The best and worst states to raise a family

The best and worst states to raise a family - Thinking about heading to where the grass is greener and the playgrounds are safer? The 2018 report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation has found which states are the best and the worst for raising a family. Analyzing factors such as economic well-being, education opportunities, health care, and community involvement check out the states you should think about calling home!

0 / 32 Fotos

15. Washington - This Pacific Northwest state is a great place to settle down. From charming neighborhoods to stellar school systems, Washington may just be the state for you.

1 / 32 Fotos

14. Maryland - This Mid-Atlantic state definitely should not be overlooked. With affordability and community closeness being its two greatest factors, maybe you should make Maryland home.

2 / 32 Fotos

13. Kansas - There's no place like home. Kansas is one of the most quickly developing states on the list for job possibilities and excelling school systems. This Midwestern state could be just what you've been looking for.

3 / 32 Fotos

12. Wisconsin - Why not try being a Cheesehead? When it comes to community involvement, Wisconsin is one of the best!

4 / 32 Fotos

11. North Dakota - Don't overlook North Dakota. If you want to find a tight-knit community where teachers are some of the best in the country and neighborhoods are safe, ND may just be the place to be.

5 / 32 Fotos

10. Virginia - Located in between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia is quickly becoming one of the most popular states in the country for families and millennials alike.

6 / 32 Fotos

9. Nebraska - Would you move to Nebraska? Community inclusiveness and affordability make this Great Plains state a surprisingly sought after place.

7 / 32 Fotos

8. Vermont - Quality of life in Vermont is undeniably high. This state has the second smallest population in the US, so finding a school system where every child is well looked after is common.

8 / 32 Fotos

7. Connecticut - This beautiful New England state has the highest per-capita income of anywhere in the US. When it comes to finding a good job and a great community, Connecticut is one of the best options.

9 / 32 Fotos

6. Utah - In addition to being one of the most naturally beautiful states in the US, Utah is known for having the lowest percentage (18%) of children in families without secure parental employment.

10 / 32 Fotos

5. Iowa - Maybe you could find your home in Iowa. The Hawkeye State is known for being one of the safest in the US.

11 / 32 Fotos

4. Minnesota - This family-friendly state is a great option! With tons of access to outdoor activities, renowned school systems, and high job possibilities, maybe you should think about making the Land of 10,000 Lakes your home.

12 / 32 Fotos

3. New Jersey - Don't let grumpy New Yorkers give this East Coast state a bad name. New Jersey is the third-wealthiest state by median household income in the US and is actually known for providing a high quality of life.

13 / 32 Fotos

2. Massachusetts - Massachusetts has superior school systems. It is the only state on the list where more than half of fourth graders are reading proficient.

14 / 32 Fotos

1. New Hampshire - New Hampshire is crowned the top state for families in 2018! With the lowest percentage of familial poverty, exceptional school systems, and beautiful neighborhoods, this New England state is a wonderful place to make home.

15 / 32 Fotos

The worst states for families - Alternatively, analyzing US states based on poverty, death rate, alcohol, and drug use, these are the worst 15 states to raise a family.

16 / 32 Fotos

15. California - Sunny California may be beautiful, but it is proving increasingly harder for families to find affordable housing and good job security out west.

17 / 32 Fotos

14. Kentucky - The education system in Kentucky suffers from negative stigma. With some of the lowest graduation rates in the country, Kentucky has work to do when it comes to supporting their students.

18 / 32 Fotos

13. South Carolina - Though South Carolina has risen in the report since previous years, when it comes to safety and schools, the education in this coastal state is working to reform.

19 / 32 Fotos

12. Georgia - Drug and alcohol abuse is one of the biggest public health concerns in the state of Georgia.

20 / 32 Fotos

11. West Virginia - West Virginia is actually tied with New Mexico for the highest rate of familial unemployment, 36%.

21 / 32 Fotos

10. Arkansas - Arkansas faces a poor reputation of lower job opportunities and a somewhat fragmented school system.

22 / 32 Fotos

9. Alabama - Alabama ranks low on the list for its level of community inclusivity. Another recent study found that this stigma was especially prevalent among military families.

23 / 32 Fotos

8. Texas - Unfortunately, Texas has an overwhelming amount of poorly performing school districts.

24 / 32 Fotos

7. Oklahoma - Substance abuse is an increasing epidemic in Oklahoma.

25 / 32 Fotos

6. Arizona - Familial poverty rates in Arizona are among the highest in the nation.

26 / 32 Fotos

5. Alaska - Alaska is a state that is suffering with high amounts of poverty as well as increasing numbers of drug and alcohol abuse.

27 / 32 Fotos

4. Nevada - Though Nevada passed an education reform law in 2015, the state continues to struggle with graduation rates.

28 / 32 Fotos

3. Mississippi - The state of Mississippi continues to have some of the nation’s highest rates of poverty and income inequality.

29 / 32 Fotos

2. Louisiana - Louisiana is suffering with increasingly high rates of poverty and an education system that is in need of serious reform.

30 / 32 Fotos

1. New Mexico - New Mexico is ranked the worst state in the US for families because of its struggling education system. In the state, a staggering 75% of fourth graders are not reading at a proficient level.

31 / 32 Fotos