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The Best States for Working Families in 2026
The landscape for working families has evolved significantly in recent years. Many families today are faced with the challenge of securing a stable financial future while managing rising living costs. The quest for affordable childcare, reasonable housing, and work-life balance is more crucial than ever.
While the median income for middle-class families has remained stagnant for over two decades, the cost of living has surged, making it harder for families to save for retirement and manage day-to-day expenses. Consequently, choosing the right state can make all the difference for working families striving to achieve a better quality of life.
In this article, we highlight the states that excel in providing a supportive environment for working families, characterized by affordable childcare, manageable housing costs, and a focus on work-life balance.
The Best States for Working Families
If you’re on the lookout for family-friendly states that facilitate better financial management and work-life balance, consider these top contenders. Read on for our complete list, including insights into which states stand out and which may not meet the needs of working families.
How We Determined This
We ranked each state from 1 to 50 across five key categories:
- Quality of public schools
- Percentage of median income that covers daycare costs
- Average home price
- Average hours worked per week
- Median commute length
Our analysis focused on two critical categories: time and affordability. Balancing work and family life is increasingly challenging, affecting both finances and free time. We aimed to identify states where working families can enjoy greater financial stability and personal time.
For time, we utilized data from the Census’ American Community Survey (ACS) to analyze median commute lengths and average working hours. Less time spent commuting or working equates to better work-life balance.
In terms of affordability, we examined daycare costs using data from reputable sources. In many regions, daycare expenses can exceed the cost of college, posing a significant burden for families. We compared the percentage of median income spent on daycare against the average costs in each state.
Additionally, we assessed median housing costs sourced from the ACS. Homeownership remains a vital component of the American dream, providing families with space and privacy.
Lastly, we evaluated the quality of public education using Wallethub’s school rankings, ensuring families have access to quality education.
1. Kentucky
Monthly Daycare Costs: 17%
Hours Worked: 39
Home Cost: $135,300
Kentucky ranks as the best state for working families, with only 17% of monthly costs allocated to daycare and an average workweek of 39 hours. The affordable average home price of $135,300 also contributes to its family-friendly appeal.
2. Nebraska
Monthly Daycare Costs: 18%
Hours Worked: 40
Home Cost: $147,800
Nebraska offers a family-friendly environment, featuring an average home cost of $147,800 and a short average commute of 18.6 minutes, enhancing family time.
3. Iowa
Monthly Daycare Costs: 19%
Hours Worked: 39
Home Cost: $142,300
Iowa ranks third, with daycare costs at 19% of monthly expenses and an average workweek of 39 hours, allowing families to spend quality time together. The average home price is $142,300, which is among the lowest in the nation.
4. Ohio
Monthly Daycare Costs: 19%
Hours Worked: 39
Home Cost: $140,000
Ohio’s affordable home cost of $140,000 and an average workweek of 39 hours make it an attractive option for families looking for a supportive environment.
5. North Dakota
Monthly Daycare Costs: 16%
Hours Worked: 40
Home Cost: $185,000
North Dakota is ideal for working families, with daycare costs comprising only 16% of monthly expenses and an average commute of 17.1 minutes, promoting a better work-life balance.
6. Montana
Monthly Daycare Costs: 20%
Hours Worked: 38
Home Cost: $219,600
With a workweek averaging just 38 hours, Montana allows families to enjoy more personal time, despite slightly higher daycare costs of 20% of monthly expenses.
7. Vermont
Monthly Daycare Costs: 21%
Hours Worked: 38
Home Cost: $223,700
Vermont stands out with its low average workweek of 38 hours, providing families with ample time to engage in activities together, despite higher daycare costs of 21%.
8. Utah
Monthly Daycare Costs: 20%
Hours Worked: 37
Home Cost: $256,700
Utah offers a wealth of outdoor activities for families, with the lowest average workweek at 37 hours, making it easier for parents to spend quality time with their children.
9. Michigan
Monthly Daycare Costs: 19%
Hours Worked: 38
Home Cost: $146,200
Michigan ranks ninth, with average home prices at $146,200 and daycare costs accounting for 19% of monthly expenses, making it feasible for families to save for the future.
10. Idaho
Monthly Daycare Costs: 17%
Hours Worked: 39
Home Cost: $192,300
Idaho rounds out the top 10, with daycare costs at 17% and a favorable average commute of 20.7 minutes, allowing families to save on childcare and transportation.
Summary of the Best States for Working Families
If you’re considering a move to a family-friendly environment or looking to save for your children’s future or retirement, these top ten states are worthy of your attention. With their combination of low daycare costs, manageable commutes, and affordable housing, they offer an ideal home for working families.
| Rank | State | Daycare Costs | Home Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kentucky | 17% | $135,300 |
| 2 | Nebraska | 18% | $147,800 |
| 3 | Iowa | 19% | $142,300 |
| 4 | Ohio | 19% | $140,000 |
| 5 | North Dakota | 16% | $185,000 |
| 6 | Montana | 20% | $219,600 |
| 7 | Vermont | 21% | $223,700 |
| 8 | Utah | 20% | $256,700 |
| 9 | Michigan | 19% | $146,200 |
| 10 | Idaho | 17% | $192,300 |
| 11 | South Dakota | 18% | $159,100 |
| 12 | Missouri | 16% | $151,600 |
| 13 | Kansas | 19% | $145,400 |
| 14 | Arkansas | 15% | $123,300 |
| 15 | Maine | 20% | $184,500 |
| 16 | Minnesota | 22% | $211,800 |
| 17 | Connecticut | 19% | $272,700 |
| 18 | Alabama | 14% | $137,200 |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 23% | $173,600 |
| 20 | Delaware | 18% | $244,700 |
| 21 | Mississippi | 12% | $114,500 |
| 22 | Indiana | 22% | $135,400 |
| 23 | South Carolina | 14% | $154,800 |
| 24 | New Hampshire | 19% | $252,800 |
| 25 | Oregon | 18% | $287,300 |
| 26 | Oklahoma | 18% | $130,900 |
| 27 | New Jersey | 17% | $327,900 |
| 28 | Illinois | 20% | $187,200 |
| 29 | Florida | 18% | $196,800 |
| 30 | Wyoming | 20% | $213,300 |
| 31 | Tennessee | 18% | $158,600 |
| 32 | New Mexico | 21% | $166,800 |
| 33 | Pennsylvania | 20% | $174,100 |
| 34 | Texas | 16% | $161,700 |
| 35 | West Virginia | 20% | $115,000 |
| 36 | North Carolina | 20% | $165,900 |
| 37 | Virginia | 19% | $264,900 |
| 38 | Maryland | 18% | $305,500 |
| 39 | Rhode Island | 23% | $249,800 |
| 40 | Georgia | 16% | $166,800 |
| 41 | Massachusetts | 25% | $366,800 |
| 42 | Hawaii | 19% | $587,700 |
| 43 | Arizona | 20% | $209,600 |
| 44 | New York | 23% | $302,200 |
| 45 | Nevada | 22% | $242,400 |
| 46 | California | 20% | $475,900 |
| 47 | Louisiana | 20% | $157,800 |
| 48 | Washington | 22% | $311,700 |
| 49 | Alaska | 20% | $265,200 |
| 50 | Colorado | 23% | $313,600 |
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.
