburn, Alabama
Average Home Cost: $182,700
Average Workweek: 37 hours
Percent of Monthly Costs for Daycare: 14%
Auburn, Alabama ranks fifth, boasting low daycare costs that account for just 14% of monthly expenses. This, combined with an average home cost of $182,700, makes it an attractive choice for families.
6. Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Average Home Cost: $139,200
Average Workweek: 36 hours
Percent of Monthly Costs for Daycare: 19%
At number six, Mount Pleasant, Michigan offers a pleasant lifestyle with an average workweek of just 36 hours, making it conducive for family time.
7. Lubbock, Texas
Average Home Cost: $146,300
Average Workweek: 38 hours
Percent of Monthly Costs for Daycare: 16%
Lubbock, Texas comes in at seventh place, with a low average home cost and daycare expenses that only take up 16% of monthly income.
8. Greenwood, South Carolina
Average Home Cost: $100,300
Average Workweek: 38 hours
Percent of Monthly Costs for Daycare: 14%
Greenwood, South Carolina ranks eighth, boasting one of the lowest average home costs at $100,300 and daycare expenses that comprise only 14% of the monthly budget.
9. Columbia, Missouri
Average Home Cost: $192,200
Average Workweek: 36 hours
Percent of Monthly Costs for Daycare: 16%
Columbia, Missouri ranks ninth, with daycare costs averaging 16% of monthly expenses and a manageable workweek of 36 hours.
10. Richmond, Kentucky
Average Home Cost: $148,000
Average Workweek: 37.5 hours
Percent of Monthly Costs for Daycare: 17%
Rounding out the top ten, Richmond, Kentucky features a family-friendly atmosphere with a workweek of only 37.5 hours and daycare costs accounting for 17% of monthly expenses.
Summary of the Best Cities in Each State for Working Families
Working families face unique challenges in today’s economy, often struggling to manage their time and finances effectively. Many find it difficult to balance quality family time with the need to save for the future.
This list of cities illustrates that it is possible to achieve a harmonious balance between family life and financial stability. With affordable housing, manageable daycare costs, and the ability to enjoy family meals together, working families can thrive in these environments. Discover the list below for more insights into the best cities for working families across the nation.
| State | City | Home Cost | Workweek | Daycare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Fairbanks | $259,500 | 41 | 20% |
| Alabama | Auburn | $182,700 | 36 | 14% |
| Arkansas | Russellville | $109,300 | 37 | 15% |
| Arizona | Flagstaff | $293,800 | 36 | 20% |
| California | Eureka | $326,400 | 36 | 20% |
| Colorado | Boulder | $554,100 | 37 | 23% |
| Connecticut | Norwich | $238,400 | 38 | 19% |
| Delaware | Dover | $228,500 | 38 | 18% |
| Florida | Gainesville | $184,100 | 36 | 18% |
| Georgia | Statesboro | $146,700 | 36 | 16% |
| Hawaii | Hilo | $368,200 | 36 | 19% |
| Iowa | Ames | $191,300 | 34 | 19% |
| Idaho | Pocatello | $165,800 | 37 | 17% |
| Illinois | Carbondale | $114,400 | 36 | 20% |
| Indiana | Muncie | $96,000 | 36 | 22% |
| Kansas | Lawrence | $208,100 | 35 | 19% |
| Kentucky | Richmond | $148,000 | 37 | 17% |
| Louisiana | Hammond | $162,800 | 38 | 20% |
| Massachusetts | Pittsfield | $224,800 | 36 | 25% |
| Maryland | Cumberland | $119,600 | 37 | 18% |
| Maine | Bangor | $149,500 | 37 | 20% |
| Michigan | Mount Pleasant | $139,200 | 35 | 19% |
| Minnesota | Duluth | $161,200 | 36 | 22% |
| Missouri | Columbia | $192,200 | 36 | 16% |
| Mississippi | Meridian | $91,500 | 40 | 12% |
| Montana | Missoula | $302,100 | 36 | 20% |
| North Carolina | Greenville | $146,300 | 36 | 20% |
| Nevada | Grand Forks | $196,400 | 37 | 16% |
| Nebraska | Lincoln | $182,000 | 37 | 18% |
| New Hampshire | Keene | $192,700 | 37 | 19% |
| New Jersey | Atlantic City | $219,300 | 37 | 17% |
| New Mexico | Las Cruces | $144,400 | 37 | 21% |
| Nevada | Reno | $361,800 | 38 | 22% |
| New York | Binghamton | $120,300 | 36 | 23% |
| Ohio | Athens | $118,400 | 32 | 19% |
| Oklahoma | Stillwater | $162,900 | 37 | 18% |
| Oregon | Corvallis | $356,600 | 34 | 18% |
| Pennsylvania | Johnstown | $94,600 | 37 | 20% |
| Rhode Island | Providence | $288,700 | 37 | 23% |
| South Carolina | Greenwood | $100,300 | 38 | 14% |
| South Dakota | Sioux Falls | $199,500 | 39 | 18% |
| Tennessee | Johnson City | $158,600 | 38 | 18% |
| Texas | Lubbock | $146,300 | 38 | 16% |
| Utah | Provo | $330,100 | 34 | 20% |
| Virginia | Blacksburg | $183,300 | 36 | 19% |
| Vermont | Burlington | $279,300 | 37 | 21% |
| Washington | Walla Walla | $231,900 | 35 | 22% |
| Wisconsin | La Crosse | $185,500 | 37 | 23% |
| West Virginia | Morgantown | $171,600 | 37 | 20% |
| Wyoming | Casper | $211,000 | 42 | 20% |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
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